Lollypop Farm Fundraiser Returns to ESL Ballpark on September 26
As Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, continues the dynamic transformation of its main campus through its Kindness for All Kind expansion, the organization will be returning to ESL Ballpark for the 29th annual Barktober Fest in 2026. In partnership with the Rochester Red Wings, this beloved community event, which is Lollypop Farm’s second-largest annual fundraising and awareness campaign, will take place on Saturday, September 26, at ESL Ballpark in Downtown Rochester.
For nearly three decades, Barktober Fest has served as a cornerstone of Lollypop Farm’s overall mission, offering a powerful platform to engage the public in support of life-saving programs and vital services. These include comprehensive veterinary care, public resources such as the pet food pantry, impactful humane education programs, and innovative animal care initiatives.
Gates open at 9 a.m. on September 26 for Rochester’s largest dog walk and family-friendly festival. Visit Lollypop Farm’s website to register and start raising funds. While you’re there, sign up for a fall photo session with your dog or enter your furry friend in one of the canine contests held throughout the day. The Walk for the Animals begins at 10 a.m. and will be followed by the Canine Costume Contest, Hot Diggity Dog Hot Dog Bobbing Contest, the Pup and Human Whipped Cream Eating Contest, raffles, food concessions, live music, and more. It’s the most fun you can have helping pets in need.
“We’re excited to return to ESL Ballpark in partnership with the Rochester Red Wings for this year’s Barktober Fest,” said Alice Calabrese, President and CEO of Lollypop Farm. “Last year’s event was a tremendous success, and the venue provided an incredible setting for animal lovers and their families to come together and celebrate the human-animal bond. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum and welcoming our community back for another fun-filled day, while our transformational expansion continues to take shape at our main campus in Fairport.”
To learn more about Barktober Fest, including how you can volunteer, support, or become a vendor or sponsor, visit https://give.lollypop.org/event/barktoberfest/e793196.
To discover how Lollypop Farm is impacting the Greater Rochester region through life-saving animal care, essential services, and impactful educational programming, or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.lollypop.org.
