Below are the Bark 2026 Contests and Featured Events.
Contests & Featured Events on the Veterinary Emergency Group Top Dog Main Stage
The Pet Contests at Bark in the Park™ are our most popular events year after year! Great prizes for First, Second, and Third place in each contest are donated by generous contest sponsors.
Best Friends <3
On the Veterinary Emergency Group TOP DOG Main Stage
12:00 PM – Best Friends Celebration
Every dog has a story. We'd love to hear yours!Join us on stage as we celebrate the incredible bond between people and their four-legged best friends. Kids and adults alike are invited to share a 60-second story about what makes their dog so special. Whether it's a heartwarming rescue tale, a hilarious adventure, or simply why they're your best friend, we can't wait to meet the dogs that make life better.
Kids will take the stage during the first 30 minutes, followed by adults during the second half-hour.
Dog-Costume Contest
On the Veterinary Emergency Group TOP DOG Main Stage
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1:00 PM – Best Costume Contest Creativity takes center stage!
Dress your pup in their most imaginative, funny, or unforgettable costume and join the parade of canine creativity. Whether it's adorable, clever, or laugh-out-loud funny, our judges can't wait to see what your four-legged fashionista brings to the stage.
Special 30th Anniversary Award!
In honor of Bark in the Park's 30th Anniversary (first Bark took place in 1996), we'll also present a special award for the Best ‘90’s Costume. Think retro, nostalgic, or a favorite look from the 1990’s.
Happy-Dog Tail-Wagging Contest
On the Veterinary Emergency Group TOP DOG Main Stage​
2:00 PM – Best Tail Wagger Contest
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Who's the happiest pup in the park?
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From nonstop wiggles to full-body happy dances, this crowd favorite celebrates the dogs who spread pure joy wherever they go. If your pup's tail never stops wagging and their enthusiasm is contagious, this is the contest for you!