Events Calendar
Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Bark your calendars for the last Doggie-Date-Night of the season! Thanks to our friends at Noble Dog Hotel, Saturday, April 1st you can bring your four legged pooch to the Swamp Rabbits Game for a fun night of hockey!
PART 1: PLAY A GAME!
Hosted by Bruce, LAST FAN STANDING is not your father’s trivia contest. As the only interactive game show created exclusively for fans of pop culture, LAST FAN STANDING tests your knowledge about the things that really matter: Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi, Superheroes, Gaming.
Everyone in the audience gets to play. Fans answering the most questions correct in the fastest amount of time will come up on stage with Bruce for the FINAL FACE-OFF and one player will be crowned Last Fan Standing!
PART 2: WATCH A GROOVY BRUCE MOVIE!
Bruce will introduce a cult favorite he’s been in and take questions before the screening. It’s a lively half hour of anecdotes, insults and random cash giveaways.
Let the good times roll at BRUCE-O-RAMA!
Join us for a PAW-some day at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate! From 10-noon, six pups will be stationed throughout every floor of the museum. Our furry friends will also help lead Story Time at 10:30 and 11:30, located in the Dream Theater. This event is free for TCMU members. Advanced tickets recommended.
The Mutts are back on Main Street!
Join us Saturday, April 29th at 8:30 AM for the Papa Johns Mutt Strut presented by Heartgard, Nexgard, Frontline Gold, benefiting the Greenville Humane Society! Participants will enjoy a 2-mile walk/run through beautiful Downtown Greenville. Following immediately after, the Mutt Market festival and after pawty will take place on South Main Street!
The streets will be lined with entertainment including live music, free pizza from Papa Johns, caricature artists, face painters and sponsor tents with plenty of awesome giveaways! Participants over the age of 6 will also receive
Race Registration Fees
Registration Closes Friday, 4/28/22, at 6:30PM
There will be no walk-up registration the morning of the event.
Register between January 9, 2023 and January 31, 2023: $30/person
Register between February 1, 2023 and February 28, 2023: $35/person
Register between March 1, 2023 and April 28, 2023: $40/person
Teams (4 person minimum): Team registration includes a t-shirt and ends April 25th at midnight. There will be no team registrations accepted after this date.
Children: Registration is FREE for children 6 and under. T-shirts are not included but can be purchased for $15 plus tax at the race and online during registration. (Sizes are not guaranteed.) Children between the ages of 7 – 12 are $20/per person with a t-shirt included in the registration price.
Senior Citizens: Adults ages 65 and up are $20/per person with a t-shirt included in the registration price.
a swag bag filled with goodies and a race t-shirt.
The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial during the Memorial Day weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023. The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena in Fletcher from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday and 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Monday. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.
Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty, against each other and the clock. There will be approximately 70 AKC-registered breeds competing.
Agility is a competitive team sport that involves a handler and his or her dog. The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. The agility course is comprised of jumps; weave poles, tunnels and climbing apparatuses. Agility rules focus on safety for the dog. The sport of agility combines control, training and drive into a challenging game for both the handler and the dog. Agility training heightens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun exercise for both. Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the USA.
The FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) class will be offered Friday through Sunday. The FAST class is an additional test of strategy, accuracy, speed, timing and distance handling, to demonstrate a dog’s athletic ability. The distance challenge must be completed correctly for a qualifying run; it can be attempted anytime during the run.
Time 2 Beat (T2B) will be offered each day. Each dog has the chance to set the “Time to Beat” for each jump height. This class is the most interactive class with the most accurate and fastest dog setting the pace. Dogs from the novice, open and excellent classes compete against each other on the same course.
AKC’s exciting Premier classes will be offered all four days. Premier courses are designed to challenge dogs and their handlers at an increased skill and speed level. The courses are set above the Master class with varied approach angles, spacing and discrimination obstacles.
The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884 and is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization devoted to the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs.
The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial during the Memorial Day weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023. The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena in Fletcher from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday and 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Monday. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.
Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty, against each other and the clock. There will be approximately 70 AKC-registered breeds competing.
