October 10, 2025:
We are devastated to announce that we’ve made the EXTREMELY hard decision to cancel Paws in the Park. While we were prepared to hold the event in the rain, the predicted high winds and flooding in the park on Sunday can’t be ignored. Just our luck that a Nor’easter (first time in 46 years) decides this Sunday is the day to hit.
Beyond our own concerns surrounding safety for event attendees, volunteers, and staff, our logistical vendors (tents, A/V, and more) were also not comfortable setting up their equipment.
We are absolutely crushed that this has happened. We were looking forward to a day of fun and community with YOU – our animal-loving friends.
We have decided to extend the deadline to bid in the Paws in the Park Silent Auction until Sunday, October 19 at 5 p.m. We encourage you to take a look and participate. All funds raised from the auction will benefit the pets and people we serve. You can find it at https://pawsintheparkva.com/silent-auction
We look forward to getting together with you all soon. Stay tuned and stay safe this weekend!
Paws in the Park Silent AuctionAlexandria’s Biggest Free Fall Festival for Animal Lovers is October 12
Paws in the Park, benefiting the AWLA, returns to Oronoco Bay Park
Alexandria, Virginia – Paws in the Park — northern Virginia’s biggest fall festival for animal lovers — is Sunday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises to be an even bigger party than previous years! This annual event celebrates northern Virginia’s love for animals and offers attendees a one-of-a-kind family and pet-friendly FREE festival featuring vendors, adoptable animals, and a variety of entertainment for kids and adults.
Along with many local artisans, nonprofits, and animal-focused businesses, Paws in the Park will host food and beverage vendors, too. Attendees can pack a picnic and also savor drinks and food from local cideries, breweries, wineries, bakeries, food trucks, and more while enjoying the day’s live music, entertainment, and shopping.
If you’ve been looking to add a furry member to your family, the 10+ animal welfare organizations and rescues in Rescue Row, sponsored by First Georgetown Securities, Inc., will have adoptable animals available for attendees to meet.
This year’s entertainment, sponsored by Alexandria Toyota, begins at 11:00 a.m. and includes repeat musical favorites like bilingual sensation 123 Andrés, and new acts and stage events like the Pet Costume Contest, sponsored by Realtor Bobby Mahoney. The costume contest is open to everyone, and pre-registration is required. Each category winner will receive a cool prize!
There’s plenty more fun to be had at both the Family Fun Tent, sponsored by St. Stephen’s St. Agnes. The Family Fun Tent will feature arts and crafts geared for kids of all ages. Stop by the Silent Auction tent and bid on unique items and experiences in our silent auction. The silent auction is available online as well, so winners will not need to be present to participate or win! Bidding will open September 12 at noon.
“At the AWLA, we celebrate the love that our community has for animals each and every day,” said Chief Executive Officer Stella Hanly, “but Paws in the Park is one of our favorite ways to connect with that community, meet a lot of amazing animals, and raise awareness and funds for Alexandria’s animals.”
The first 1,000 attendees at Paws in the Park will receive a one-of-a-kind swag bag. Paws in the Park is open to leashed, well-behaved pets of all types. Proceeds from Paws in the Park benefit the AWLA, which supports homeless animals in Alexandria, as well as pets and people throughout the community. More information about this year’s festival can be found at PawsintheParkVA.com.
Download last year’s event photos here.
Thank you to our top sponsors!
Thank you to our other sponsors! RiverFront Wealth Advisors, MetLife Pet Insurance, VCA Animal Hospitals, Veterinary Emergency Group, The Happy Cat Hotel & Spa Alexandria, Alexandria Restaurant Partners, Alexandria Pet Care, ALX Community, Concierge Home LLC, DoggyWalker.com, Fur-Get Me Not Pet Care, HRP Group, Kingstowne Cat Clinic, Matthew McCarthy with GEICO NOVA, The Virginia Florist, and United States Senate Federal Credit Union.
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About the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has been a beacon of hope for animals and the people who love them. Through adoptions, spay and neuter assistance, education, community service and outreach, the AWLA plays a key role in promoting responsible pet care across Northern Virginia. Additionally, the AWLA works with the City of Alexandria to provide animal care, control, protection and operates the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, an open-admission animal sheltering facility.
The AWLA is able to support pet families and at-risk animals thanks to the kindness of generous donors. You can learn more about the AWLA and find ways to support Alexandria’s animals at www.AlexandriaAnimals.org/Support-Us.