Pet Fest Returns to Glens Falls with Dogs, Costumes, and Adirondack Community Spirit

Pet Festival in Glens Falls. — An event and your fur family to enjoy.

For Adirondack travelers, pet lovers, and anyone looking for a lively spring event in downtown Glens Falls, Pet Fest returns to Glens Falls City Park on Sunday, May 17, 2026, with an afternoon devoted entirely to furry companions, local vendors, demonstrations, and family-friendly fun.

The free Adirondack community event runs from 11 am – 4 pm and transforms Glens Falls’ city park into one of the region’s more delightfully chaotic spring gatherings — in the best possible way.

Now in its eighth year, Pet Fest has become a seasonal ritual in the Southern Adirondacks. Equal parts dog show, community fair, and downtown social event, it draws locals, second-home owners, and travelers wandering north toward Lake George and the Adirondack Park for a weekend escape.

Those who believe dogs deserve social calendars, too, will fit right in.

A downtown Adirondack event built for pet lovers.

The atmosphere at Pet Fest leans more toward a “community block party” than a formal expo. Expect dogs in bandanas, golden retrievers attempting diplomacy with every stranger they meet, and at least one suspiciously confident dachshund entering the talent contest.

Dog owner with — Celebrate human’s best friend.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors can browse pet-focused vendors, meet adoptable animals, watch working dog demonstrations, and participate in contests ranging from Dog’s Got Talent to the always-entertaining costume and pet look-alike competition.

The event schedule includes:

11 am — Dog’s Got Talent Contest ($20 entry fee)
11:30 am — Reality Demo with PAWS for Obedience
12:30 pm — Costume/Pet Look-A-Like Contest
1 pm — Scent Work Demo
2 pm — Adoption & Enrichment Q&A
2:30 pm — Canine Good Citizen Demo

Organizers remind attendees that all pets must be well-behaved and properly leashed or carried for the safety of other guests and animals.

After all, not every corgi believes in personal space.

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Glens Falls continues to grow as an Adirondack events hub.

One reason Pet Fest works so well is its location. Glens Falls has quietly become one of the Adirondack region’s most active small-city cultural centers, especially during spring and summer weekends.

Visitors can easily pair Pet Fest with brunch downtown, shopping along Glen Street, or an afternoon exploring nearby parks and trails before heading north toward the Adirondacks proper. For travelers staying around Lake George, the event also makes for an easy side trip that feels distinctly local rather than tourist-scripted.

That mix — approachable, community-driven, and slightly eccentric — is exactly what gives Adirondack events their charm.

Dog in a park enjoying itself. — Dog days.

Adirondack dogs may secretly believe this festival is for them.

They are not entirely wrong.

The lure course consistently draws energetic participants and equally entertained spectators. At the same time, the demonstrations from PAWS for Obedience offer a surprisingly impressive look at canine training, scent work, and behavioral skills.

Meanwhile, the adoptable pets and enrichment discussions add a meaningful layer beyond the costumes and photo opportunities. The event balances entertainment with advocacy in a way that feels authentic rather than overly polished.

And yes, someone’s husky will absolutely sing the song of its people at some point during the afternoon.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Arrive before noon if bringing a dog that prefers a calmer environment. The park grows busier as the afternoon progresses, especially around the costume contest and demonstrations.

Parking is typically easiest a few blocks from City Park, which also gives visitors a chance to explore downtown Glens Falls on foot. Bringing water bowls and waste bags is strongly encouraged, especially if temperatures climb into true Adirondack mud-season warmth.

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Event details.

Pet Fest 2026

Sunday, May 17, 2026
11 am – 4 pm
Glens Falls City Park
FREE Admission

Visitors should check the event’s official social channels or the organizers’ pages for updates, weather information, and vendor announcements as the event date approaches.

FAQ

What is Pet Fest in Glens Falls?

Pet Fest is an annual pet-friendly community festival held in downtown Glens Falls featuring dog demonstrations, contests, vendors, adoptable pets, food, and family activities.

When is Pet Fest 2026?

Pet Fest takes place Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 11 am – 4 pm.

Where is Pet Fest held?

The event takes place at Glens Falls City Park in downtown Glens Falls.

Is Pet Fest free?

Yes. Admission to Pet Fest is free, though some activities like the Dog’s Got Talent Contest have entry fees.

Can visitors bring dogs to Pet Fest?

Yes. Dogs and other pets are welcome, but organizers require that all animals remain well-behaved and properly leashed or carried.

What are nearby Adirondack destinations to visit after Pet Fest?

Visitors often combine the event with trips to Lake George, the Southern Adirondacks, and downtown Glens Falls restaurants and shops.