Picture 50,000 dogs and their humans coming together from all over Canada for 2 days of canine-related fun—agility competitions, fashion shows, contests, concerts and more. Now in its 16th edition, with a skyrocketing number of exhibitors and prizes, Woofstock is a unique celebration to be enjoyed with your bestest 4-legged buddy.
“It's singular, it's dog-centric. I see Woofstock as a magical place for dogs. We're celebrating our dogs. And dogs really do know it's for them. They love it. They really do,"says Bianca Kapteyn, Entertainment Producer. Founded in 2003, the festival rapidly outgrew its initial setting in the city's Distillery District. “From day one we charmed Torontonians,"adds Kapteyn. And the charm has spread: at the Canadian Special Events Industry Awards 2019, Woofstock was named the “Best Public Event, Fair or Festival”.
This year's celebration will take place for the 5th time at the bucolic Woodbine Park. Among new events, watch out for the Rescue Run, a fun run for shelter dogs. The group Three Dog Day will be taking to the stage with music inflected with jazz, classical and Celtic rhythms and specifically created with dogs in mind. It's a programming addition which makes Bianca Kapteyn especially proud. Festival participants will also get the chance to meet their favourite Instagram celebrities, including “Dean the Basset”, “Owen the Griff"and “Miss Pickles”. Event sponsors will be handing out a wealth of prizes throughout the festive weekend. And, last, but not least, stop by the Pawsie booth to meet the team and get a professional photo taken with your dog.
Past festival favourites will also be back, such as The Mr. and Ms. Canine Canada Pageant, The Canada Pooch Parade as well as two popular shows: SuperDogs and Puppy Prowl (just adorable!). Let's not overlook 2-legged beings: they'll be able to relax in the lounge over a glass of wine or a locally-brewed beer. Speaking of which, yes, there'll be beer (of the non-alcoholic variety) for dogs.
“We are excited to mark our sweet sixteen and to continue bringing together dogs and dog lovers in the spirit of animal awareness,"says Woofstock CEO Michael DiSchiavo. Festival profits will be donated to animal shelters in the Toronto region. The festival has donated more than $50,000 since 2017—you can meet some of the dogs from these shelters at the festival's Rescue Village.
So, why not support a great cause while having an amazing time with your 4-legged friend(s)? We'll see you at Woofstock!
Photo 1: It's the perfect occasion to dress your dog up to the nines!
Photo 2: Woofstock guarantees a weekend of surprising encounters.
Photo 3: Like Pawsie, the festival celebrates the unique bond between animals and their preferred people.
Photo credits: Woofstock