10-19-2026 10:06am

Pet Costumes, 5K

BARCS Animal Shelter
Festival Fun: 5K, Beer Garden, Costume Contest, & More!

We hope to see you at the 22nd Annual BARCStoberfest, presented by Veterinary Neurology and Imaging of the Chesapeake, on Saturday, October 24 in Baltimore's beautiful Patterson Park. This family friendly event includes activities for every guest, including your furry friends. Learn more about some of the day-of fun below:

Barkin' Beer GardenDrink local craft beers, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic options with your pup by your side in the Barkin' Beer Garden, sponsored by the Baltimore Ravens. Enjoy it all while overlooking Baltimore's best view of the city and listening to live music!Get your paw-ty on with an all-inclusive wristband for the beer garden for $40. Individual drink tickets will also be available for purchase. Registered runners and parade participants will receive a FREE drink in the beer garden and can make an additional upgrade to the all-inclusive wristband if preferred.

Howl-O-Ween Costume ContestThe Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest, sponsored by Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists, will take place at 12:00 p.m. on the main stage. Participation is FREE this year! Please register online ahead of the event for one of the following categories to enter:-Best Individual (1 Pet)-Best Pair (1 Pet + 1 Human)-Best Group (Multiple Pets and/or Humans)

"Ready, Set, SNIFF!" 5K & Half-Mile Pet ParadeYou can run or walk as a team with your four-legged friend, just as yourself or with your fundraising teammates in "Ready, Set, SNIFF!" sponsored by Cyndi Kuhn, State Farm Agent.5K Race: Participants in the 5K must register through RunSignUp. The race fee is $50, which also includes a commemorative T-shirt, doggie bandana, and a free drink in the beer garden.Half-Mile Pet Parade: Participants must first register on the BARCStoberfest site and create a fundraising page. Collect or donate at least $50 to take part in the parade. You must meet the $50 minimum fundraising requirement by the morning of the event. Participants also receive a commemorative T-shirt, doggie bandana, and a free drink in the beer garden.

Kids Tent There's something for everyone at BARCStoberfest. Our littlest attendees can stop by the Kids Tent, sponsored by Puppie Love and Kittie Kittie, for family fun.Coloring pages, a craft station, and button making are just a few of the fun activities for kids to enjoy at the festival!

Other Fun Festival Activities-BARCS'cade Triple Lucky Puppy Slot Machine, Sponsored by Bingo World-Pup Cup Station, Sponsored by ProMD Health-BARCS Adoption Tent, Sponsored by Alex Spektor Foundation-Free Pet Friendly Photo Station, Sponsored by Subaru Loves Pets-Dog Fist Aid Tent, Sponsored by Pet+ E.R. and AVIMO-Swag Bags, Sponsored by VCA Animal Hospitals-Food Trucks-Shopping Market-BARCS Bake Sale...and more!Learn more and register for activities at www.barcstoberfest.org.