It’s a dog day afternoon in Northern Virginia as the beloved Park and Bark festival returns for its fourth year on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Hosted by the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends, this free, family-friendly event invites the community to enjoy an afternoon of hot dogs, Lazy Dog, adoptable dogs, music, and plenty of family-friendly tail-wagging fun — all in support of the park.

The event will take place on the lawn outside the Walney Visitor Center (5040 Walney Road) and feature attractions for attendees and their canine companions, including:

Craft brews from Lazy Dog Restaurant
Delicious food, including gourmet sausages and dogs from Kaziville hot dog truck
Dog-themed vendors along with local crafters, makers and bakers
Adoptable dogs from A Forever Home Rescue Foundation
On-site mobile dog grooming services
Live music from Lucas Mason
Kids activities led by ECLP park staff

“Park and Bark turns the lawn into a (leashed!) dog run full of festival fun. It brings the community together – friends, family, neighbors, local vendors, and of course animal lovers, all in support of our park,” said Jennifer Grinnell, president of ECLP Friends. “Come, sit and stay for a while with your dog, while raising awareness and support for environmental education and park programs.”

The Walney Visitor Center will also be open for event-goers to explore throughout the day. Set in a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse and surrounding grounds, visitors can discover the natural and cultural history of this 650-acre park, view live reptiles and amphibians, enjoy hands-on activities for children and explore preserved historic structures.

Free parking for Park and Bark is available at the Visitor Center, with additional parking and walking access from Walney Pond and The Woodlands Stewardship Education Center via marked park trails. Attendees are encouraged to walk to the event when possible — something their dogs will surely appreciate.

The Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the park through programs, events, fundraising, and community engagement. Signature initiatives include Park & Bark, ParktoberFest, and the Friends Field Trip Scholarship Program, which expands access to outdoor learning experiences for local students. Learn more, volunteer and donate at eclpfriends.org.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Fairfax Ballet Holiday Performance and Party

Fairfax Ballet Holiday Performance and Party

Community Christmas Concert - Ox Hill Baptist Church

Community Christmas Concert - Ox Hill Baptist Church

Community Christmas Concert - Ox Hill Baptist Church

Community Christmas Concert - Ox Hill Baptist Church

The Magic of a Book with Magician Mike Rose - Chantilly Regional Library

The Magic of a Book with Magician Mike Rose - Chantilly Regional Library

Bouncin' Babes - Chantilly Regional Library

Bouncin' Babes - Chantilly Regional Library

Bouncin' Babes - Chantilly Regional Library

Bouncin' Babes - Chantilly Regional Library

Mysterious Monday - Chantilly Regional Library

Mysterious Monday - Chantilly Regional Library

Number One Budds: 1st Grade Reading Buddies - Chantilly Regional Library

Number One Budds: 1st Grade Reading Buddies - Chantilly Regional Library

Kinder Budds: Book Buddies for Kindergarten Students - Chantilly Regional Library

Kinder Budds: Book Buddies for Kindergarten Students - Chantilly Regional Library

Toddlin' Twos - Chantilly Regional Library

Toddlin' Twos - Chantilly Regional Library

Toddlin Twos - Chantilly Regional Library

Toddlin Twos - Chantilly Regional Library

Guys Read - Chantilly Regional Library

Guys Read - Chantilly Regional Library

Tuesday Tales - Chantilly Regional Library

Tuesday Tales - Chantilly Regional Library

Story Time for 3 to 5's - Chantilly Regional Library

Story Time for 3 to 5's - Chantilly Regional Library

Girls Book World - Chantilly Regional Library

Girls Book World - Chantilly Regional Library

Benefit Fine Art Dog Photo Event -- Manassas Dogtopia

Benefit Fine Art Dog Photo Event -- Manassas Dogtopia

Christmas Cantata

Christmas Cantata

Holiday Play-In-A-Day Camps at Theaterpalooza

Holiday Play-In-A-Day Camps at Theaterpalooza

Freedom's Got Talent

Freedom's Got Talent

The Nutcracker, Movements for MS

The Nutcracker, Movements for MS

The Nutcracker, Movements for MS

The Nutcracker, Movements for MS

Holiday Concert - IONA - Sully Historic Site

Holiday Concert - IONA - Sully Historic Site

Holiday Concert - IONA - Sully Historic Site

Holiday Concert - IONA - Sully Historic Site

Colonial Flower Workshop - Sully Historic Site

Colonial Flower Workshop - Sully Historic Site

Holiday Treats for Sully Critters - Sully Historic Site

Holiday Treats for Sully Critters - Sully Historic Site

Candlelight Tours - Sully Historic Site

Candlelight Tours - Sully Historic Site

Junior Naturalist - Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Walney Visitors Center

Junior Naturalist - Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Walney Visitors Center

Holidays at Walney - Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Holidays at Walney - Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Kids Korner - Walney Visitors Center, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Kids Korner - Walney Visitors Center, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Kids Korner - Walney Visitors Center, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Kids Korner - Walney Visitors Center, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Kids Korner - Walney Visitors Center, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Kids Korner - Walney Visitors Center, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Winter Wonder Campfire - Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Winter Wonder Campfire - Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Tiny Tots Holiday Concert - Chantilly High School

Tiny Tots Holiday Concert - Chantilly High School

Tiny Tots Holiday Concert - Chantilly High School

Tiny Tots Holiday Concert - Chantilly High School

Tiny Tots Holiday Concert - Chantilly High School

Tiny Tots Holiday Concert - Chantilly High School

Tiny Tots Holiday Concert - Chantilly High School

Tiny Tots Holiday Concert - Chantilly High School

"Kickin Back" Friday

"Kickin Back" Friday

Classical Ballet Theatre Presents--The Nutcracker

Classical Ballet Theatre Presents--The Nutcracker

New woman's "Pop Up" Boutique in South Riding!!