Bark Fest 2025 — A Weekend of Tail-Wagging Fun for All
Mark your calendars for September 20 & 21, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm, at Red River Exhibition Park (3977 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB). Bark Fest The Ultimutt Dog Party is returning this fall and promises something for every dog lover and their pup.
What’s in Store at Bark Fest?
Here’s a peek at the paw-some features lined up at Bark Fest Winnipeg:
- X-Treme Dogs Agility performances and Doggy’s Got Talent contests in the Entertainment Ring
- A Dapper Dogs Fashion Show to flaunt the best dressed pups
- K9 Academy Presentations covering essentials like Dog CPR, Training, and Car Safety
- Interactive fun including Zoomies Zone, Pawcasso Arts + Crafts, Downward Dog Spaw, Scratch + Sniff Adventure, Dog Fortune Teller, and the Puparazzi Selfie Wall
- A bustling Indoor BarkFest Market with over 100 local vendors offering the latest in dog products, services, fashion, and more
- Tasty options for two- and four-legged guests: K9 Café, Eats + Treats Food Trucks, Barks + Brews Tent, and even a Whine + Muttini Bar
- Fun extras like VIP “Very Important Pup!” tickets, Wag Bags, and the BARKS + BONES Magazine event guide.
Supporting Local Rescue Efforts: Raising the Woof!
Bark Fest isn’t just about fun—it’s about making a difference. The event supports incredible local rescues, including:
K9 Advocacy Manitoba
Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue
Manitoba Underdogs Rescue
Proceeds from raffles—like the Barkitecture Doghouse Raffle and 50/50 Rescue Raffle—as well as merchandise sales go directly to these organizations.
Contests & Prizes: Enter your pup in the Cover Dog Contest, Dapper Dogs Fashion Show, Doggy’s Got Talent, and the Barkitecture Dream Doghouse Raffle.
Rescue Road: Learn about adoption, meet local rescues, and maybe even find your next best friend.
Central Bark is Going!
We’re thrilled to announce that Central Bark will be attending Bark Fest 2025! It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow dog lovers, enjoy some canine fun, and support local rescue efforts—so be sure to stop by and say hello.
1) What are the dates and hours of BarkFest Winnipeg 2025?
BarkFest takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 20 & 21, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm each day at Red River Exhibition Park, 3977 Portage Ave, Winnipeg.
2) Where is BarkFest held, and is there parking available?
The festival is held at Red River Exhibition Park, located at 3977 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB. There is free parking on-site—look for access via Gate 2 off Racetrack Road.
3) Who can attend — are dogs and children free?
Yes! Dogs, kids aged 12 and under, and parking are all free with paid adult admission. Note that each adult (18+) may bring up to two dogs, and kids under that age are free as well
4) What’s included in the entertainment and activities?
You’ll see live shows like:
– X‑Treme Dogs Agility
– Dapper Dogs Fashion Show
– Doggy’s Got Talent
Plus hands-on experiences like Zoomies Zone, Dog Spaw, Scratch + Sniff Adventure, Pawcasso Arts & Crafts, Puparazzi Selfie Wall, and more.
5) What about education and training sessions (K9 Academy)?
K9 Academy runs across the weekend, featuring presentations on:
• Dog CPR & First Aid
• Dog Behavior & Training
• Dog Car Safety
These are scheduled at various times per day.
6) Can I shop or grab food at BarkFest?
Absolutely! The indoor BarkFest Market hosts 100+ local vendors offering dog products, services, and fashion. Plus, enjoy snacks and drinks at K9 Café, Eats + Treats Food Trucks, Barks + Brews Tent, and the Whine + Muttini Bar.
7) How does BarkFest support animal rescue groups?
BarkFest’s “Raising the Woof!” initiative supports local rescues like K9 Advocacy Manitoba, Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue, and Manitoba Underdogs Rescue. Proceeds from raffles (like the 50/50 and Barkitecture Doghouse Raffle), merchandise, and magazine ads directly support them. Visit Rescue Road inside the market to find adoption and support information.
8) What are the dog welfare rules at the event?
Attendees must:
– Keep dogs healthy and up‑to‑date on vaccinations (no proof required).
– Ensure dogs are leashed (max length 4 ft), unless in Zoomies Zone.
– Clean up after pets at designated potty stations.
– Not bring aggressive or ill‑behaving dogs—staff may ask removal
