If you love animals and the fall season, you won’t want to miss out on Prescott, AZ’s Dogtoberfest. The event is a far cry from the Oktoberfest ceremony that takes place in Munich, Germany every year. Rather, it is a push to boost dog adoption.

Read on to find out more about what you can expect when you come by.

About Dogtoberfest

This years Dogtoberfest will be taking place on Sunday October 2 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Watson Lake State Park. Hosted by Prescott Dog Magazine, it will include contests, dog training sessions and demonstrations. Admission is free. The $5 parking benefits the YCSO Sherriff’s Posse.

Events and Activities

Events and activities are as follows:

Main Stage:

• 9:45: Invocation and blessing of the pets

• 10 AM: Parade of adoptable dogs

• 11:30 AM: Pet/owner lookalike contest

• 12:30 PM: Best costume contest

• 1:30 PM: Best trick or talent

• 2:30 PM: Best looking dog contest

Demo Schedule:

• 10 AM: Phoenix area disc dogs

• 10:30 AM: Farbehholt dog training

• 1:00 PM: Phoenix area disc dogs

• 1:30 PM: Farbehholt dog training

Charity Disc Golf Tourney: This competition is open to all skills and all ages as well as those with two or four legs. It costs $25 to enter and lunch is included.

Selfies in the Park Contest: Enter to win a free selfie with your dog in the park, a $300 value.

Bark for Life Walk: The walks kick off at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. They benefit the fight against cancer. You can register in advance on the Relay for Life website.

Live Radio Broadcasts: Various local radio stations will be broadcasting live from the event throughout the day.

Food Truck Caravan: A variety of food trucks will be serving up food at the event.

Other Things to Do in Prescott:

Here are some things to do in Prescott when you’re not enjoying Dogtoberfest:

• Phippen Museum: This museum features art that depicts America’s west.

• Courthouse Square: Courthouse square is located in Prescott’s historic center and features bustling bars and businesses.

• Smoki Museum: The Smoki Museum offers insight into the lives of indigenous people.

• Heritage Park Zoo: The Park Zoo is a great place to check out nature and wildlife.

• Goldwater Lake: Goldwater Lake offers scenic views, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

• Palace Restaurant and Saloon: Opened in 1877, this is the oldest operating bar and business in Arizona. It was once a popular gunslinger hangout and is now a well-known tourist destination.

• Prescott Frontier Days: Known as the ‘world’s oldest rodeo’, this is a place to check out bull and bareback riding, steer wrestling, roping, trick riding and more.

• Thumb Butte Hike: Thumb Butte offers terrific scenic views making it a great hiking destination.

• Prescott National Forest: This unspoiled lot of wilderness offers hiking, biking, and other fun outdoor activities.

• Sharlot Hall Museum: This open-air campus features almost a dozen well-preserved historic buildings that are full of artifacts providing insight into the area’s past.

Not everyone can make it out to Germany for Oktoberfest. Prescott’s Dogtober event brings the fun a little closer to home while supporting a good cause. Will you be making it out for this year’s shindig?

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