LANCASTER — The 26th annual Pet Rock Festival is going to take place Sunday, October 6, 2024, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, the home of the Bolton Fair.
Hosted by Pet Rock, a nonprofit organization, the festival showcases the work of animal welfare organizations throughout New England.
This year’s festival offers a wide array of attractions including: K9 demonstrations, an agility course hosted by the Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team (CMDART), and the “Pups In The Air” disc dog team.
Other attractions include the “Rescue Groups and Shelters Pet Parade,” kids’ activities, a cat photo contest, book signings, the annual Pet Rock Hero awards, speakers, an amateur dog contest, and a vegetarian food court. Attendees can also enjoy animal mascots, doggie massages, and there will be both free and low-cost microchipping and rabies shots for your pets.
“After losing our previous ‘forever homes,’ we’ve tried several other locations,” said Charlene Arsenault, Pet Rock Fest’s founding partner. “For anyone who’s attended, you know we need a lot of space, land, and parking to pull off this festival. We know we’ve said it before, but we truly believe this new location might finally be ‘the one.'”
Woman throwing frisbee to dog at prior Pet Rock Festival. (Photo Credit: Charlene Arsenault) 
Musician Ricky Duran performing at Pet Rock Festival. (Photo Credit: Charlene Arsenault) 
Dog lifted in the air during a contest at the Pet Rock Festival. (Photo Credit: Charlene Arsenault) 
People waiting for the parade to start at Pet Rock Festival. (Photo Credit: Charlene Arsenault) 
The crowd at a prior Pet Rock Festival. (Photo Credit: Charlene Arsenault) 
Woman holding a dog in a contest at Pet Rock Festival (Photo Credit: Charlene Arsenault)
In addition to the aforementioned attractions, this year’s festival will feature a doggie water park, pet photography, and numerous animal-friendly vendors. The musical lineup includes performances by the Office Party Band, Petty Larceny (a Tom Petty tribute band rebranded as PETty Larceny for the day), Vivi and Da Funk, and headliner Ricky Duran.
“It has been challenging to find a venue that fits Pet Rock Fest’s format, footprint, and mission,” added Jeannie Hebert, another founding partner. “After much searching, Charlene and I are confident we have found a home. We’re looking forward to hosting the next 25 years here!”
Anyone interested in volunteering, performing, or participating in the festival—whether as a vendor, sponsor, or animal welfare organization—should reach out to petrockfest@gmail.com. For more updates, visit Pet Rock Fest’s Facebook page or check out the official website at petrockfest.org.
Event Details:
| What: Pet Rock Fest 2024 When: Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, noon to 5 p.m. Where: Lancaster Fairgrounds (Home of the Bolton Fair), 318-7 Bridge Road, Lancaster, MA Cost: $15 adults, $5 kids 12 and under |
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