This article dives into Sausalito’s first-ever Dogs by the Bay celebration. It’s a family- and dog-friendly day right on the Marin County waterfront, blending a parade, costumes, art, music, and a generous dash of community spirit.
The Downtown Sausalito Association put this event together to shine a light on dogs, their humans, and the local businesses that give Sausalito—and the rest of Marin County—its unique vibe.
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What to Expect at Sausalito’s Inaugural Dogs by the Bay
The whole thing starts with a lively dog parade at 10:30 a.m. Dogs and their people gather at the former Trident restaurant parking deck at 558 Bridgeway, then stroll down to Gabrielson Park.
It’s a short, flat walk—easy for families from Mill Valley or San Rafael who want to unwind and soak in the waterfront. After the parade, the dog costume contest gets going at 11:30 a.m., with two pups crowned prince and princess. It’s a sweet little nod to Sausalito’s playful side.
Sausalito makes sure dogs stay hydrated, setting out water bowls and a fountain near the Ferry Landing. From noon to 4 p.m., local photographer Lynda Niemeier-Teasdale snaps pet portraits, with proceeds helping Chloe’s Cause fund cancer research at UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine.
Live music fills Gabrielson Park at 1 p.m. and again at 4 p.m. Meanwhile, dog-centric vendors line Tracy Way. There’s enough going on to keep tails wagging from Novato to Corte Madera.
Event Highlights
- Parade start time: 10:30 a.m. from the former Trident parking deck, 558 Bridgeway.
- Parade route: Short, flat stroll to Gabrielson Park along the Sausalito waterfront.
- Dog costume contest: 11:30 a.m., with the top two vote-getters named prince and princess.
- Pet portraits benefit: Noon–4 p.m. by Lynda Niemeier-Teasdale; proceeds support Chloe’s Cause and UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine.
- Live music: Performances at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Gabrielson Park.
- Vendor village: Dog-centric vendors along Tracy Way.
- Specials and photo ops: Dog-friendly restaurant specials and plenty of photo opportunities along Sausalito’s waterfront.
- Admission: Free for everyone; dogs can pre-register or just sign up the day of the parade.
This celebration also spotlights local Marin County businesses, pet-care resources, and adoption info. Maybe you’ll wander over from Larkspur or Ross and end up strolling Bridgeway, grabbing a snack at one of the many dog-friendly spots along the water.
Community Support, Passport Perks, and How to Join
There’s more than just the parade and portraits. Attendees can snag a month-long “Dog Passport” with 22 downtown businesses listed.
If you get every spot stamped and drop it off by 2 p.m. at the main stage, you’ll enter a prize drawing. It’s a fun way to explore Sausalito and maybe even check out nearby Marin favorites like Belvedere, Tiburon, or San Anselmo.
Proceeds from the event will help Chloe’s Cause, supporting cancer research at UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine. It really shows how Marin County folks—whether you’re from Marin City or just hanging out in Fairfax—can rally for animal welfare and keep local businesses buzzing along the Sausalito waterfront.
Registration and Participation Details
Families from towns like San Rafael, Novato, or anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area can join in pretty easily. Admission’s free. Dogs can pre-register at DestinationSausalito.com/dogs-by-the-bay, or you can just sign up when you show up in the morning.
The Passport program encourages visitors to check out all 22 participating businesses. Collect stamps throughout the month, and you might snag a prize—honestly, it’s a fun way to mix community spirit with a bit of local adventure. Marin County towns seem to love that kind of thing.
If you’re a local in Marin County or coming in from Mill Valley, Corte Madera, or even San Mateo, Dogs by the Bay gives you a peek at Sausalito’s lively waterfront scene. It’s a good excuse to support animal welfare and find some new dog-friendly hangouts along the Bay.
Who knows, maybe you’ll even kick off a new yearly tradition with the Marin County dog-loving crowd. Sounds pretty great, right?
Here is the source article for this story: New Sausalito event all about dogs
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