Agility is a competitive team sport that involves a handler and his or her dog. The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. The agility course is comprised of jumps; weave poles, tunnels and climbing apparatuses. Agility rules focus on safety for the dog. The sport of agility combines control, training and drive into a challenging game for both the handler and the dog. Agility training heightens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun exercise for both. Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the USA.
The FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) class will be offered Friday through Sunday. The FAST class is an additional test of strategy, accuracy, speed, timing and distance handling, to demonstrate a dog’s athletic ability. The distance challenge must be completed correctly for a qualifying run; it can be attempted anytime during the run.
Time 2 Beat (T2B) will be offered each day. Each dog has the chance to set the “Time to Beat” for each jump height. This class is the most interactive class with the most accurate and fastest dog setting the pace. Dogs from the novice, open and excellent classes compete against each other on the same course.
AKC’s exciting Premier classes will be offered all four days. Premier courses are designed to challenge dogs and their handlers at an increased skill and speed level. The courses are set above the Master class with varied approach angles, spacing and discrimination obstacles.
The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884 and is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization devoted to the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs.
The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial during the Memorial Day weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023. The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena in Fletcher from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday and 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Monday. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.
Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty, against each other and the clock. There will be approximately 70 AKC-registered breeds competing.
Agility is a competitive team sport that involves a handler and his or her dog. The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. The agility course is comprised of jumps; weave poles, tunnels and climbing apparatuses. Agility rules focus on safety for the dog. The sport of agility combines control, training and drive into a challenging game for both the handler and the dog. Agility training heightens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun exercise for both. Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the USA.
The FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) class will be offered Friday through Sunday. The FAST class is an additional test of strategy, accuracy, speed, timing and distance handling, to demonstrate a dog’s athletic ability. The distance challenge must be completed correctly for a qualifying run; it can be attempted anytime during the run.
Time 2 Beat (T2B) will be offered each day. Each dog has the chance to set the “Time to Beat” for each jump height. This class is the most interactive class with the most accurate and fastest dog setting the pace. Dogs from the novice, open and excellent classes compete against each other on the same course.
AKC’s exciting Premier classes will be offered all four days. Premier courses are designed to challenge dogs and their handlers at an increased skill and speed level. The courses are set above the Master class with varied approach angles, spacing and discrimination obstacles.
The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884 and is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization devoted to the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs.
The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial during the Memorial Day weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023. The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena in Fletcher from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Friday-Sunday and 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Monday. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.
Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty, against each other and the clock. There will be approximately 70 AKC-registered breeds competing.
Agility is a competitive team sport that involves a handler and his or her dog. The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. The agility course is comprised of jumps; weave poles, tunnels and climbing apparatuses. Agility rules focus on safety for the dog. The sport of agility combines control, training and drive into a challenging game for both the handler and the dog. Agility training heightens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun exercise for both. Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the USA.
The FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) class will be offered Friday through Sunday. The FAST class is an additional test of strategy, accuracy, speed, timing and distance handling, to demonstrate a dog’s athletic ability. The distance challenge must be completed correctly for a qualifying run; it can be attempted anytime during the run.
Time 2 Beat (T2B) will be offered each day. Each dog has the chance to set the “Time to Beat” for each jump height. This class is the most interactive class with the most accurate and fastest dog setting the pace. Dogs from the novice, open and excellent classes compete against each other on the same course.
AKC’s exciting Premier classes will be offered all four days. Premier courses are designed to challenge dogs and their handlers at an increased skill and speed level. The courses are set above the Master class with varied approach angles, spacing and discrimination obstacles.
The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884 and is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization devoted to the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs.
Pet parents and animal lovers come together to learn about each other, brag about their fur babies and find ways to support one another in business, rescue and advocacy
Come out to New Groove and enjoy dinner and beer – then test your mental mettle with Fischer’s Trivia Extravaganza! General trivia with a Stupid Hard Question. Weekly Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd – Quarterly Tournaments with Overall Winners and a Booby Prize for the frequent flier non-winner. 🍻 Make your Wednesday plan for Trivia with Fischer at New Groove in Boiling Springs, SC
– Woofie’s of SE Greenville is now open, serving the needs of SE Greenville pet owners with a variety of customized, premium mobile pet care services for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and more.
