Lucky Dog Refuge is pleased to host the 2025 Luckypawlooza Festival presented by Magna Construction — the organization’s signature fall festival and major fundraising event — on October 18 & 19, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (rain or shine) at Mill River Park in Stamford.
Now entering its fourth year, Luckypawlooza promises to be bigger, bolder, and more fun than ever—with expanded offerings, family-friendly attractions, entertainment, and, most importantly, support for Lucky Dog Refuge’s life-saving work and improvements to Mill River’s Dog Park.
Luckypawlooza is not just a celebration — it’s a mission in motion. Proceeds from this event will help sustain Lucky Dog Refuge’s rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption efforts.
Credit: Shadow Media Productions
Credit: Shadow Media Productions
Credit: Shadow Media Productions
Credit: Shadow Media Productions
“Every dog at Lucky Dog Refuge has a story—they come to us from heartbreaking situations with no options left,” said Kirstin Mende, Co-Founder and CEO of Lucky Dog Refuge. “Luckypawlooza gives those dogs a voice. The funds we raise help cover their medical care, enrichment, and daily needs, but it also gives our community the chance to see the faces and wagging tails they’re helping. It’s hope, brought to life.”
A portion of proceeds will also fund enhancements to the Mill River Dog Park, ensuring a better environment for Stamford’s own, tight knit canine community and their families.
“Luckypawlooza is pure joy in motion.” said Kristen Roeckle, Board Member of Lucky Dog Refuge and Event Co-Chair. “It’s where wagging tails meet smiling faces, and where compassion turns into action. It is about community, connection, and making a difference in the lives of both animals and people. We’re proud to host an event where families can have fun, support local entrepreneurs, and help rescue dogs all at once—it’s the best of Stamford coming together.”
What to Expect — Fun for Two Paws & Two Feet
- Adoptable Dogs — Meet and mingle with rescue dogs and cats looking for their forever homes.
- Beer Garden — Enjoy craft brews and refreshments by Greenwich Brewing Company while taking in the festival fun.
- Food Trucks — A delicious lineup of local favorites serving everything from comfort food to sweet treats.
- Alpha Dog Fun Run — A canine-friendly run course for participants and their pets.
- Pup Cup Barktenders — Dog-friendly sweet treats served just for pups by Winfield Coffee
- Raffles & Competitions — Exciting contests and giveaways with prizes for all ages.
- Kid’s Zone & Activities — Face painting, games, crafts, and more for the little ones.
- The Maritime Aquarium Touch Tank — A hands-on aquatic experience for all ages.
- Crystal Mining – Go treasure hunting with The Gardener’s Center of Darien’s Crystal Quest, a hands-on, gem-mining sluice.
- Fitness Classes — Energizing outdoor workouts led by instructors from Lifetime Fitness and Pure Barre, overlooking Mill River Park.
- Painting & Craft Workshops — Unleash your creativity with interactive sessions led by Pinot’s Palette Stamford and other local artisans offering painting, crafting, and hands-on art experiences for all ages.
- Artisans & Local Vendors — Unique finds, local crafts, pet goods, and small businesses.
- Hosts & Entertainment — Returning favorites and viral internet sensations
Sam Ramsdell and Ohh Jaaames will host the festivities, bringing laughs, surprises, and interactive fun.
Credit: Shadow Media Productions
Credit: Shadow Media Productions
Sponsors, Partners & Community Support
Luckypawlooza would not be possible without the generosity of its sponsors, community partners, and volunteers. Magna Construction serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the event again this year, a role they’ve held since the very first festival four years ago. Their continued partnership exemplifies the community spirit that makes Luckypawlooza such a special celebration of rescue, compassion, and connection.
“Supporting Lucky Dog Refuge is an easy choice,” said Frank Lovello, Owner of Magna Construction. “Their passion for saving lives and building community mirrors our own values—and Luckypawlooza captures that spirit perfectly.”
Other major supporters include Greenwich Brewing Company, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Hey Stamford, American Pet Products Association, Henkel, The Capitol Theatre, KPMG, Aspen, Fi Smart Dog Collar, VCA Darien Animal Hospital, VCA Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center, Choice Pet, and Alpha Dog Events.
Additional partners such as Winfield Coffee, Pinot’s Palette, The Gardener’s Center, Lifetime Fitness, and Pure Barre enhance the festival experience for attendees and their pets with engaging, interactive offerings, including a pup cup bar, painting workshops, and live fitness classes overlooking the park.
Illustrator and Lucky Dog adopter Kaitlyn Guise has designed this year’s festival artwork, lending her creativity and heart to the event’s branding.
Tickets, Volunteering & Participation
- Tickets: Available now — festival admission helps fuel Lucky Dog’s programs and dog park upgrades.
- Volunteers: Sign-ups are open — volunteers are essential to the success of the event by running logistics, pet care, ticketing, and more.
- Vendors & Sponsors: Opportunities remain for businesses and artisans to join, with on-site visibility and cause-alignment benefits. Logos on promotional materials cannot be guaranteed at this late date due to print deadlines.
Join Us, Make a Difference
Luckypawlooza 2025 is designed to be a hallmark event for Stamford and its pet-loving community. It’s where laughter meets purpose, where dogs and people connect, and where every ticket, volunteer hour, and share helps save lives and build better spaces for animals and families alike.
- Mark your calendars for October 18 & 19, 2025, bring your pups, friends, and hearts — and join us in celebrating compassion, community, and new beginnings.
- For more information, or to register as an attendee, volunteer, vendor, or sponsor, please visit: www.luckydogrefuge.com/luckypawlooza.html
Lucky Dog Refuge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need throughout Connecticut and beyond. With a mission grounded in compassion, collaboration, and community, the organization works tirelessly to save lives, foster hope, and build a brighter future for dogs and people alike.
Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, Lucky Dog Refuge is located on Pulaski Street in the heart of Stamford, Connecticut. In just five years, the organization has rescued and placed more than 1,000 dogs into loving homes—and continues to expand its impact through local partnerships, community events, and outreach programs that promote adoption and responsible pet ownership.