Join us for our 3rd Annual Bark Bash!
Calgo Gardens
462 Adelphia Rd Freehold, NJ
October 25
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Free to attend
Vendor & activity fees may apply
Packed With Pet & Family Fun!
- Gift Auction
- Kids Crafts
- Food Trucks
- Halloween Fun
- Professional Portraits
- Costume Contest
- Adoptable Dogs
- Vendors
- Live Musics
- & More!
It’s the ultimate Halloween celebration for pets and their people—filled with adoptable animals, live music, food trucks, local vendors, kids crafts, and plenty of tail-wagging fun. Come in costume (yes, your dog too!), enjoy fall festivities, and help support the lifesaving work of the Associated Humane Societies and Popcorn Park Animal Refuge. Friendly, leashed pets are welcome. Grab your treat bag and join the pack for a spooky good time!
About Bark Bash
Bark Bash is our annual fall festival that combines everything you love about the season with a celebration of animals and community. Now in its 3rd year, the event has quickly become a favorite for families, pet lovers, and supporters across New Jersey.
Come enjoy a full day of festive fun at Calgo Gardens in Freehold — complete with adoptable pets, a one-of-a-kind gift auction, delicious food trucks, live entertainment, and shopping with local vendors. Of course, no Bark Bash would be complete without plenty of tail-wagging costumes, contests, and Halloween fun for all ages.
At Bark Bash, every moment supports the lifesaving mission of the Associated Humane Societies and Popcorn Park Animal Refuge. By attending, you’re not only treating yourself to a spooktacular day, you’re helping provide care, safety, and second chances to thousands of animals across New Jersey.
What is there to do at Bark Bash?
There’s something for everyone at Bark Bash! Enjoy live music, professional pet portraits, local vendors, a gift auction, and plenty of activities for kids and families. Meet animal ambassadors from Popcorn Park Animal Refuge and our Education Team while learning about New Jersey’s native wildlife. Don’t miss the fan-favorite pet costume contest and other festive surprises throughout the day. Check out our full Schedule of Events below to plan your visit — and don’t forget to pre-register and purchase activity tickets in advance to save!
Bark Bash is free to attend
Donations will be accepted at the door. All proceeds benefit the thousands of animals that enter our care each year. Vendors and additional craft and photography stations are pay-as-you-go.
Bringing your dog?
- All dogs must be up to date on vaccines
- All dogs must be spayed/neutered
- NO retractable leashes are permitted
Pre-Register & Sign Up for Activities!
Register For Pet Portraits
From 10am – 2pm, we will be offering a limited number of individual fall-themed pet portrait sessions with renowned local photographer, Victor Bubadias! Victor will be set up at some scenic spots at Calgo Gardens to snap some beautiful portraits of you and your pet. Register today to reserve your spot! Portraits are $20 if pre-purchased online and $25 if purchased at the event.
You MUST be registered and in line by 1pm to get a photo. The photo sessions will end at 2pm.
Gift Auction Tickets
From 10am – 4pm, our Gift Auction will be running throughout the day at Calgo Gardens! Browse dozens of prizes with a range of values, including small treats and top-level prizes. Try your luck at winning something special! Pre-purchase your tickets online to save, or buy them at the event. Know that every ticket supports the animals in our care.
Winners will be drawn at 3:30pm, so stick around to see if you’re one of our lucky winners while enjoying all the Bark Bash festivities!
Festive Fun & Competitions
Our fan-favorite Costume Contest is back for another year, and this time, it’s paired with the Pup Cup Dash, our fun whipped cream eating challenge! Contests start at 1:00 PM. Your pup will strut their stuff in a parade around the grounds while our judges pick 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Then it’s time for the Pup Cup Dash — the first dog to finish their treat wins!
Bring your camera, cheer for your favorites, and join in the laughter and fun that makes this one of Bark Bash’s most memorable events.
Have a Small Business? Become a Vendor!
Tabled Vendors, Food Trucks, Everyone is Welcome!
- Vendors are subject to Fire Marshal Inspection & Health Inspection
- Space is limited! Email Events@ahsppz.org with any questions
- Register with the link below!
Event Sponsors
Happy Tails Sponsors
Happy Tails Sponsors
Want to sponsor Bark Bash?
We offer a variety of sponsorship levels to fit your goals and budget—all designed to give your business great exposure while supporting a great cause. It’s a chance to do good, get noticed, and be part of a feel-good, pet-friendly event the whole community loves!