Woofie’s of SE Greenville is celebrating its grand opening at the Hampton Station’s Birds Fly South Ale Project, and Biergarten Greenville Music & Vendor event on Saturday, July 22 from 2 – 6 p.m. Woofie’s of SE Greenville will be giving complimentary wash-and-go baths and nail trimming for dogs, and giving out free swag and raffle prizes for pet owners and pet groomers alike. Attendees will be treated to a live band and goods from community vendors such as Hannah Chloe Company, a clothing brand for pets and their pawrents, and baked goods from Sweet Treats for Wet Noses, The Farmer’s Dog swag and more.
Woofie’s of SE Greenville services include:
- Mobile pet spa for a luxurious experience for pets and their people
- Dog walking
- Overnight pet sitting
- Pet transport and taxi
- Wedding and event packages
- All staff members are highly trained and CPR certified
Woofie’s of SE Greenville, providing pet sitting, dog walking, a mobile pet spa, and more to pamper pets throughout the Southeast Greenville, South Carolina area, is holding its Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 2-6 p.m. at Hampton Station’s, Birds Fly South Ale Project, and Biergarten Music & Vendor Event at 1320 Hampton Ave Ext in Greenville. Furry pets and their people are invited to attend as Woofie’s guests.
Join Woofie’s of SE Greenville for food, craft beer (sold by Birds Fly South Ale Project), live bands and community vendors such as Hannah Chloe Company, a clothing brand for pets and their pawrents, and Sweet Treats for Wet Noses, samples from The Farmer’s Dog and more. Woofie’s of SE Greenville will be giving complimentary wash-and-go baths and nail trimming for dogs, and giving out free swag and raffle prizes for pet owners and pet groomers alike.
WHAT: Woofie’s of SE Greenville Grand Opening Celebration. Woofie’s provides dependable pet sitting, dog walking, a pup-pampering mobile spa, and specialty products to keep SE Greenville pets healthy, happy, and safe.
WHEN: Saturday, July 22 from 2-6 p.m.
WHERE: Hampton Station, Greenville, at 1320 Hampton Ave Ext Greenville, SC 29601
WHO: Woofie’s of SE Greenville, is a franchise, owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Eric and Cameron McEntire, both University of South Carolina graduates and residents of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Cameron’s father Dr. Eric Smith, a retired dentist. The McEntire family also includes Eric and Cameron’s 2-year-old daughter Eddie; infant son Jude; and German Shephard/Husky rescue, Finn.
Learn more here or call (864) 202-6933 to book an appointment.
Woofie’s is part of Authority Brands. For more information, visit www.woofies.com and www.authoritybrands.com.
The Public Is Welcome to Attend Our Dog Shows
The dog shows are free to the public each day. It’s a wonderful and inexpensive way to entertain the whole family.
The shows are held each day, Thursday through Sunday, July 27 – 30, 2023. Each day is a separate show, so you can attend any day and see a complete show.
These shows are among the largest on the east coast with an average entry of about 2,000 dogs each day. The dogs hail from over 40 states from California to New England, along with a scattering of dogs from foreign countries. They include popular breeds, such as the Golden Retriever with an entry of nearly 100 dogs, to the Xoloitzcuintli, the Mexican National Breed. With over 150 breeds represented, there will many breeds that you are familiar with, but many more that you have probably never heard of nor seen.
There are 2 events that are fun to watch. The “Conformation” show is about how the dog looks, and the “Junior Showmanship” is for children from 8 to 17 who compete to demonstrate their dog-handling skills.
How to Watch the Show
Breeds are judged at different times in different rings every day. To get the most from the show it’s best to “know before you go.” If you are interested in certain breeds, you should check the schedule for the day you plan to attend. The complete judging program will tell you how many of that breed are competing and at what time and in which ring.
Available around July 19th:
DAILY RING SCHEDULE
COMPLETE JUDGING PROGRAM
If you are interested in seeing the most breeds in the shortest time, it’s best to attend the group judging, where you will see the Best-of-Breed winner of each breed in that group. Judging of a group takes about 20 minutes, seeing all the breeds will take a little over 2 hours. The schedule will also show you when group judging begins and the order of group judging.
