10 / 17 / 26
GREAT PUG GRUMBLE

FAQ


General Event Information

When, where and what time is the event?

The Meetup is on Saturday, October 17th at the Sherwood Forest Faire from 10am-5pm. If you must leave the venue, re-entry is not allowed.

Are tickets required and can we purchase them at the event?

The entry fee ticket is required for ALL humans attending and re-entry is not allowed. Tickets may be purchased online before the event. Limited tickets may be available at the doors, day of. This year’s tickets will be transferrable.

How much are General Admission Tickets?

  • Early Bird - $9 (available April 28th)

  • Regular Price - $14 (Available June)

  • Final Sales - $19 (Available September)

What are Bark Credits? And how will they be used?

We’ve made a big upgrade to this year’s event to make your day smoother, more fun, and packed with value. Each dog (not per ticket) will receive 8 Bark Credits at check-in — included with your entry ticket.

Bark Credits can be used to participate in many of the event’s most popular activities, so you can choose exactly what you want to do.

🐶 Use Your Bark Credits For:

  • Amateur Pug Races

  • Pup Cup Eating Contest

  • Trick Learning Classes

  • Dog Toy Run

  • Pug Wellness Spa

  • Pug Limbo

  • Pug Maze

Some activities require more credits than others based on demand and capacity (for example, races and the Toy Run). In past years, these activities cost extra ($7–$15 per dog). Now they’re included with your Bark Credits!

Will there be activities that don’t require Bark Credits?

Yes! Not everything requires credits. You’ll still have access to a full day of free experiences:

  • Pug World Records

  • Official Pug Counter

  • Off-Leash Dog Areas

  • Expert Speaker Panels

  • The Pug Parade

What time can I arrive at the event?

Parking will begin at 8:00am, with “doors” opening at 10am.

Do I have to own a Pug to attend?

Bringing a pug is encouraged, but not required. Non-pug dogs are allowed, but must be under 40lbs.

Are other dog breeds or mixes allowed to attend?

We’re trying to keep the small dog energy alive, so non-pug dogs are allowed, but must be under 40lbs. Sorry, but you’ll need to leave the big dogs at home!

Does my dog need to be on a leash during the event?

All dogs must be on leash at all times except for the off-leash area, and specific event activations. Retractable leashes are not allowed at the event. Maximum leash length is 6’.

Will there be food served at the event?

There will be a 10-15 food stalls offering a wide variety of options! We’ll list the food vendors here once they’ve been finalized.

What drinks will be available during the event?

We will have 10+ cash bars serving beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

What bathroom options will be available?

There are two indoor bathroom areas with flushing toilet located throughout the venue. There will also be port-a-potties with hand-washing stations. VIP will have private luxury trailer bathroom access.

Will there be water stations around the event?

Yes, there will be free water stations for humans. Please be sure to bring your refillable canisters! For dogs, there will also be kiddie pools full of water in the off-leash area and water troughs around the venue to keep the pups cool!

What is required of my dog in order to attend?

In order to attend the event, you must confirm that your dog(s) attending the event:

  • Are up to date on vaccinations and in good health.

  • Are friendly and socialized for large gatherings.

  • Will remain under your supervision and control at all times.

  • Will be leashed unless in a designated off-leash area.

  • Intact males must remain on leash at all times! No exceptions!

You are fully responsible for your dog(s)’ actions, including any harm caused to other attendees, dogs, or property. You must agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Event Organizers from any claims related to your dog’s behavior.


What to Bring

How can I make the most of my experience and what should I be prepared for?

Bring the essentials! Check out our packing list below:

For your dog:
Poop Bags
Water
Water bowl
Bandana (this will help with identification) :)

For you:
Have your ticket ready: Entry Fee Ticket / VIP Package / VIP Add-on Ticket
Water
Refillable bottle
Blanket
Folding chair
Shade hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

Do not bring:
Dog toys (balls, frisbees, etc)
Outside food or beverages (alcohol or otherwise)
Coolers
Glass containers
Weapons of any kind


What happens if it rains on the event day?

We will inform everyone about rescheduling if the weather forecast does not support a successful event. Our rescheduling date is 10am-5pm on Sunday, October 18th. All tickets and purchases will be transferred to the new date.

Weather & Cancellation Policy


Parking

Last year, I paid for on-site parking. What should I expect this year?

