Festival attractions include a 100-foot dog pool, snow area, surf wave machine, and several breed-specific races
Main Street in Santa Monica will go to the dogs later this month as the “Day of the Dog” festival returns for its third consecutive year, promising a full afternoon of canine-themed contests, races and activities.
The free event, billed by organizers as the largest dog festival in North America, will take place Sunday, Oct. 19, from noon to 5 p.m. Organizers expect more than 10,000 attendees and over 100 exhibitors, ranging from pet food brands to local groomers and veterinarians.
Hosted by the nonprofit Just Love Animals Society, the festival raises money for animal welfare programs and other pet-related charities. This year’s sponsors include Earth Animal, MetroPaws, Tilted Barn Pet Co., and Primal Pet Foods.
Festival attractions include a 100-foot dog pool, snow area, surf wave machine, and several breed-specific races such as the “Running of the Bulls” for French bulldogs and “You Did What With Your Wiener?” for dachshunds. Other events will feature costume contests, foam parties, pie-eating competitions, and a “Snaggletooth Showcase.”
“With pet ownership up 40% since the pandemic and millions of dog owners in Los Angeles County alone, Santa Monica is the perfect home for this celebration,” Powell said.
The festival will close two blocks of Main Street between Ocean Park Boulevard and Strand Avenue. More information is available at www.thedayofthedog.com
