Peninsula SPCA Celebrates 20 Years of Barktoberfest
One of Hampton Roads’ favorite fall traditions is turning 20! The Peninsula SPCA’s annual Barktoberfest returns Saturday, October 3, with an afternoon of live music, local craft beer, food trucks, costumes, contests and plenty of activities for dogs and their people at Mill Point Park in Downtown Hampton.
The 20th anniversary of this dog-friendly festival runs from 12 to 6 p.m., with the Hampton waterfront providing the setting for a day that has something for the whole family.
Live Music and Food Trucks
Music takes center stage at the Woofstock Stage, where Calculated Khaos and Relix will perform throughout the festival.
For adults 21 and older, the Bow Wow Beer Garden will feature local craft beverages from several breweries.
Local food trucks Southern Hospitality, Get Cheesy and The Happy Poppers will be serving food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Festivalgoers can also shop with pet-friendly vendors and visit local rescues with adoptable animals.
Bring Your Dog—and Your Best Costume
Barktoberfest offers plenty of activities for dogs and people, including bobbing for tennis balls and a cake walk contest.
But the big attraction is the annual costume contest, with two categories:
Pets Only
For dogs who are ready to take the spotlight.
Pets & People
For those who want to coordinate their costumes with their favorite four-legged family member.
There will be cash prizes for first-, second- and third-place winners in both categories, so this is the time to get creative. If you've ever wanted to see how far you can take a dog costume, Barktoberfest is the place to do it.
Past costume contest winners.
Celebrate 20 Years With a Fall Portrait
To mark Barktoberfest's 20th anniversary, the festival will also offer fall-themed portraits for both people and pets.
It's a nice opportunity to get a seasonal photo of your family—and yes, your dog absolutely counts as family.
Tickets
If you're planning to attend, there are several ticket options. Advance tickets are available online through September 25, and they come with extras that aren't included with general admission at the gate.
Advance Adult Admission — $15
Includes:
Event admission
Exclusive Barktoberfest T-shirt
Two raffle tickets
Goodie bag filled with coupons and other goodies
Advance Children's Admission — $10
For children ages 5 to 12. Includes:
Event admission
Exclusive Barktoberfest T-shirt
Goodie bag
Tasting Package — $40
For guests 21 and older, the Barktoberfest Tasting Package includes:
Event admission
Bow Wow Beer Garden tasting wristband
Souvenir 5-ounce tasting glass
Exclusive Barktoberfest T-shirt
Two raffle tickets
Goodie bag
VIP Table for 10 — $500
Planning to attend with a group? A limited number of VIP tables are available.
Each table includes:
Table in the VIP area
Snacks
10 festival admissions
10 Bow Wow Beer Garden tasting tickets
10 souvenir tasting glasses
10 exclusive Barktoberfest T-shirts
20 raffle tickets
10 goodie bags filled with coupons and other goodies
What If You Buy Tickets at the Gate?
General admission will be available on the day of the festival for $10.
However, the day-of ticket does not include a T-shirt, goodie bag or raffle tickets.
The Barktoberfest Tasting Package will be $50 at the gate for guests 21 and older.
T-shirts will also be available for an additional purchase at the event while supplies last.
Since the number of event T-shirts and souvenir tasting glasses is limited, the Peninsula SPCA recommends purchasing advance tickets if you want those extras.
A Day Out That Supports Local Pets
While Barktoberfest is designed to be a fun day out, there's an important reason behind the celebration. Proceeds benefit the Peninsula SPCA's pets and programs.
The Peninsula SPCA is a private, nonprofit, no-kill shelter dedicated to finding homes for animals in its care and advocating for the humane treatment of animals in the community. The organization receives no public funding and relies on community support.
So whether you're there for the costume contest, the music, the beer garden, the food trucks, the adoptable animals—or just a fun fall afternoon with your dog—your ticket helps support animals throughout the Virginia Peninsula.
Mark Your Calendar
Barktoberfest 2026
Saturday, October 3
12–6 p.m.
Mill Point Park, Downtown Hampton
Advance tickets are available online through September 25.
For the full event schedule, additional details and advance tickets, visit the Peninsula SPCA or the event's ticket page.
Bring the dog, break out the costumes and make a day of it. Barktoberfest only comes around once a year—and this year's 20th anniversary gives Hampton Roads another reason to celebrate.
There are only a few days left to get a limited edition shirt with your advanced tickets, so buy yours today. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of Barktoberfest!
