Leesburg Pet Festival To Include Pet Talent Contest

LEESBURG, VA — Village at Leesburg will hold its annual Pet Festival on May 2 from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring rescue groups, a ball pit for dogs, and a pet talent contest.

The event takes place on the Village at Leesburg plaza (in front of 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE). Well-mannered pets on leashes are not only welcome but encouraged.

Enjoy a day full of pet exhibitors, rescue adoption organizations, lure coursing, a DJ, balloon artist, caricature artists, strolling entertainer on stilts, a ball pit for dogs and more.

The Leesburg’s Got Talent Pet Edition will take place on the main stage from 3 to 4 p.m., sponsored by Wiggle Butt and Whiskers. Participation is free and features three levels of competition (novice, intermediate and advanced) and an opportunity for your pet to show off his/her tricks.

The criteria for the levels is as follows: novice (30 seconds) sit, stay, down — basic commands; intermediate (30 seconds) — mid-level training with more than just basic commands and advanced (60 seconds) — fully trained, service dogs, etc.

To participate, stop by the Village at Leesburg tent by 2:30 p.m. the day of Pet Festival and collect your number to enter.

“Our Pet Festival continues to grow annually,” said Shelby Lofton, marketing manager with Rappaport, the company that oversees the center. “The festival has become a signature event for Village at Leesburg that allows us to showcase our pet and family-friendly center while also finding forever homes for local furry friends in need.”

Organizers are still accepting applications for pet vendors, non-profit pet organizations and event sponsors. Anyone interested in participating in the Pet Festival should contact Shelby Lofton at slofton@rappaportco.com.

Registration for all applicants closes on April 10. A full list of participants will be listed on the website: https://www.villageatleesburg.com/events/2026-pet-festival/.

Animal rescue organizations signed up to date include Bobbie’s Pit Bull Rescue, CHAAMP Friends of OSO, Homeward Trails Animal Rescue and K-9 Lifesavers with vendors Furever K9, Pawsitivity Pet Services and The Tashi Chronicles. More are expected in the coming weeks.

“This is a great event for those looking for a new pet, there are a lot of rescues where attendees can see a variety of animals available for adoption all in one location,” Lofton added.

For more information on Village at Leesburg, go to www.VillageatLeesburg.com.