Fiesta is arguably the most wonderful time of the year in the Alamo City, and fortunately for us, there are numerous Dog Friendly San Antonio Fiesta events for your canine to enjoy along with you. And Fiesta even has its own canine royalty–El Rey Fido and King Anbarkio!
We had the honor of meeting King Anbarkio XI (aka Bellin) earlier this month. Bellin was a cruelty seizure rescued in 2011. When first rescued, a life of love seemed out of reach but with rehabilitation and an incredible inner strength, Bellin eventually made a full recovery and passed his therapy evaluations in 2013. Now, Bellin makes about 100 therapy visits each year serving children and families at The Children’s Shelter, The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, and Methodist Children’s Hospital Emergency Room. Bellin is one of only a handful of dogs in the country that works in a hospital’s E.R.
Dog Friendly San Antonio Fiesta EventsÂ
Inspired to bring your pups out to enjoy the festivities? You’re in luck! Two of our favorite Fiesta events are coming up this weekend: The Fiesta Pooch Parade and the King William Fair & Parade.
Fiesta Pooch Parade
The Fiesta Pooch Parade is a 2.6 mile walk with dogs and their people along the streets of Alamo Heights. It is the major fundraiser for Therapy Animals of San Antonio. Along with the parade, there is a costume contest with winners in 6 categories: Best in Show, Top Dog, Most Creative, Most Patriotic, Best Fiesta Flair, and Best Matched Human and Dog. There are also numerous dog participation activities and booths with dog-related information and products.
Here’s the low-down on the Pooch Parade:
Registration starts at 7:45 AM
Costume contest starts at 8:15 AM (must be registered for the parade to enter)
Walk begins at approximately 9:15 AM, right after the costume contest
The event kicks off at the Alamo Heights Swimming Pool, located at 250 Viesca.
We’ll also be a the Pooch Parade taking over Fiesta San Antonio’s Instagram Stories for live coverage of the event. Tune in to watch, or if you’re out and about at the parade be sure to say hi!
King William Fair and Parade
Located in the historic King William neighborhood just south of downtown, the King William Fair and Parade is another must-do event for dog lovers in San Antonio. You can view the parade itself for free along Guenther and Adams outside of the fairgrounds, and wristbands are required for the fair–although kids 10 and under get in free (dogs, too!) AND we just happen to be giving away 4 free wristbands in our Instagram giveaway this week. (We’re picking a winner on Wednesday, so stop what you’re doing and click over to enter NOW!)
Along with the parade and a Doggie Fashion Show with adoptable pets, our friends from Pawsitively Sweet Bakery and other dog vendors will be there. City Veterinary Hospital will have doggie rest stations at the First Aid booths featuring complimentary water and waste bags for your pups. Fair attendees should be sure that their dogs are current on their vaccinations and on leash. You can read their full FAQs about bringing your dog here.
Here’s the low-down on the King William Fair and Parade:
The parade begins at 9 AM
Fairgrounds are open from 8 AM – 6 PM
Doggy Fashion Show: 11:30 AM – 12 PM (will take place in the 500 Block of Madison at the Artists Alley Stage)
For more information about the full lineup of performances and everything else happening at the fair, visit their website.
What other Dog Friendly Fiesta events do you love? Share them with us on Facebook and Instagram!
Author: Amy Lynn
Amy is the founder of The Dog Guide, and was inspired to start the first one right here in San Antonio after adopting her first dog. In addition to being a dog mom to Texas and Terry, she's also a mom of four, and has lived in San Antonio for over 25 years.
