Barktoberfest Dana Point 2026: A Fall Festival for Dogs & Their People
If you’re looking for a dog friendly fall event in Dana Point, Barktoberfest is coming to Sea Canyon Park on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
This free Dana Point community event brings together dogs and their people for a morning of activities, local businesses, and plenty of four legged fun, while supporting Promise 4 Paws and the pups waiting to find their forever families.
Presented by Leilani Serrao-Baker of Civitas Realty, along with our Top Dog Sponsors, Barktoberfest was created around something many of us in Dana Point have in common: a love of dogs and a desire to support our local community.
What Is Barktoberfest?
Barktoberfest is a fall festival designed for dogs and the people who love them.
The morning will include Paws on Parade, Vendor Village, professional pet portraits, a costume contest, and the Top Dog Awards, with opportunities throughout the event to support Promise 4 Paws.
You don’t need a costume to participate, and you certainly don’t need the best behaved dog in Dana Point. Just grab the leash and come join us.
Barktoberfest is free to attend, and dogs should remain on leash throughout the event.
Paws on Parade
One of the highlights of the morning will be Paws on Parade at 10:30 AM.
Dogs are welcome to dress in Western or fall inspired costumes, while kids can decorate wagons, strollers, scooters, or other wheels and join the parade alongside their four legged friends.
Costumes are encouraged but not required.
If you’d like to participate in Paws on Parade, please arrive by 10:15 AM so everyone has time to get ready before the parade begins.
Explore Vendor Village
Vendor Village opens at 10:00 AM and will feature local pet businesses and services.
It’s an opportunity to meet some of the people in our community who help care for our pets, from pet supplies and grooming to dog walking, training, wellness, and more.
Come early, explore Vendor Village, meet some local businesses, and then find your spot for Paws on Parade.
Stop by The Photo Corral
From 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, professional photographer Jorge Salas will be at The Photo Corral capturing professional portraits of local pups.
A $15 donation is suggested, and participating families will receive a complimentary digital portrait they can print and share.
Most importantly, 100% of the proceeds from The Photo Corral will benefit Promise 4 Paws.
It’s a chance to leave with a great photograph of your dog while helping another pup who is still waiting for a family of their own.
Who Will Be Top Dog?
We’ll wrap up the festivities at 12:45 PM with the Top Dog Awards and Costume Contest.
Categories include Best Dressed Pup, Best Decorated Ride, and Best Human & Hound Team.
Prizes are being donated by participating Vendor Village businesses and our Top Dog Sponsors.
Whether your dog arrives dressed to impress or simply comes along to enjoy the morning, everyone is welcome to join the fun.
Supporting Promise 4 Paws
While Barktoberfest is meant to be fun, there’s an important reason behind the event.
Promise 4 Paws is a local volunteer and foster based rescue that helps dogs in need while they wait to find loving homes.
Donations help provide necessities such as food, medical care, and safe places for rescued dogs to stay until their families find them.
For me, bringing Promise 4 Paws, Jorge, local businesses, neighbors, and their dogs together felt like a natural extension of what I love about living and working in Dana Point.
Community happens when people are willing to show up for one another. Sometimes that can be as simple as spending a Saturday morning together at the park while helping a few dogs along the way.
Events like this are also part of what makes Dana Point feel like a community rather than simply a beautiful coastal place to live. If you’re thinking about moving here, you may also enjoy my article What Living in Dana Point Is Actually Like Year Round.
Thank You to Our Top Dog Sponsors
Barktoberfest is presented by Leilani Serrao-Baker of Civitas Realty, along with our Top Dog Sponsors:
Civitas Realty • JustFoodForDogs • Citibank Dana Point • Danmans Music School • Tavern at the Mission
We’re grateful to everyone helping bring Barktoberfest to life and to the local businesses participating in Vendor Village.
Barktoberfest Dana Point 2026 Event Details
Saturday, October 24, 2026
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sea Canyon Park
33093 Santiago Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
Free to attend
Dogs must remain on leash throughout the event. Costumes are encouraged but not required. The event is planned for rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe.
For the complete schedule, event updates, and additional information:
Barktoberfest Dana Point Event Details
Bring your pup, invite a neighbor, and come spend the morning with us.
Helping people find home. Helping pups find family.
Barktoberfest Dana Point FAQs
Is Barktoberfest free to attend?
Yes. Barktoberfest Dana Point is free to attend. Bring your dog, enjoy Vendor Village, watch Paws on Parade, and stay for the Top Dog Awards and Costume Contest.
When is Barktoberfest Dana Point 2026?
Barktoberfest will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Paws on Parade begins at 10:30 AM, and participants should arrive by 10:15 AM.
Where is Barktoberfest in Dana Point?
Barktoberfest will be held at Sea Canyon Park, 33093 Santiago Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629.
Can I bring my dog to Barktoberfest?
Yes. Barktoberfest is designed for dogs and their people. Dogs should remain on leash throughout the event.
Does my dog need to wear a costume?
No. Costumes are encouraged, but they're not required. Your dog is welcome whether they're dressed for the occasion or just coming to enjoy the morning.
What does Barktoberfest support?
Barktoberfest supports Promise 4 Paws, a local volunteer and foster based dog rescue. Proceeds from The Photo Corral will benefit Promise 4 Paws.
Contact Leilani Serrao-Baker
Leilani Serrao-Baker
Civitas Realty
28202 Cabot Rd Ste 300
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Phone: (949) 444-9175
DRE License: 01908226
Website: CivitasRealtyCA.com
About the Host
Leilani Serrao-Baker is a Dana Point real estate expert and Founder of Civitas Realty, specializing in helping buyers and sellers navigate the coastal Orange County market. Serving Orange County buyers and sellers since 2012, she is a longtime Dana Point resident and homeowner who believes being part of a community means more than simply working there.
