Life’s a little less ruff when you get to spend your day with nearly 4,000 dogs. The Naglee Park Campus Community Association (CCA) is hosting their annual Bark in the Park event at William Street Park on Sep 17.

Bark in the Park was started in 1996 and has since grown to be one of the largest dog festivals in the United States. The event offers a variety of activities for dogs and their guardians to enjoy. This dog-focused event will not only entertain but inform attendees about proper care of their animals. Nonprofits will be teaching people about vaccinations, micro-chipping, spaying and neutering, pet registration and more.

The event will host 75 local businesses, all of them selling dog-based products—like grooming supplies, food, treats and toys. A food and beverage court will also be on site in order to keep the humans fed their dogs are being spoiled.

The San Jose Police Department will also be on hand giving demonstrations and live performances of Frisbee-catching, agility training, behavior training and service dog training.

If you look anything like your dog—or like dressing your dog up—this is the day for you. Crowd favorites like the Dog Costume Contest, Pet/Owner Look-Alike Contest and Happy Dog Tail Wagging Contest will round the festival out.

For over 30 years, the CCA has hosted events like Bark in the Park in order to fulfill their founding mission: promoting neighborhood spirit and improving the quality of life in the downtown community through education, awareness, group projects, volunteerism and community care.

The CCA also pays close attention to addressing issues involving the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County, specifically near South 4th Street, East Santa Clara Street, Highway 280 and Coyote Creek.

The CCA’s committee and members are composed of volunteers and include homeowners, renters, students and families residing in the San Jose State University campus community.

The event is free to the public, but there is a suggested $5 donation per pup. All proceeds go to the Humane Society Silicon Valley and San Jose Animal Care Center.