Immediately following group judging will be Best-In-Show judging.
How a Dog Show Works
Each breed has a written standard that describes exactly how the dog should look and behave. It goes into great detail as to how the dog looks. The judge evaluates how closely the dog “conforms” to the standard, hence the name “Conformation.”
Each breed is judged separately. There are several classes for each sex. Males are judged first. After all the classes are judged the 1st place winners of all the classes are compete against each other. The judge’s selection for the best male is awarded the Winners ribbon and receives championship points.
After the males are shown, the females compete in exactly the same procedure.
Following the female judging, the champions plus the male and female that won championship points compete for Best-Of-Breed. Later in the day, the Best-Of-Breed winner competes against the other Best-Of-Breed winners in his group for Best-In-Group. There are seven groups, sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding.
The Best-in-Group dog moves up to compete for the ultimate prize … Best-In-Show.
Junior Showmanship
Junior Showmanship competition is to encourage children to learn how to handle show dogs. It provides an opportunity for the kids to compete against each other to see how well they are progressing. The classes are divided by age of the child. They may handle any AKC pure bred dog.
Suggestions when attending the show
- Do not bring your dog to the show. Only dogs that are entered for competition are allowed.
- Baby strollers must be approved at the club desk near the front entrance and a stroller pass will be issued. This is for the safety of the children and small dogs.
- Dogs are not for sale at the show, but you can visit with breeders to find out where you might buy a puppy of that breed and to learn some puppy raising practices to ensure a good pet.
- When approaching an exhibitor at ringside, be sure not to disturb them if they are preparing to go into the ring soon. They are concentrating on the presentation of their dog to the judge and shouldn’t be distracted by long conversations. It’s best just to ask if you can speak with an exhibitor. Most are happy to talk to you after the competition.
- Please ask before petting a dog.
- Be sure to instruct your children to respect the dogs and ask for permission to pet them.
The Public Is Welcome to Attend Our Dog Shows
The dog shows are free to the public each day. It’s a wonderful and inexpensive way to entertain the whole family.
The shows are held each day, Thursday through Sunday, July 27 – 30, 2023. Each day is a separate show, so you can attend any day and see a complete show.
These shows are among the largest on the east coast with an average entry of about 2,000 dogs each day. The dogs hail from over 40 states from California to New England, along with a scattering of dogs from foreign countries. They include popular breeds, such as the Golden Retriever with an entry of nearly 100 dogs, to the Xoloitzcuintli, the Mexican National Breed. With over 150 breeds represented, there will many breeds that you are familiar with, but many more that you have probably never heard of nor seen.
There are 2 events that are fun to watch. The “Conformation” show is about how the dog looks, and the “Junior Showmanship” is for children from 8 to 17 who compete to demonstrate their dog-handling skills.
How to Watch the Show
Breeds are judged at different times in different rings every day. To get the most from the show it’s best to “know before you go.” If you are interested in certain breeds, you should check the schedule for the day you plan to attend. The complete judging program will tell you how many of that breed are competing and at what time and in which ring.
Available around July 19th:
DAILY RING SCHEDULE
COMPLETE JUDGING PROGRAM
If you are interested in seeing the most breeds in the shortest time, it’s best to attend the group judging, where you will see the Best-of-Breed winner of each breed in that group. Judging of a group takes about 20 minutes, seeing all the breeds will take a little over 2 hours. The schedule will also show you when group judging begins and the order of group judging.
Immediately following group judging will be Best-In-Show judging.
How a Dog Show Works
Each breed has a written standard that describes exactly how the dog should look and behave. It goes into great detail as to how the dog looks. The judge evaluates how closely the dog “conforms” to the standard, hence the name “Conformation.”
Each breed is judged separately. There are several classes for each sex. Males are judged first. After all the classes are judged the 1st place winners of all the classes are compete against each other. The judge’s selection for the best male is awarded the Winners ribbon and receives championship points.
After the males are shown, the females compete in exactly the same procedure.
