What is Bluegrass Pugfest?
Bluegrass Pugfest is a celebration of the Pug and social event for humans, Pugs, and non-Pug family members held on an annual basis to benefit Pug rescue organizations around the country. Attendees can browse over 50,000 square feet of vendors, silent auctions, rescue booths, and Pug competitions (costume, races, custard eating, talent, King/Queen, and more).
For those who came to love Milwaukee Pugfest, this event will be true to the traditions, while adding new and exciting components. The event was previously held in Milwaukee (Milwaukee Pugfest) for 15 consecutive years before moving to Kentucky. Over 3,200 people and 2,000 Pugs attended the event each year. Bluegrass Pugfest, Inc. is a Kentucky non-profit corporation with Federal tax exempt status under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code.
The event will provide fun and entertainment for the attendees while protecting and advancing the interest of Pug dogs by encouraging responsible Pug ownership. The event shall also raise awareness of the plight of Pugs used solely as breeding stock without concern for their welfare and assist in efforts furthering the prevention of cruelty to animals and humane education.
When & Where
Event Details
The 3rd Annual Bluegrass PugFest
TWO DAY EVENT!
When
Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 9am to 4pm
Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 9am to 4pm
Where
Kentucky Exposition Center – West Hall
937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209
Get Directions
Kentucky Exposition Center sits adjacent to the Louisville International Airport and Interstate 65 and is surrounded by many hotels for accommodations to fit any budget. See official hotel information below.
Also on the grounds of the Exposition Center – just outside the doors of the Bluegrass Pugfest is Kentucky Kingdom Amusement Park and Hurricane Bay Water Park . The riverfront city of Louisville offers much to do from world-class museums, parks and restaurants to exploring the Bourbon Trail. It is easy to turn your trip into a full-scale vacation! Learn more about What to do in Louisville.
Friendly “Smoochie-Faced” breeds such as Boston Terriers, Shih-Tzu’s, French Bulldogs, etc. are invited. Non “Smoochie-Faced” canine family members can come as well – as long as they are friendly, socialized, and well-behaved.
Pugfest is your chance to be surrounded by Pugs! Historically, the original event (Milwaukee Pug Fest, held for 15 consecutive years in Milwaukee, WI) had attendance of over 3,000 people and 2,000 Pugs!
Doors open at 8:45am and the first families EACH DAY receive a “goodie bag” filled with various merchandise provided by various manufacturers. Please limit one per family. *While supplies last.
Services onsite include educational sessions, pet photography, nail trimming, and an animal communicator.
There will be over 40,000 square feet of activities, contests, silent auctions, merchandise, rescue organizations, vendors, the famous “Pugfest Store”, and FUN!
Pugfest Rules
- All Pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations.
- No selling or advertising of dogs – violators will be banned from the event.
- All dogs must be on a FIXED-LENGTH LEASH – NO “FLEXI-LEASHES” Allowed.
- No Aggressive Dogs Allowed.
- Attendees expressly release Kentucky Exposition Center and Bluegrass Pugfest, Inc. and its Board of Directors and Volunteers from any liability related to the event, incidents, or injuries.
- Attendees agree to adhere to the rules of Bluegrass Pugfest, Inc. and those of Kentucky Exposition Center, and to adhere to the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
2024 Event Schedule – Coming January 2024
This is what we did in 2023!
Saturday
9:00 AM – Doors Open
9:30 AM – Opening Remarks
9:45 AM – Pug King/Queen, Prince/Princess, Duke/Duchess Crowning Ceremony
10:30 AM – Educational Breakout Sessions – TBA
11:30 AM – Costume Contest (Best Pug In Costume, Best Dog in Costume, Best Group/Duo, Best Handmade, Best Dog/Owner Look-A-Like, Best Costume From a Movie, Best Float/Buggy)
12:00 PM – Tunes with Trent Van Drisse (Roving Musical Entertainment)
12:30 PM – Pug Custard Eating Contest (2 Sessions, 25 per session)
1:00 PM – Blessing of the Pugs and Friends – Gail Heller, Chaplain
1:30 PM – Silent Auction Table Closes
2:00 PM – Most Photogenic Pug Winner Announced
2:30 PM – Pug Races – We even have real “starting gates” for the Pugs!
4:00 PM – Event Closes for the Day
Sunday
9:00 AM – Doors Open
9:30 AM – Opening Remarks
9:45 AM – Pug King /Queen Crowning Encore
10:30 AM – Pug Talent Contest (Best Trick, Best Catcher, Best Kisser, Best Paw Shaker, Best Tail Wagger, Best Overall Talent)
11:00 AM – Educational Breakout Sessions – TBA
11:30 AM – Pug Contests – Oldest, Youngest, Curliest Tail, Fanciest Fella/Loveliest Lady (Pugs dressed up in accessories and modeling on the red carpet)
12:00 PM – Tunes with Trent Van Drisse (Roving Musical Entertainment)
12:15 PM – Educational Breakout Session – TBA
12:30 PM -Pug Custard Eating Contest (2 Sessions, 25 per session)
1:00 PM – Blessing of the Pugs and Friends
1:30 PM – Silent Auction Table Closes
2:00 PM – Most Photogenic Pug Winner Announced
2:30 PM – Pug Races – We even have real “starting gates” for the Pugs!
4:00 PM – Event Closes – Thank you for coming and your support.