Dog lovers, mark your calendars. FidoFest returns to Wheeling THIS Saturday, May 16th, 2026, bringing a full day of canine-centered fun to Garden Park in Warwood from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hosted annually by Wheeling Heritage and with the help of sponsors like Dirty Paws, FidoFest has become a favorite warm-weather tradition for pet owners and families across the Ohio Valley. The event combines community, local art, rescue advocacy and plenty of tail-wagging entertainment—all centered around celebrating the bond between people and their pets.
A Community Celebration for Dogs and Their Humans
Throughout the day, visitors can explore a large vendor market featuring local makers, pet-focused businesses, food vendors and community organizations. Guests can also enjoy live demonstrations, family activities, raffles, food trucks and opportunities to meet adoptable animals from area shelters.
This year’s festival will once again include an adoption area featuring:
- Ohio County Animal Shelter
- Marshall County Animal Shelter
- Belmont County Animal Shelter
- Road Home Animal Project
Doggy Parade at 11:30 a.m.
All dogs and their humans are invited to join the celebratory lap around Garden Park. Costumes are welcome! Whether adorable, hilarious or completely over-the-top, though dressing up is entirely optional. Every participating pup will receive a special goody bag.
Expect plenty of photo-worthy moments as furry friends of every size and personality take center stage.
Demonstrations, Music and Special Guests
The festival schedule includes entertainment and demonstrations throughout the afternoon:
- Pawz in Time demo — 10:30 a.m.
- Doggy Parade — 11:30 a.m.
- Live music by Stone Campus — Noon to 3 p.m.
- Wheeling Police Department K9 demo — 1:30 p.m.
- Upper Ohio Valley Obedience demo — 2:15 p.m.
- Raffle basket winners announced — 2:45 p.m.
Families can also meet Bluey from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visit the kid zone and enjoy story times and crafts hosted by the Ohio County Public Library. There will also be an inflatable for kids to enjoy, free of charge!
Shop Local at the Vendor Market
This year’s vendor lineup includes a wide mix of artisans, pet-centric businesses, food vendors and nonprofits, including:
- 87 Coffee Co.
- B & T Creations
- Boyds Barkery
- Caricatures By Megz
- Confectionery Canvas
- David Weimer’s Typewriter Portraits
- Dunya’s
- Dupe’s Scoops
- Evelyn’s Creations
- Green’s Photography
- K9 Compass LLC
- Leona Crafts
- LexPDesigns
- Low Stress Pet Services
- Mason Dixon BBQ
- MCTV
- MERK & Co.
- Ohio County Public Library
- Pawsitive Creations
- Pawz In Time/HeartSoul Dog Training
- Potomac Concession – Mr. Squeezy’s Lemonade
- Sea Salt & Cedar
- The Friendlier City Project
- The Gringos Tacos
- The Kernel Crew
- The Moors Collective
- The Spotted Hound Accessories
- Upper Ohio Valley Obedience Training Club
- West Liberty University – Biology/Veterinary Program
- WPHS Paws for a Cause
- Yinz & Yappers
Visitors can also stop by Green’s Photography for complementary pup portraits and bring pet donations to participate in the “Stuff the Subaru!” All donations will be distributed to partnering agencies.
Supporting the Event
FidoFest 2026 is made possible through support from a wide range of local sponsors and community partners, including:
- Dirty Paws – Lead Sponsor
- MCTV
- Upper Ohio Valley Building and Construction Trades Council
- Wheeling Volkswagen-Subaru
- Hall of Frame
- K.E.Y. Animal Hospital
- Pet Supplies Plus
- Smith Oil Inc.
- Uniglobe
- Visit Wheeling
- Wheeling Veterinary Associates
- Ziegenfelder