FREE Parking! This year’s venue has 6,000+ parking spots, with the furthest spot no more than a five minute walk to the event doors.

I have VIP parking pass. What should I expect?

You will arrive at the venue and show the event team member your VIP parking pass ticket. They will direct you to the front of the parking lot, where you’ll have reserved parking right outside the gates!

I will require handicapped parking. What options are there for me?

We have handicapped parking spots available. Handicapped parking requires a placard. When you arrive, let them know you require handicap parking and they’ll let you know where to go.


What should I do if my dog gets lost?

Contact an event team member immediately. Event team members have walkie-talkies and an announcement will be made over the PA system to help find your dog.

Will there be rest/shade areas for us if we are overstimulated or overheating?

There will be plenty of shade at the event, and several cool-down areas! Make sure you pay attention to your dog’s condition throughout the day to ensure they stay cool and happy.

What if there’s an emergency and someone needs medical attention?

EMS, Vet Specialists and police will be on-site if anything goes wrong. Contact your nearest event team member if you need help and we’ll radio EMS to assist you.

Rules and Safety


Dog Portraits

What should I expect from the races this year?

This year’s races will be a little different, too! We’ll have two race experiences:

  • The Pug Amateur Races: 10am-1:30pm - Available to all pug and pug mixes on a first-come first-serve basis, no advanced reservations, sign up day of using activity tickets

  • The Professional Pug Races: 2pm-5pm - Paid, advanced entry, with opportunity to win trophies, swag and a BIG cash prize!

How do I enter my dog into the races?

Amateur races

You’ll be able to sign your dog up during the event. Race spots are first-come-first-serve and will require Bark Credits. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be given a race time. It’s important that you’re on-time for your race or your spot may be given to someone else!

Professional Races

Professional races are structured for the competitive pug racers! Professional races require a paid fee to enter and offer major perks for the winners. Including: trophies, swag and a BIG cash prize!

To enter, please apply here: Professional Race Entry

I’ve entered my dog into the Pug Races. What should I expect?

The first two rounds will be heats of 6 racers. When it’s time to start the race, your dog will be released from our Pug Launch Box and *hopefully* run to you!

It’s important and required that your dog be off-leash trained with no history of aggression or reactivity. All dogs must be spayed or neutered! If you’ve entered your dog but are concerned they might not do well off-leash, please reach out to us!

How long is the race course?

The race course is around 100’ long and 15’ wide, fenced in on the sides.

What should I expect from the “Great Pug Grumble - Dog Portrait”?

There will be custom Great Pug Grumble Photobooths at the event. The photo experience is 1-3 minutes and may produce as many as 10 final images. You’re welcome to have your dog photographed by itself or with you, but we don’t offer both

If you have multiple dogs, you will need to purchase multiple appointments. If you’d like your dogs photographed together, a person will need to pose with them to hold them in place.

How will I get my photo?

We’ll email you with a gallery of images within one week of the event. The gallery will include all of the images from the photobooth, in hour blocks. Be sure to remember what time your photo was taken to make it easier to find your photos.

If it’s been longer than a week, and you haven’t seen a gallery email from us, please check your spam/promotions folder.


Pug Races


VIP Experience

How much are VIP Tickets?

  • Early Bird - $189 (available April 28th)

  • Regular Price - $229 (Available June)

  • Final Sales - $249 (Available September)

  • VIP Add-on is $79

If I purchase the VIP Package and want to bring my friends or family members, do they need a VIP ticket, too?

The VIP add-on ticket is required for any friends or family members that you’d like to join you in the VIP area.

If I want my friends and/or family go to the event, but not have access to the VIP area with me, do they need to purchase the VIP add-on ticket?

No, but they will need to purchase the standard entry fee ticket to enter the event. A VIP add-on is required to enter the VIP area, or to receive the VIP perks.

How will I receive entry into the VIP area?

  1. Have your digital ticket ready when you arrive and present it to the parking staff. They’ll direct you to the VIP lot, which will be near the event entrance.

  2. Once parked, head to the doors where there will be a VIP express entrance

  3. An attendant will verify your ticket and give you a VIP wristband.

  4. You’ll also receive a swag-bag voucher (available only for VIP Package buyers, not VIP Add-ons).

  5. Redeem your swag bag inside the VIP Lounge.

More VIP details to come!

Interested in hosting a meetup at your business? We’re looking for Austin venues capable of accommodating 1500+ guests outdoors!