WHAT: Bark in the Park
WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 10am-5pm
WHERE: William Street Park, San Jose
Grab your best friend, a leash and join us as we raise the WOOF!
Bark in the Park™ San Jose September, 2026, is the largest dog festival in Silicon Valley, with more than 6,000 dog lovers and over 2,500 dogs attending. This paw-fect event will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at William Street Park (Corner of E. William Street and S. 16th Street) minutes from downtown San Jose.
Organized by the Campus Community Association, Bark in the Park is held in San Jose’s historic Naglee Park. This family-friendly event features contests, beverages, food, agility courses, kid’s activities and a wide variety of dog-related vendors, services, and special guests.
Humane Society Silicon Valley will be giving FREE vaccines on site via mobile wellness clinic while supplies last!
A $10 donation is requested per adult attending Bark in the Park. Kids and all of our 4-legged friends get in free. Proceeds from donations benefit the Humane Society Silicon Valley, San Jose Animal Care Center, and other local charities.
Visit BarkSanJose.org for more event details
New for 2026!
The Clubhouse
The Clubhouse at Bark in the Park is an exclusive, reservation-only experience designed to celebrate the special bond between dogs and their humans through unforgettable moments, pampering, and keepsake memories. Limited to just 60 dogs across four timed sessions, each Clubhouse Pass includes access to a 360° photo experience, a custom paw-print keepsake, gourmet treats for both pets and people, a relaxing lounge and play yard, and other curated surprises. With limited availability and a focus on creating lasting memories, The Clubhouse is expected to become one of the festival's most sought-after attractions. Tickets must be purchased in advance for The Clubhouse experience at www.barksanjose.org.
Returning, bigger & better:
Animal Rescue Row
Following last year’s successful launch, we’re thrilled to continue to build Animal Rescue Row—a special section of Bark in the Park dedicated entirely to local rescue and adoption organizations. It’s where wagging tails meet second chances, and guests can interact with dogs who are currently available for adoption. These adoptable pups will also be on display on the Main Stage at 3pm, during which time guests can learn more about the organizations working hard to find them their forever homes.
“While creating a festive space for animal lovers to gather, shop, learn and play has always been a part of the event, creating a space to promote animal adoption has also been a primary focus of Bark in the Park since its inception nearly 3 decades ago. We are excited to give local adoption agencies a space to display adoptable dogs and dedicated time on our stage to talk about their organizations and connect with event guests.” -Annie Hermes of Messenger Events, Organizer of Bark in the Park
Doggy contests - Report to the Main Stage to enter the contests and win prizes!. Open to the public.
Contest schedule:
● 12:00 PM – Best Friends Celebration
● Every dog has a story. We'd love to hear yours!
● Join us on stage as we celebrate the incredible bond between people and their four-legged best friends. Kids and adults alike are invited to share a 60-second story about what makes their dog so special. Whether it's a heartwarming rescue tale, a hilarious adventure, or simply why they're your best friend, we can't wait to meet the dogs that make life better.
● Kids will take the stage during the first 30 minutes, followed by adults during the second half-hour.
● 1:00 PM – Best Costume Contest
● Creativity takes center stage!
● Dress your pup in their most imaginative, funny, or unforgettable costume and join the parade of canine creativity. Whether it's adorable, clever, or laugh-out-loud funny, our judges can't wait to see what your four-legged fashionista brings to the stage.
● Special 30th Anniversary Award!
● In honor of Bark in the Park's 30th Anniversary (first Bark took place in 1996), we'll also present a special award for the Best ‘90’s Costume. Think retro, nostalgic, or a favorite look from the 1990’s.
● 2:00 PM – Best Tail Wagger Contest
● Who's the happiest pup in the park?
● From nonstop wiggles to full-body happy dances, this crowd favorite celebrates the dogs who spread pure joy wherever they go. If your pup's tail never stops wagging and their enthusiasm is contagious, this is the contest for you!
Entertainment throughout the day!
Come watch the entertainers in the center of the park - they include Flyball racing, Agility performances, dog training and more. And if you think your pup has the skills to do these exercises, you can enter them to come into the corrals and run the courses. Check out the schedule on the website to learn more