Sunday, July 27, 2014

Weekend Wander: BarkBox + Madison Square Park Conservancy's First Annual "BarkFest"

Being a long time attendee of local film festivals and outdoor movie screenings, Holly and I wondered when someone would create a festival program designed specifically for pups. Our prayers were answered this weekend with the first ever BarkBox + Madison Square Park Conservancy "BarkFest," an evening of food, fun, and film under the stars in Madison Square Park.
We chose matching orange for the evening. Holly's polo, Ralph Lauren. My shirt, Threads For Thought. Headband, Jennifer Behr.
We arrived at the park at 6pm, right when the evening was starting, and were greeted by a portion of the park decked out specifically for pups, with a long stretch of astroturf dotted with plush dog beds, and booths along the side passing out treats by Bocce Bakery, BarkBox doggie friendly beer, and programs and crayons to keep the humans entertained. The Madison Square Park Conservancy had a booth with a raffle benefiting the park's beloved dog run (prizes included Shake Shack pup treats!). We claimed a couple pup beds and went to check out the people-friendly food offerings from Calexico and Shake Shack.
The scene was set for the paw-fect night out! Below: the raffle prize (left) and treats courtesy of BarkBox (right). 
While grabbing dinner, we were greeted by several pooches, including Thai the Boston, who looked simply smashing in a bow tie. More pup stars graced the stage of the event, including Hamilton Pug, Marnie the Dog, Pomsky Princesses, and Chloe the Mini Frenchie. After each pooch was introduced, attendees were able to pose for photos with them at a nearby step and repeat. Holly and I were having such a great time with our pals we decided to forego the step and repeat and instead headed back to our puppy beds, where we hammed it up for the professional photogs around for the event and befriended the pooches in our area. 

Holly and Lexie chill with some BarkBox pup-friendly brews. Above: the crowd checking out the celebre-dogs, one such dog, Thai the Boston, looked paw-sitively fabulous in his bowtie!
Henry knows his angles. This is a dog on his way to stardom!
After an introduction from BarkBox co founder Henrik Werdelin, it was time for the pups to silence their humans and settle in for the selection of short films! Holly was so tuckered out from all the playing she took a little cat nap, but our favorite film was the Pixar short Dug's Special Mission, featuring Dug the Dog from "Up."


After the movies wrapped up, we packed up our bags and said our goodbyes to our new pals. We love being a part of the New York City pup community, and the unique events like this one that we are able to attend as a result! We met so many amazing new friends and fellow animal lovers, and can't wait to go back again next year!
What do you think of a pup friendly film festival? Will you try to make it out to BarkFest next year?

Until Next Time, Darlings!

21 comments:

  1. This is such a cute idea!! My dogs have had that "beer" before and they love it!!

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    1. Haha it was so cute! Holly wasn't big on the "beer" but was very enthusiastic about the cookies--her friend Henry kept taking them from the communal bowl and bringing them back to share!

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. If my beagle wasn't so big, I'd totally ride the train up to the city (i am in NJ) to do this.

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    1. Transportation is tricky for sure! There was a lady behind me with a giant carrying bag that was holding a Pit Bull (I kid you not)! I have no idea how she lifted it, but perhaps that could be an option for your Beagle!!

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  3. This is so adorable. If I had a dog, I would totally bring them to this. Thanks for the post. I would have never known that this was a thing.

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  4. Hahah, this looks so so cute! I'd love to take my non-existent dog to this!

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    1. There were people there without dogs just feeling the puppy love! It would be a great non-committal way to spend a few hours with some pups!

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  5. I like that you're always matchy-matchy with the furry baby whenever you guys attend events. Cute!!!

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    1. Haha thank you!! Apparently it's becoming our signature, which I am totally ok with :)

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  6. How fun, I've always wanted to try this!

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  7. This is so cute! Looks like you and the pup had fun!!

    www.darlingdailyblog.com

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    1. Thanks Ashliegh! Going to check out your blog now :)

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  8. This is so fun! Wish we had this in my city!

    ~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

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    1. It was so awesome!! We are definitely lucky to be New Yorkers :)

      Thanks for stopping by! Going to check out your blog now!!

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  9. that is so fun! love the coordination!

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    1. Thanks Laura!! She feels awfully cute in her outfits :)

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  10. That looks like a fun event! I wish I could find something like that around us for our Great Dane ;)

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    1. OMG I love Great Danes!! There were some big pooches there for sure, but even I took a cab since riding the subway with a pup can be...interesting :)

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  11. thanks so much! Heading over to check out your page now!

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