Woof Fest: Paws for Pride 2025
Celebrate Pride – a celebration for ALL – including your pets! Bring your pup to Manhattan West for a colorful afternoon of fabulous family-friendly performances, activities, and treats.
A Celebration of Pride, Pups, and Pure Joy!
Manhattan West Woof Fest is a vibrant, tail-wagging celebration where a love of dogs meets a love of community. Everyone (two-legged and four-legged alike) are invited to express their true colors and strut their stuff with pride. Festive attire for you and your furry friend is encouraged.
The event is free and open to the public. Admission is based on available space and all attendees must read and SIGN THE WAIVER (1 per person) to enter.Complete in advance and receive a free giveaway upon check-in, while supplies last.
SIGNATURE EVENT (1:30PM):
+ “Walk of Pride“ Catwalk Contest: It’s time to dress to impress! You and your dog can strut down the catwalk and show off your unique style and pride for a chance to win prizes including Manhattan West gift cards and fun swag. Big, small, or just plain fabulous — all pups and humans are welcome!
Judges:
- Beloved drag artist and activist Marti Cummings
- The fabulous Ms. Parasite
- Candy, founder of popular dog sites @dogsofnyc and @ahistoryofdogs
Prizes (first place and runner-up) will be awarded in two categories:
- Most Pride: Dog
- Most Pride: Prideful Pair (Dog & Human)
MAINSTAGE PROGRAMMING (12-3PM):
+ Host: Comedian Jaye McBride brings her sharp wit, big heart, and deep love of dogs, and will keep you laughing all day long as she emcees the festivities.
+ Drag Performance: Beloved drag artist and activist Marti Cummings brings charisma, charm, and dazzling performances to the stage. Expect camp, comedy, and a whole lot of sparkle as Marti lights up Woof Fest with their signature style.
+ Drag Queen Doggie Tales: Gather ‘round for Storytime with the fabulous Ms. Parasite! She’ll read and share a heartwarming and delightful story that celebrates dogs, kids, and reading!
+ Dog Training Tips & Tales: Learn fun tricks and helpful training tips from professional dog trainer Eric Vissichelli, who will share expert advice, amusing anecdotes, and creative ways to bond with your pup.
+ Soundtrack for the afternoon by Softee (they/them), a DJ, pop star, and actor based in Brooklyn.
ACTIVITIES ON THE PLAZA (12-3PM):
+ Give back with Pride! Gather at the Ali Forney Center tent on the plaza to learn more about their services for LGBTQ youth. While you are there, pack a snack bag for a teen in need. Fill a colorful lunch bag with healthy treats to eat on the go. We’ll provide all the supplies – you provide the love. All bags will be donated to the Ali Forney Center at the end of the event.
+ Arts & Crafts – Mask-Making & Origami: Get creative! Make a mask of your favorite pup and decorate it with all the colors of Pride. And use origami paper techniques to create an adorable four-legged friend. Perfect for kids and kids-at-heart.
+ Temporary Tattoos – Pride! Dogs! Select a festive Woof Fest-themed temporary tattoo to apply and show off during the event.
+ Pup-a-razzi Photo Op: Capture that Instagrammable moment on your phone as you and your pup step into the spotlight! Play alongside a variety of fabulous icons with our classic boardwalk-style “face in the hole” photo ops — featuring characters like RuPaul, Dorothy & Toto, and more.
+ Treats: What dog doesn’t love treats? All treats are free, while supplies last — because every good dog deserves a reward.
Everyone is welcome to Woof Fest — big tails, small tails, wagging tails, and rainbow tails! Come celebrate love, community, and our best furry friends. We’ll see you there!
Please see the EVENT LISTING for more details!