Following the female judging, the champions plus the male and female that won championship points compete for Best-Of-Breed. Later in the day, the Best-Of-Breed winner competes against the other Best-Of-Breed winners in his group for Best-In-Group. There are seven groups, sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding.
The Best-in-Group dog moves up to compete for the ultimate prize … Best-In-Show.
Junior Showmanship
Junior Showmanship competition is to encourage children to learn how to handle show dogs. It provides an opportunity for the kids to compete against each other to see how well they are progressing. The classes are divided by age of the child. They may handle any AKC pure bred dog.
Suggestions when attending the show
- Do not bring your dog to the show. Only dogs that are entered for competition are allowed.
- Baby strollers must be approved at the club desk near the front entrance and a stroller pass will be issued. This is for the safety of the children and small dogs.
- Dogs are not for sale at the show, but you can visit with breeders to find out where you might buy a puppy of that breed and to learn some puppy raising practices to ensure a good pet.
- When approaching an exhibitor at ringside, be sure not to disturb them if they are preparing to go into the ring soon. They are concentrating on the presentation of their dog to the judge and shouldn’t be distracted by long conversations. It’s best just to ask if you can speak with an exhibitor. Most are happy to talk to you after the competition.
- Please ask before petting a dog.
- Be sure to instruct your children to respect the dogs and ask for permission to pet them.
The Public Is Welcome to Attend Our Dog Shows
The dog shows are free to the public each day. It’s a wonderful and inexpensive way to entertain the whole family.
The shows are held each day, Thursday through Sunday, July 27 – 30, 2023. Each day is a separate show, so you can attend any day and see a complete show.
These shows are among the largest on the east coast with an average entry of about 2,000 dogs each day. The dogs hail from over 40 states from California to New England, along with a scattering of dogs from foreign countries. They include popular breeds, such as the Golden Retriever with an entry of nearly 100 dogs, to the Xoloitzcuintli, the Mexican National Breed. With over 150 breeds represented, there will many breeds that you are familiar with, but many more that you have probably never heard of nor seen.
There are 2 events that are fun to watch. The “Conformation” show is about how the dog looks, and the “Junior Showmanship” is for children from 8 to 17 who compete to demonstrate their dog-handling skills.
How to Watch the Show
Breeds are judged at different times in different rings every day. To get the most from the show it’s best to “know before you go.” If you are interested in certain breeds, you should check the schedule for the day you plan to attend. The complete judging program will tell you how many of that breed are competing and at what time and in which ring.
Available around July 19th:
DAILY RING SCHEDULE
COMPLETE JUDGING PROGRAM
If you are interested in seeing the most breeds in the shortest time, it’s best to attend the group judging, where you will see the Best-of-Breed winner of each breed in that group. Judging of a group takes about 20 minutes, seeing all the breeds will take a little over 2 hours. The schedule will also show you when group judging begins and the order of group judging.
Immediately following group judging will be Best-In-Show judging.
How a Dog Show Works
Each breed has a written standard that describes exactly how the dog should look and behave. It goes into great detail as to how the dog looks. The judge evaluates how closely the dog “conforms” to the standard, hence the name “Conformation.”
Each breed is judged separately. There are several classes for each sex. Males are judged first. After all the classes are judged the 1st place winners of all the classes are compete against each other. The judge’s selection for the best male is awarded the Winners ribbon and receives championship points.
After the males are shown, the females compete in exactly the same procedure.
Following the female judging, the champions plus the male and female that won championship points compete for Best-Of-Breed. Later in the day, the Best-Of-Breed winner competes against the other Best-Of-Breed winners in his group for Best-In-Group. There are seven groups, sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding.
The Best-in-Group dog moves up to compete for the ultimate prize … Best-In-Show.
Junior Showmanship
Junior Showmanship competition is to encourage children to learn how to handle show dogs. It provides an opportunity for the kids to compete against each other to see how well they are progressing. The classes are divided by age of the child. They may handle any AKC pure bred dog.
Suggestions when attending the show
- Do not bring your dog to the show. Only dogs that are entered for competition are allowed.
