National Pug Festival Moves to Louisville, Set for May 14-15

The pugs are coming May 14-15.

Watch your ankles — the pugs are coming.

Specifically, Milwaukee PugFest, billed as the largest Pug event in North America, will relocate to Louisville for a two-day event May 14-15. The event began in Milwaukee and happened annually for 15 consecutive years, and in 2019, the most recent PugFest due to Covid-19, drew nearly 4,000 people (and 2,000 dogs).  Louisville is to be the event’s new permanent home. 

Now renamed Bluegrass PugFest, the event serves as a fundraiser for participating Pug Rescue organizations from across the country and Celebrates all things pug. The event is open to the public to both humans and friendly dogs/breed, and is family-friendly. For those who came to love Milwaukee PugFest, the event will remain true to the traditions, while adding new components. Attendees can browse nearly 40,000 square feet of vendors, silent auctions, educational sessions, rescue booths and Pug competitions like Costume, Pug Races, Custard Eating, Talent, King/Queen, and more. 

There’s even a PugFest Court, assembled from around the country: Queen Zoey, Nebraska; Princess Misha, Kansas; Dutchess Poundcake, Tennessee; King Gnocchi, Kentucky; Prince Hoyt, Kentucky, and Duke Elwood, Tennessee.

The Mission of Bluegrass PugFest, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is to organize and execute an annual event in celebration of the Pug dog breed; the proceeds will be used to ensure the future of the event and support participating Pug rescue organizations. Bluegrass Pug Fest, Inc. will put forth efforts to better the lives of surrendered, abandoned, sick, neglected, injured or abused Pug dogs by obtaining necessary medical treatment for them and assisting in their rescue and re-homing.

Event details, including vendor information and sponsorship opportunities, can be found at www.bluegrasspugfest.org.