The popular day dedicated to our four-legged friends will return to its new location at Washington Township Park in Avon, Indiana, this fall for the 15th annual celebration of all things dogs and cats. Hendricks County has plenty of dog parks and dog-friendly locations to visit, but nothing compares to the Bow Wow Bash, hosted by our local animal rescue and adoption nonprofit, Misty Eyes Animal Center.
Dogs, cats and their humans are invited to what Misty Eyes calls the largest pet adoption event in Hendricks County. Plus, it’s a ton of fun with contests, games, vendors and so much more.
More than 80 vendors will offer custom collars, dog bowls, toys and perhaps some new items for our pets that might surprise you.
Grab something to eat at the many food truck options, and don’t forget to stop by the silent auction for a great deal on an awesome variety of community-donated goods.
Want Fido or Fluffy to be the Top Dog or Top Cat of 2026? Raise funds for Misty Eyes, and the winner will receive a custom photoshoot and their pets’ image all over next year’s advertising. Dexter is the one to beat. He and his owner, Diana, raised more than the dogs and more than has ever been raised in a single year to date.
Other contests begin at 3 p.m. and include Best Dressed (this is where the costumes come in), Top Talent and Best of Show, among others.
Rescue groups from across Indiana will attend the Bow Wow Bash to showcase their adorable adoptable pets.
If a dog or cat is in your future, it’s the perfect place to learn more, visit animals looking for a home, and even bring one home with you.
It’s hard to choose between an afternoon of contests and fun costumes or the annual Ball Drop. At 4:45 p.m., Hendricks Power invites guests to watch hundreds of tennis balls dropped from their bucket truck.
Purchase a tennis ball with a number on it, and when the official ball retriever brings back the lucky number, you might be the winner of a 65” Smart TV.
Organizers request a donation of $5 per person to enter the Bow Wow Bash. If you would like to give a little more, VIP tickets are available for $35.
Purchasing a special ticket includes an event T-shirt, a bandana for your dog or cat, a drawstring bag and a lunch of a hot dog, chips and a drink.
- Where: The Bow Wow Bash will be held at Washington Township Park in Avon, Indiana
- When: Noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025
- Cost: $5 per person donation or $35 VIP ticket. Kids and pets are free.
- Website
