Paws what you’re doing and fetch your best fur friend ASAP. The Social Dog Company has teamed up with QT Canberra to present BarkFest, a fun fundraising dog day that will get tails wagging.
Pupping up on Sunday February 23 from 3pm – 7pm in QT Canberra’s back car park and deck area, BarkFest is officially the biggest event in your dog’s social calendar this year.
BarkFest invites dogs and guests to sit, stay and play while enjoying food and beverages with live entertainment and four-legged activities. You’ll enter in style on the puparazzi red carpet and the first 40 arrivals will receive doggie bags. There will be dog stalls, including local rescue organisations and dog adoptions, and of course a best-dressed parade with prizes.
The activities don’t finish there because BarkFest are inviting all of Canberra’s competitive pooches to partake in their Pawlympics tournament which will be judged on best sporting swag and personality. The Pawlympics will be judged by Channel Nines Paw Star celebrity, @Sherlock.loves.donuts, and Celebrity trainer, Jenna Louise.
The Drags to the Rescue show will turn heads and ruffle feathers. You’ll be treated to a captivating line of Drag Queens and canines, showcasing glitz, glamour and gorgeous rescue dogs in need of new homes. An adoption wall will also be on display for prospective dog lovers offering a forever home.
Founder and Events Director of The Social Dog Company, Tatum Brown, said their creative events are dedicated to raising valuable funds and awareness for local shelters, rescues and rehoming organisations.
“Being operated by volunteers, rescues often lack resources, not to mention time is never on their or the dog’s side. Therefore, it’s extremely important to reach out to the community on a larger scale while celebrating the companionship dogs bring us all,” she said.
Treats for you and your furry fried will also be available. Peckish pups can peruse the Doggie Diner offering a menu of fancy nibbles with all proceeds going to local dog rescues, Greyhound Connections and ARF (Act
Rescue & Foster). You can grab a bite to eat from QT’s Capitol Bar and Grill, with special street food options available on the day.
Guests can sit back and relax with a fine selection of beer and wine or take advantage of the dog-themed cocktails and bites. You can use one hand to hold your pawsecco and the other to pat the pooches.
There’s no need to chase tails because you’ll find more entertainment found at BarkFest’s doggie stalls. Pooch products and complimentary doggie dying, and styling will be on offer from businesses like BarkRoyal Dog Day Spa and Day Care.
There will also be dog rescues and volunteers from charities such as Greyhound Connections and ARF onsite to shake paws and talk all things dog adoption and fostering.
BarkFest will be an on-leash event with free entry for humans and dogs and you don’t have to own a dog to attend.
Thanks for visiting our website! You might want to check out our article about dog-friendly eateries in Canberra while you’re here.
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.