The Day of the Dog Festival Returns to Santa Monica

CAMPBELL WELLMAN DAY OF THE DOG EVENT SANTA MONICA

North America’s largest and most heartwarming dog festival, The Day of the Dog, is returning to Main Street in Santa Monica on Sunday, October 19th, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This free, family-friendly event is the ultimate celebration of the unconditional love between pets and their people. It’s a day where every dog—from the smallest dachshund to the most majestic doodle—gets to be the star. Forget about being mayor; your dog is invited to an experience that is nothing short of magical, all while supporting the wonderful work of the Just Love Animals Society.

Unleash the Joy: Festival Highlights You Can’t Miss

The Day of the Dog transforms Santa Monica’s Main Street into a five-hour paradise packed with activities designed to thrill and delight:

  • Snow Day in Santa Monica: That’s right—18 tons of fresh snow are being imported so your pups can experience the sheer delight of skiing, rolling, or simply frolicking in a winter wonderland, right next to the beach!

  • The Amaze-ment Park Pool Party: Let your dog hang out by the pool, or dive right into a 100-foot dog pool party complete with live DJs spinning tracks to keep the vibes high.

  • Surf’s Up!: Pups can master the waves—or at least try to—at the complimentary 80-foot surf wave machine. Get ready for the perfect "hang ten" photo opportunity!

  • A Taste of Luxury: Humans and hounds alike can refuel at the Puppuccino Bar, featuring cozy pumpkin spice and mushroom blends for dogs, alongside special dog brunch options and samples from over 100 dedicated pet vendors.

The Pure Fun of the Dog Races

One of the festival's most inspiring sights is seeing proud pups compete in the hilarious, high-energy dog races. It's less about speed and more about heartwarming antics!

  • Watch the adorable stampede in the “Running of the Bulls” (Frenchies).

  • Cheer on the low-riders in the “You Did What With Your Wiener?” (Dachshunds).

  • See the waddle-and-dash of the “If Baguettes Could Run” (Corgis).

And don’t miss the legendary “Size Does Matter” parade, which crowns the biggest, smallest, hairiest, and oldest wieners in SoCal—a true celebration of quirky individuality!

A Heart-Warming Mission

Beyond the foam parties, dog blessings, and superhero photo ops, The Day of the Dog serves a higher purpose. It is a vital fundraiser for the Just Love Animals Society, a non-profit dedicated to community outreach and animal welfare. By enjoying a day of fun and shopping from the vendors, you are directly helping this organization create a community focused on supporting both people and animals in need.

Come out to Main Street, Santa Monica, on October 19th. Bring your dog, bring your family, and bring your heart. It’s more than a festival; it’s a feel-good movement where the love for our dogs takes center stage.