Dogapalooza Is This Weekend at Ox Bow Park – And It’s the Perfect Family (+ Fur Baby) Outing!
Written by Zach Miller on May 5, 2026
Moms, grab the leash — and the kids — because this Saturday is going to be an absolute TAIL-WAGGER.
If your to-do list this weekend includes “do something fun that doesn’t feel like work,” we’ve found your answer. Dogapalooza is back at Ox Bow County Park in Goshen, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most feel-good events in Elkhart County this spring.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
🐾 What Is Dogapalooza?
Dogapalooza is a community-wide, dog-centered festival hosted by Elkhart County Parks in partnership with the Humane Society of Elkhart County (HSEC). The whole idea is simple and wonderful: bring your pup, bring your people, and spend the day outside supporting animals in need.
This year’s event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Ox Bow County Park, 23033 CR 45, Goshen. InkFreeNews
🎉 What’s Happening at the Event?
There is so much packed into this day. Event highlights include a fundraiser run/walk benefiting the Humane Society of Elkhart County, a Doggy Yoga session, a K-9 demonstration by the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department along with Bristol Police and Goshen Police, a Trick Dog Demonstration featuring Jelly Bean — the 2025 International Trick Dog Champion — live music by Dawg Ban, creative face painting by Diana, and a Make-N-Take Dog Toy and Bandana Station. ABC57
Oh, and food trucks and a beer garden too. You’re welcome.
🏃 Kick It Off With the Paws for a Cause 5K
Want to make a morning of it? Runners, walkers, and their dogs can gather to enjoy time together, activities, great music, and community — and after the race wraps up, everyone can stay for Elkhart County Parks’ Dogapalooza festivities. Elkharthumanesociety
Check-in for the race starts at 9:00 a.m. and the run kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Whether you’re a serious runner or more of a “I’ll power-walk while the dog pulls me” person — same — this is a great way to start the day. You can register at elkharthumanesociety.org. Runsignup
🐶 Don’t Have a Dog? That’s Okay!
No fur baby at home? If you don’t have a dog to bring, you can take a look at all the pups available for adoption. Fair warning — you might leave with a new family member. Just saying. WSBT
💛 Why It Matters
Proceeds from the event go directly toward the daily operations of the Humane Society of Elkhart County, which in 2024 impacted over 8,500 animals of more than 35 species. Elkharthumanesociety
So every dollar spent, every race entry, and every dog toy you make goes to support animals right here in our community. That’s pretty amazing.
📍 Plan Your Visit
Dogapalooza 2026 📅 Saturday, May 9, 2026 ⏰ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 📍 Ox Bow County Park — 23033 CR 45, Goshen, IN
For the full schedule and details, visit elkhartcountyparks.org/events/dogapalooza-5-9-26.
And while you’re planning your weekend, check out more great things happening around Elkhart County at visitelkhartcounty.com.
Keep it country. Keep it fun. And keep those tails wagging — we’ll see you out there, Michiana! 🐾
— Froggy 102.7
Sources:
Continue reading
