Alexandria’s Free Fall Festival for Animal Lovers is Oct. 13

Paws in the Park, benefiting the AWLA, returns to Oronoco Bay Park

Alexandria’s Free Fall Festival for Animal Lovers is Oct. 13
Paws in the Park, benefiting the AWLA, returns to Oronoco Bay Park


Paws in the Park, presented by Amazon, returns to Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises to be an even bigger party than previous years. This annual event celebrates Alexandria’s — and Northern Virginia’s — love for animals. The day offers a family and pet-friendly free festival featuring vendors, adoptable animals, and a variety of entertainment for kids and adults. 

Along with many local artisans, nonprofits, and animal-focused businesses, Paws in the Park will host food and beverage vendors, too. Attendees can pack a picnic and also savor drinks and food from local cideries, breweries, wineries, bakeries, food trucks, and more while enjoying the day’s entertainment and shopping.

If you’ve been looking to add a furry member to your family, the 10+ animal welfare organizations and rescues in Rescue Row, sponsored by First Georgetown Securities, Inc., will have adoptable animals available to meet.

This year’s entertainment, sponsored by TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, begins at 11 a.m. and includes repeat musical favorites like Uno Dos Tres Andres, and new acts and stage events like the Pet Costume Contest, sponsored by PetMedic Urgent Care. The costume contest is open to everyone, and pre-registration is required. Each category winner will receive a cool prize.

There’s plenty more fun to be had at both the Family Fun Tent and AWLA Tent. The Family Fun Tent will feature arts and crafts geared for kids of all ages, as well as story time. Stop by the AWLA Tent to purchase your 2025 AWLA calendars and bid on items in our silent auction. The silent auction will be available online as well, so winners will not need to be present to participate or win. Bidding is open now through event day. https://www.32auctions.com/PITPSilentAuction2024 

“At the AWLA, we celebrate the love that our community has for animals each and every day,” said Executive Director Stella Hanly, “but Paws in the Park is one of our favorite ways to connect with that community, meet a lot of amazing animals, and raise awareness and funds for Alexandria’s animals.”

The first 1,000 attendees at Paws in the Park will receive a one-of-a-kind swag bag. Paws in the Park is open to leashed, well-behaved pets of all types. 

Proceeds from Paws in the Park benefit the AWLA, which supports homeless animals in Alexandria, as well as pets and people throughout the community. Visit www.PawsintheParkVA.com.

Source: AWLA