Ready, Set, SNIFF! 5K at BARCStoberfest

Ready, Set, SNIFF! 5K at the 22nd Annual BARCStoberfest

Join us for our 22nd annual BARCStoberfest, on Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Baltimore's Patterson Park, and help save the lives of homeless animals at BARCS. This year, we’re putting a fresh spin on our walk event: we’ve retired the 1-Mile Walk and replaced it with a shorter, spirited Half-Mile Pet Parade—so even more pets (and their people) can join in the fun!

Whether you're running the full 5K or showing off your pet’s best costume in the parade, you're making a lifesaving difference. Here’s how to take part...

5K Registration (With or Without a Dog)

Register through RunSignup.org by clicking "Register Now" above. The course is the same as previous years and can be run or walked. The $50 race fee includes:

• An ultra-soft commemorative T-shirt
• A doggie bandana
• A free drink in the dog-friendly beer garden

*Planning to walk and want to stick with the classic 1-Mile route? Sign up for the 5K (there is no price difference). The first loop of the 5K is the original walk path—easy to navigate and still available for those who prefer it!

NEW! Half-Mile Pet Parade

New this year! This fun, inclusive stroll is open to pets of all sizes, ages and energy levels. Register through the BARCStoberfest site and create a fundraising page. Donate or raise a minimum of $50 to participate. Parade participants will also receive:

• An ultra-soft commemorative T-shirt
• A doggie bandana
• A free drink in the dog-friendly beer garden

The parade will begin at Pavilion #1, just like the 5K, and step off shortly after the race starts. It will wind its way up to the festival area and finish right in the center of the action, where the crowd can cheer you on. You don’t need to bring a dog to join the parade—we see you, kitty parents, reptile wranglers and animal lovers of all kinds! Pets and people are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes—just for fun, not required! We’re designing the route to be as inclusive and accessible as possible for participants of all mobility levels.

*Want to stick with the classic 1-Mile route? Sign up for the 5K (there is no price difference). The first loop of the 5K is the original walk path—easy to navigate and still available for those who prefer it!

Just Here for the Festival? We’ve Got You Covered!

Want to skip the race and the parade but still soak up all the fun at BARCStoberfest? You can sign up just to enjoy the festival—complete with shopping, games, music and the dog-friendly Barkin’ Beer Garden! Your $50 festival registration includes:

• An ultra-soft commemorative T-shirt
• A doggie bandana
• A free drink in the beer garden

Sign up on BARCStoberfest.org. Just like with the 5K and Parade, you can meet the $50 minimum by donating or fundraising through your personal page. Sign up on our site and join the party!

All participants—runners, walkers, and festival-goers—are encouraged to create a personal fundraising page. Your support helps care for the 12,000 animals that come through our doors each year, many in need of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and love.

8:30am: Registration/Check-in opens for the 5K + Half-Mile Pet Parade

10:00am: Half-Mile Pet Parade Begins

10:00am: BARCStoberfest Festival opens (food trucks, shopping market, kids tent, adoptable pets, games, etc.)

10:10am: Ready, Set…Sniff 5K begins

11:00am:  5K Awards @ Main Stage

10:00am- 3:00pm: Beer Garden opens (+ Live Music)

12:00pm: Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Contest @ Main Stage

2:00pm: Festival Concludes

Overall 1st-3rd place medals will be presented in the following categories: With Dog, Male, Female, Non-Binary