Frankenmuth Dog Bowl is an annual festival, which takes place during the Memorial Day Weekend at Frankenmuth River Place Shops, a German-themed outdoor shopping center featuring over 40 shops and attractions. The festival brings together more than 100,000 people and thousands of their four-legged friends. Dog Bowl is a high-energy event, which has been taking place since 2008 and involves dogs running, retrieving, jumping, and diving. With more than 25 fun activities, you will surely find something to enjoy!
Festival Highlights
The Dog Bowl festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops is free to attend and has a unique range of activities you and your pet can watch together, some of which are even for your dog to take part in, like a pet parade, the 'best costume' contest, doggie fun runs, the Annual Canine Cruise on the Bavarian Belle River Boat, and more. The most popular competitions at the festival include DockDogs competitions, Disc Dog competitions, Wiener Dog Races, Dog Lure Course, Silly Pet Tricks & Talking/Howling, and Border Collie Sheep Herding. In addition to all that, visitors can see Dog Breeds of the World Show, marvel at hot air balloons, and enjoy a vast Pet Marketplace with more than 45 vendors and dog rescues.
Pet Parade (May 25, 2024)
Pet Parade is one of the most massive Dog Bowl events. The participants gather at 12:45 pm in the south parking lot near the marquee of Frankenmuth River Place Shops. The procession kicks off at 1:00 pm, going north on Main Street, across the Wooden Covered Bridge, and ends at the Doggie Play Park on the east side of River Place Shops. The parade is led by the winners of the Dog Bowl King & Queen Contest. Everyone can take part in this event, no registration is needed!
Balloons Over Bavarian Inn (May 24-27, 2024)
The 25 hot air balloons take to the skies over Frankenmuth in the morning and evening. The balloons are launched from 7 to 8 am and from 7 to 8 pm in downtown Frankenmuth. In the afternoon, Frankenmuth Credit Union Event Field behind River Place Shops becomes the center of ballooning activities. Over a dozen tethered hot air balloons inflate there, and two more balloons on the front lawn of the Bavarian Inn Lodge. On Saturday and Sunday, the field near River Place Shops hosts the spectacular Balloon Glow from 9 to 10 pm. Giant illuminated balloons take away the visitors’ breath with their warm glow and unique ambiance. This show is a must-see and an integral part of the Frankenmuth Dog Bowl, so grab your camera to capture the magnificent occasion!
The festival is run by Frankenmuth Dog Bowl, Inc., a non-profit institution that promotes responsible pet ownership through educational programs and high-level events. The organization supports police canine training programs, defrays medical and adoption costs for families in need, and helps fund dog-related military and service organizations.
