Paws In The Park For Alexandria's Animal Lovers Cancelled

UPDATE: Paws In The Park Cancelled Due To Anticipated Nor'easter Impact On Waterfront

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Northern Virginia's largest festival for pets and animal lovers alike will return to Alexandria's waterfront in 2025. Paws in the Park, an event to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, will be held Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Oronoco Bay Park.

The free festival features adoptable animals, vendors, a pet costume contest, live music and entertainment for children and adults. Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to attend, but flexi-leashes and retractable leashes are discouraged.

"We celebrate the love we share with our animals every day, and Paws in the Park is one of our favorite ways to connect with that community, meet a lot of amazing pet families, and raise awareness and funds for Alexandria’s animals," said Animal Welfare League of Alexandria CEO Stella Hanly.

Vendors include local artisans, nonprofits, animal-focused businesses and food and beverage vendors. Attendees can pack a picnic or enjoy drinks and food from local cideries, breweries, wineries, bakeries, food trucks and more vendors.

For families looking for a new member of the family, Rescue Row sponsored by First Georgetown Securities will feature adoptable animals. At least 17 animal welfare organizations and rescues have been confirmed to be participating.

Entertainment will be held on the main stage sponsored by Alexandria Toyota starting at 11 a.m. In between musical acts and a DJ, a Pet Costume Contest sponsored by Realtor Bobby Mahoney and Corcoran McEnearney will be held. Prizes will be awarded for spookiest, funniest, and most creative costume. A pet costume closet will also be available on site.

Registration for the Pet Costume Contest is available through a $25 donation to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. On-site registration will be accepted until 12:30 p.m.

A Family Fun Tent sponsored by St. Stephen’s St. Agnes School will feature arts and crafts and activities for kids of all ages. The Silent Auction Tent will allow attendees to bid on unique experiences and items. The Silent Auction is open now and is open through 3:30 p.m on event day.

The first 1,000 Paws in the Park attendees will receive a unique swag bag.

Proceeds from the Silent Auction and Costume Contest benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which shelters and finds homes for homeless pets and provides other services to animals and pet owners in the community.

For more information, visit www.PawsintheParkVA.com.