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James Ketola
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Martyn Griffen
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Martyn Griffen
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Martyn Griffen
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James Ketola
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James Ketola
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James Ketola
Pup-kin spice and everything nice! Paws in the Park returns to Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria on Sunday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual event celebrates northern Virginia’s love for animals and offers attendees a one-of-a-kind family and pet-friendly FREE fall festival featuring shopping, adoptable animals, live music and a variety of entertainment for kids and adults.
Along with many local artisans, nonprofits, and animal-focused businesses, Paws in the Park will host food and beverage vendors, too. Attendees can pack a picnic and also savor drinks and food from local cideries, breweries, wineries, bakeries, food trucks, and more while enjoying the day’s entertainment and shopping.
If you’ve been looking to add a furry member to your family, the animal welfare organizations and rescues in Rescue Row will have adoptable animals available for attendees to meet.
New participating shopping and food/drink vendors, as well as animal adoption organizations, are added to the website weekly!
This year’s entertainment, sponsored by Alexandria Toyota, begins at 11 a.m. and includes repeat musical favorites like bilingual sensation Uno Dos Tres Andres and stage events like the Pet Costume Contest, sponsored by Realtor Bobby Mahoney.
There’s plenty more fun to be had at both the Family Fun Tent and AWLA Tent. The Family Fun Tent, sponsored by St. Stephen’s St. Agnes School, will feature arts and crafts geared for kids of all ages. Stop by the AWLA Tent to purchase your 2026 AWLA calendars and bid on unique experiences and items in our silent auction.
“We celebrate the love we share with our animals every day,” said CEO Stella Hanly, “and Paws in the Park is one of our favorite ways to connect with that community, meet a lot of amazing pet families, and raise awareness and funds for Alexandria’s animals.”
The first 1,000 attendees at Paws in the Park will receive a one-of-a-kind swag bag. Paws in the Park is open to leashed, well-behaved pets of all types. Proceeds from Paws in the Park benefit the AWLA, which supports homeless animals in Alexandria, as well as pets and people throughout the community.
More information about this year’s festival, including vendor and sponsorship opportunities, can be found at www.PawsintheParkVA.com.
