Two huge pet festivals are booked for the same weekend in Vancouver this summer.
Both PawsFest, a new massive event from local organizers, and Day of the Dog's Apres Ski Social (a snow party for dogs), are happening on July 12.
PawFest: "Canada’s largest outdoor pet festival"
"This year marks the very first PawsFest, which will also be Canada’s largest outdoor pet festival! We’ll be utilizing every inch of Sunset Beach Park for this incredible event," says PawsFest's Harman Shaughnessy in an email to V.I.A.
In all the huge festival will cover 400,000 square feet next to English Bay in Vancouver's West End.
The festival—which will celebrate feathered and furry friends—is organized by the Friendly Paws Society, a local non-profit focused on pets and youth.
PawsFest will include a doggy fashion show, puppy yoga, and agility demonstrations, along with a pet-friendly beer garden and a marketplace featuring more than 80 vendors. Live music and food trucks are also planned, and an off-leash play area (for the pets).
"It’s a day filled with joy, learning, and community bonding, all set against the stunning backdrop of English Bay," reads the website.
Entrance is free, but there is a $25 VIP ticket option. Those wanting to enter the fashion show have to pay a $25 entrance fee (which includes VIP entrance).
PawFest is planned as Friendly Paws Society's marquee event, with other events scheduled throughout the year, including Barktoberfest and a Santa Paws Christmas Market.
PawsFest 2025
When: Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Sunset Beach Park, 1204 Beach Ave.
Cost: Free
Day of the Dog: 30 tonnes of snow
On the same day, in Vancouver's River District, Day of the Dog is bringing a new event with literally tons of snow.
They're calling it the Day Of The Dog’s Après Ski Social.
"We are bringing a larger-than-life winter installation to Vancouver, and it’s all for the dogs!" reads a social media post from the travelling pet event.
Along with the huge pile of snow for canines to play in, there's going to be bone broth shots, races, and dog snow cones. A pool party, canine cabanas, and a photo booth are also being set up.
The July 12 event is a precursor to the full Day of the Dog event planned in Yaletown for Aug. 24.
Day Of the Dog Après Ski Social
When: Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: River District - 8683 Kerr St
Cost: Free
