What to know before attending: FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get to the festival?
A: Historic Fourth Ward Park--the large open space field across the street from Ponce City Market. You can also get to it from the Atlanta Beltline near the Illuminarium --walk down the stairs near New Realm Brewery.
Walk down the beltline to us or park in the new garage just steps away! MAP LINK TO THE PARKING on the corner of N. Angier Ave NE & Ralph McGill Blvd NE
Q: Where do I park?
A: We recommend that you park in the new parking garage on N. Angier Ave NE, that you can access from Ralph McGill Blvd NE (see map below). Parking is just $2/hour. You may find free parking on the streets--make sure to follow all the Parking and NO Parking signs around the streets to avoid an issue.
Please note that top part of N. Angier Ave NE where it intersects with North Ave will be closed,--except for vendors, so access to the parking and the festival is best via Ralph McGill Blvd NE.
Q: Do I have to register?
A: Yes, Its FREE! Everyone can PLAY…you just have to register! REGISTER HERE
Q: Do I have to register separately for each dog that I bring with me?
A: Only register the humans. One registration per human. And then the human can bring their dogs!
Q: Are only rescue dogs invited?
A: ALL DOGS & THEIR HUMANS ARE WELCOME! Rescue Dog Games is a festival to celebrate rescue dogs and their forever families and to shine a light on pet adoption! We also celebrate dogs by encouraging all dogs and their humans to get outside and PLAY!
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: It wont!!!! But....Your dog won't mind....and this is all about the DOGS! We will see you out there at our rain or shine event and festivities. Let's all vision a sunny beautiful day to help SHINE a light on pet adoption!
Q: What Health Precautions will be taken?
A: We ask attendees to stay home if they are sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19 or any contagious illness , and to get tested for COVID-19.
We ask that attendees cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands at the available hand washing/sanitizing stations
Q: Once I pre-register online/ do I have to check in once I arrive?
A: Yes, please go to the Registration Tent. You will then be given an entry bracelet and entered into the drawings and can participate in all the fun.
Q: Does my dog have to be on a leash?
A: Yes, please have your dog on a leash at all times, except in the lure chase fenced area.
Q: Does my dog have to be up on his/her vaccinations?
A: Yes, you are required, for the safety of your dog and others, to be up-to-date on all of your vaccinations.
Q: Will all the dogs get along?
A: That is our plan; after all it is a day to celebrate dogs… and they can feel that! If there is a dog that is not being friendly or does not share this positive point of view, they may be asked to leave. Bring your friendly dogs that enjoy being around a crowd.
Q: Can I attend without a dog?
A: Of course, but we really hope that you will leave with a new best friend, or at least the start of your adoption plans through one of our Pet Rescues. There will be many onsite with lots of adoptable, sweet lovin’ dogs that need homes. Adoption is certainly not limited to those without a dog…we are all about a many dog family… so everyone can come ready to meet your next best friend.
Q: How can I get to know which dogs are available for adoption?
A: Plan to hang out with some adoptable dogs at each of the adoptable organizations' booths and meet your next best friend. You can also meet all of the Pet organizations and rescues that are on site to get to know ways that you can help throughout the year!
Q: Are the Dog Game Stations difficult?
A: NO, they are fun! All dogs can PLAY and Learn (you just have to register--link above. The game stations are
Q: How does the Dog COSTUME Contest work?
A: When you get to the festival between 11 am - 11:50 am, come to the registration tent. Show your pre-registered ticket (its FREE!) then you can sign up for the COSTUME CONTEST and get your contest number--Must be signed up no later than 11:50. Sign up is over at 11:50 am.
You will line up at the stage at 12:00 pm to do a Costumed Dog Parade, and then the top 10 will be invited on stage to strutt your stuff! Winners will then be announced.
Q: How does the Dog Silly TRICK Contest work?
A: There will be two trick contest times--1 pm & 4 pm.
From 12:30 - 1:00 for the 1:00 contest
and from 3:00 - 4:00 for the 4:00 contest
You need to come up to the registration tent, show your pre-registered ticket (its FREE) and show your trick to our trick staff. The top dogs from each time period will be invited to the stage at 1:00 and 4:00 to perform their trick and be voted on by the audience for top dog! ALL DOGS MUST STAY ON LEASH FOR THE TRICKS.
Q: What is the schedule for the day?
A: The activities go throughout the day--so you can join in any time from 11 am - 5 pm. But, be prepared for the CONTEST TIMES --SEE ABOVE FOR DETAILS. NEW THIS YEAR....LIVE MUSIC (from 2:00 - 5:00) entertainment on the main stage--SEE SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS ON HOME PAGE
Q: Should I wear a costume?
A: Well you don’t have to, but your dog should wear a costume in order to enter our Dog Howl-O-Ween costume contest ! And it is always a big hit to have matching outfits with your dog!
Q: Do you need volunteers?
A: YES! Please SIGN UP to volunteer or contact us at [email protected] so we can coordinate your volunteer work with us. Thank you for asking!
Q: Will there be food and drink?
A: Yes, there will be food trucks and beer for sale!