Gigi’s Walkin' the Dog 2026: Fundraising Walk & Free Dog Festival

Dog-friendly festival with a fundraising walk, vendor market, dog demos, and a kids' zone.

More steps. More dogs saved! Gigi’s second annual Walkin’ the Dog, presented by BuckeyePaws, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, returns to Columbus Commons on Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a full day of dogs, family fun and a walk that helps save more dogs. The free dog festival is open to everyone, with a market of local rescues, makers and dog-focused businesses, plus adoptable dogs looking for homes. Visitors can watch impressive dog demos, learn from local trainers and bring their own dogs to try enrichment courses. For the littlest dog lovers, the Kids Zone features a carousel, face painting, games and hands-on activities. Fully vaccinated dogs on non-retractable leashes are welcome! At 1 p.m., participants can make their steps count with a one or two-mile fundraising walk in celebration of Jess Ross Sheehan. Registration is $15 for ages 3 and up and includes an event t-shirt. Kids under 3 walk free, and dogs are welcome but not required. Thanks to event sponsors, 100% of walk registrations and donations support the Jess Ross Sheehan Fund for Dogs at Gigi’s, providing critical medical and behavioral care for shelter dogs across Ohio. One walk. A whole lot of fun. More dogs saved.