The Pet Rock Festival
Pet Rock Fest, Inc. is thrilled to announce the 28th annual Pet Rock Festival, set to take place on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lancaster Fairgrounds. Following a successful inaugural year at this spacious, animal-friendly venue, the festival is excited to continue its tradition in its new home.
After an unforgettable 27th Pet Rock Festival last October, which attracted thousands of animal lovers to the fairgrounds--our second at this location-- it’s clear that this venue is the ideal fit for the Pet Rock mission. The Lancaster Fairgrounds, known as the “home of the Bolton Fair,” offers ample grassy spaces, shaded picnic areas, pavilions, barns, and even a dog-friendly pond—all perfect for a day of pet-centered fun, community and animal advocacy.
“After years of searching for the right location, we’re thrilled to bring Pet Rock back to Lancaster yet again,” said Charlene Arsenault, Pet Rock Fest co-founder. “This site provides the space and amenities our festival needs to thrive. We look forward to building on last year’s success and welcoming even more supporters to celebrate and promote kindness to animals.”
Pet Rock Fest is New England’s largest event dedicated to animal welfare, featuring live music, interactive activities, and more than 100 animal welfare organizations. Last year’s festival showcased a Rescue Groups and Shelters Pet Parade, engaging K9 demos, “Pups in the Air” disc dog team, vegetarian food court, pet photo contests, the ever-popular amateur dog contest, giveaways, vendors, guest appearances, speakers and more.
The event, as with the many before it, raised critical funds and awareness for animal nonprofits, helping to support rescues, shelters, and advocacy organizations across the region.
The 2026 Pet Rock Festival features returning favorites, including the aforementioned attractions and features, live performances by local bands, interactive exhibits by CMDART and the American Red Cross, animal-friendly vendors, kids’ activities, and our much-loved Pet Rock "Juno" Hero awards.
The Pet Rock Festival’s mission has always been to raise awareness and funds for animal welfare, and the Lancaster Fairgrounds allows for expansion in both programming and reach. This year, Pet Rock Fest will again partner with the VCA to continue offering free and low-cost pet services, including microchipping and rabies vaccinations.
“We’re grateful for the support from the Lancaster Fairgrounds and our sponsors, vendors, and volunteers who make Pet Rock Fest possible,” added Jeannie Hebert, Pet Rock Fest founding partner. “Their dedication helps us grow and spread awareness about animal welfare every year.”
Pet Rock Fest gives its proceeds to worthy animal related charities that support a variety of causes, from shelters to law reform to farm animal sanctuaries.
Pet Rock Fest encourages everyone passionate about animal welfare to participate, whether as attendees, volunteers, sponsors, or vendors. Those interested in contributing to the 28th annual Pet Rock Festival should contact petrockfest@gmail.com for more information.
BE A SPONSOR OR A VENDOR
SIGN UP YOUR ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATION/NONPROFT
For updates on the plans for the event, groups signed up to attend, and other official or not so official news, visit petrockfest.org or check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/petrockfest and on Twitter @Petrockfestival.
Are you a performer? Looking to volunteer? Have an attraction for the event? Want to learn more? Do not hesitate to reach out to petrockfest@gmail.com!