Barkfest is more than just a doggy day out – it’s a vibrant community celebration that brings together hundreds of dog lovers, families, and local businesses in the heart of the community.

 

As a sponsor, you’ll be aligning your brand with a feel-good, family-friendly event that celebrates the everyday dog and strengthens community connection. With a mix of live competitions, interactive activities, food vendors, and headline attractions like the Dog Dash, Barkfest offers high visibility across on-site signage, MC mentions, website and social media presence. The event will deliver many shareable moments that create ongoing exposure beyond the day itself.

Here are some key highlights from the 2025 event feedback:
 

• 100% of respondents said they had FUN or SOOO much fun!

• 99% would recommend Barkfest to family and friends

• 94% rated the general vibe as excellent or great

• 93% rated the venue excellent or great

• 84% rated the stallholders excellent or great

• The Dog Dash was the favourite competition                                                                                              (followed by the Waggiest Tail!)

 

What did people say about it?
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• Loved the Greyhounds as Pets stand and seeing greyhounds and Waipā pups looking for homes. VetOra were fantastic, especially with the free nail trims and advice.

• The event was well spaced for dogs, the venue offered plenty of room and shade, and Facebook communication in the lead-up worked really well.

• Huge shoutout to the organisers, MC, volunteers and helpers – everyone was super friendly, welcoming and genuinely cared about meeting people and their dogs.

• We loved watching and taking part in the races, particularly the Dog Dash, and enjoyed all the stalls and freebies. We stayed for hours because the day flowed so well and all the dogs were amazingly well behaved.

• It was a fabulous day out for both dogs and humans, especially impressive as a first-time event. We’d love to see Barkfest become an annual fixture!