- Baby strollers must be approved at the club desk near the front entrance and a stroller pass will be issued. This is for the safety of the children and small dogs.
- Dogs are not for sale at the show, but you can visit with breeders to find out where you might buy a puppy of that breed and to learn some puppy raising practices to ensure a good pet.
- When approaching an exhibitor at ringside, be sure not to disturb them if they are preparing to go into the ring soon. They are concentrating on the presentation of their dog to the judge and shouldn’t be distracted by long conversations. It’s best just to ask if you can speak with an exhibitor. Most are happy to talk to you after the competition.
- Please ask before petting a dog.
- Be sure to instruct your children to respect the dogs and ask for permission to pet them.
Harry Potter Trivia Night
The Public Is Welcome to Attend Our Dog Shows
The dog shows are free to the public each day. It’s a wonderful and inexpensive way to entertain the whole family.
The shows are held each day, Thursday through Sunday, July 27 – 30, 2023. Each day is a separate show, so you can attend any day and see a complete show.
These shows are among the largest on the east coast with an average entry of about 2,000 dogs each day. The dogs hail from over 40 states from California to New England, along with a scattering of dogs from foreign countries. They include popular breeds, such as the Golden Retriever with an entry of nearly 100 dogs, to the Xoloitzcuintli, the Mexican National Breed. With over 150 breeds represented, there will many breeds that you are familiar with, but many more that you have probably never heard of nor seen.
There are 2 events that are fun to watch. The “Conformation” show is about how the dog looks, and the “Junior Showmanship” is for children from 8 to 17 who compete to demonstrate their dog-handling skills.
How to Watch the Show
Breeds are judged at different times in different rings every day. To get the most from the show it’s best to “know before you go.” If you are interested in certain breeds, you should check the schedule for the day you plan to attend. The complete judging program will tell you how many of that breed are competing and at what time and in which ring.
Available around July 19th:
DAILY RING SCHEDULE
COMPLETE JUDGING PROGRAM
If you are interested in seeing the most breeds in the shortest time, it’s best to attend the group judging, where you will see the Best-of-Breed winner of each breed in that group. Judging of a group takes about 20 minutes, seeing all the breeds will take a little over 2 hours. The schedule will also show you when group judging begins and the order of group judging.
Immediately following group judging will be Best-In-Show judging.
How a Dog Show Works
Each breed has a written standard that describes exactly how the dog should look and behave. It goes into great detail as to how the dog looks. The judge evaluates how closely the dog “conforms” to the standard, hence the name “Conformation.”
Each breed is judged separately. There are several classes for each sex. Males are judged first. After all the classes are judged the 1st place winners of all the classes are compete against each other. The judge’s selection for the best male is awarded the Winners ribbon and receives championship points.
After the males are shown, the females compete in exactly the same procedure.
Following the female judging, the champions plus the male and female that won championship points compete for Best-Of-Breed. Later in the day, the Best-Of-Breed winner competes against the other Best-Of-Breed winners in his group for Best-In-Group. There are seven groups, sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding.
The Best-in-Group dog moves up to compete for the ultimate prize … Best-In-Show.
Junior Showmanship
Junior Showmanship competition is to encourage children to learn how to handle show dogs. It provides an opportunity for the kids to compete against each other to see how well they are progressing. The classes are divided by age of the child. They may handle any AKC pure bred dog.
Suggestions when attending the show
- Do not bring your dog to the show. Only dogs that are entered for competition are allowed.
- Baby strollers must be approved at the club desk near the front entrance and a stroller pass will be issued. This is for the safety of the children and small dogs.
- Dogs are not for sale at the show, but you can visit with breeders to find out where you might buy a puppy of that breed and to learn some puppy raising practices to ensure a good pet.
- When approaching an exhibitor at ringside, be sure not to disturb them if they are preparing to go into the ring soon. They are concentrating on the presentation of their dog to the judge and shouldn’t be distracted by long conversations. It’s best just to ask if you can speak with an exhibitor. Most are happy to talk to you after the competition.
- Please ask before petting a dog.
- Be sure to instruct your children to respect the dogs and ask for permission to pet them.
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