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

Rock Camp Music Fest

Rock Camp Music Fest

Tuesday Tales - Chantilly Regional Library

Tuesday Tales - Chantilly Regional Library

Cancelled - Sully Quilt Show and Sale

Cancelled - Sully Quilt Show and Sale

THE PICKWICK PLAYERS HOLD AUDITIONS FOR "SCROOGE, THE MUSICAL"

THE PICKWICK PLAYERS HOLD AUDITIONS FOR "SCROOGE, THE MUSICAL"

Toddlin' Twos - Chantilly Regional Library

Toddlin' Twos - Chantilly Regional Library

Toddlin' Twos - Chantilly Regional Library

Toddlin' Twos - Chantilly Regional Library

Chantilly Book Discussion Group - Chantilly Regional Library

Chantilly Book Discussion Group - Chantilly Regional Library

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

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

Circus in A Suitcase - Chantilly Regional Library

Circus in A Suitcase - Chantilly Regional Library

Science Spectacular - Chantilly Regional Library

Science Spectacular - Chantilly Regional Library

Bouncin' Babies - Chantilly Regional Library

Bouncin' Babies - Chantilly Regional Library

Mr. Skip, Music and Fun - Chantilly Regional Library

Mr. Skip, Music and Fun - Chantilly Regional Library

Monday Night Manga - Chantilly Regional Library

Monday Night Manga - Chantilly Regional Library

Stuntology - Chantilly Regional Library

Stuntology - Chantilly Regional Library

Kirstie Kelly Signature Bridal Collection Hosts Exclusive Trunk Show at Chantilly Costco

Kirstie Kelly Signature Bridal Collection Hosts Exclusive Trunk Show at Chantilly Costco

The Doctor is In - Sully Historic Site

The Doctor is In - Sully Historic Site

Dairy Days - Sully Historic Site

Dairy Days - Sully Historic Site

Civil War Encampment - Sully Historic Site

Civil War Encampment - Sully Historic Site

Civil War Encampment - Sully Historic Site

Civil War Encampment - Sully Historic Site

"Chicago"- Westfield High School

"Chicago"- Westfield High School

"Even More Really Fabulous Fairy Tales from Mother Goose" - Chantilly High School

"Even More Really Fabulous Fairy Tales from Mother Goose" - Chantilly High School

"Even More Really Fabulous Fairy Tales from Mother Goose" - Chantilly High School

"Even More Really Fabulous Fairy Tales from Mother Goose" - Chantilly High School

"Hairspray" by The Alliance Theater

"Hairspray" by The Alliance Theater

"Hairspray" by The Alliance Theater

"Hairspray" by The Alliance Theater

"Hairspray" by The Alliance Theater

"Hairspray" by The Alliance Theater

HGTV's 'Showhouse Showdown'

HGTV's 'Showhouse Showdown'

Free Sitting Fee at Clay Cafe Chantilly on Mon 7/4 - wear R/W/B!

Free Sitting Fee at Clay Cafe Chantilly on Mon 7/4 - wear R/W/B!

Dairy Days - Sully Historic Site

Dairy Days - Sully Historic Site

World War II Living History - Sully Historic Site

World War II Living History - Sully Historic Site

World War II Living History - Sully Historic Site

World War II Living History - Sully Historic Site

Half Off Studio Fee on tuesdays!

Half Off Studio Fee on tuesdays!

Summer Art Camp for Kids & Teens

Summer Art Camp for Kids & Teens

Start of Summer Celebration - Chick-Fil-A

Start of Summer Celebration - Chick-Fil-A

Star Spangled South Riding

Star Spangled South Riding

Summer Concert Series - South Riding Town Green

Summer Concert Series - South Riding Town Green

Summer Concert Series - South Riding Town Green

Summer Concert Series - South Riding Town Green

Summer Concert Series - South Riding Town Green

Summer Concert Series - South Riding Town Green

Summer Concert Series - South Riding Town Green

Summer Concert Series - South Riding Town Green

Summer Concert Series - Free Henry- South Riding Town Green