Press Release: Mutts at Maymont
Media Contact:
Melissa Abernathy, Communications Manager
804-358-7166, ext. 315
Maymont Goes to the Dogs on Saturday, May 21 and June 18, With Mutts at Maymont, Presented by Juno Financial Group
Richmond, Virginia – They say every dog has its day — at Maymont this spring, they’ll have two! On May 21 and June 18, from 3–7:30pm, dogs are invited to bring their humans along for Mutts at Maymont presented by Juno Financial Group, an afternoon of tail-wagging fun on the Carriage House Lawn. Back by popular demand, these afternoons offer a rare opportunity for dog lovers and their canine companions to relax at a giant picnic on the historic grounds enjoying pup cups and frozen custard, with live music, food truck cuisine and adult beverages.
A new feature this year is the Barketplace, where humans can spoil their furry friends with a shopping spree for treats, toys and bling! Other activities include a leashed stroll along a Pup Path that winds around a large area of the estate and gardens, posing for photos by Brittany Rose Petography, and even dog massage therapy by Resolve Bodyworks. No dog? No problem. Guests can meet several adoptable dogs from Richmond Animal Care and Control from 2–4pm.
“We look forward to welcoming guests and their four-legged family members to share in the joy of the Maymont experience,” said Parke Richeson, Executive Director. “Normally, only service animals are allowed within Maymont, for the safety of the resident rescued wildlife and farm animals.”
Guests are encouraged to register in advance, bring a picnic blanket and observe a few safety guidelines (such as non-retractable leashes, pick-up bags and up-to-date vaccinations). Admission is free for people (as it is every day), and $10 for dogs with advance registration, $12 for day-of admission. The event takes place rain or shine, and all proceeds benefit Maymont.
The Barketplace
Indulge in a shopping spree with DoggieStyles, offering dog-inspired gifts, including collars and t-shirts; Moondog Bakery, creating all-natural dog treats and CBD supplements using healthy ingredients from Virginia farms; The Dog Food Truck, a unique retail experience for all things DOG (May 21 only); and Pretties + Papers, hand-making joyful accessories for pets and their people. Meet and learn about BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital; The Dog Stop, offering luxury boarding, social daycare experience, grooming, a retail store and more; author Lauren Auster-Gussman, who has fostered more than 30 senior dogs including Amelia, star of Amelia Writes Books; and Resolve Bodyworks, which is giving free demo doggy massages on site.
Musical entertainment on May 21 will be provided by Serenata, performing a mix of festive Latin styles, including salsa, Cuban son, bachata, merengue, cumbia, bolero, and rumba flamenco. On June 18, the Movin’ On Band will play rock and roll from the 1960s to contemporary hits.
Entry for the event will take place exclusively at the Magnolia Gates on the historical estate side of Maymont on Hampton Street. Event parking is available at the Historic Estate Entrance, in addition to street parking. Dogs attempting to enter at the Maymont Farm or The Robins Nature Center entrances will be redirected to the Magnolia Gates entrance. Other entrances to Maymont will remain open to other members of the public for its normal hours, 10am–7pm.
For more details on these and other events at Maymont, please visit the events calendar.
Maymont is a well-preserved, historic 100-acre American estate overlooking the James River that was given to the public by James and Sallie Dooley, who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Today, Maymont is a welcoming community gathering place, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, an arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Consistently ranked one of Central Virginia’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike, Maymont serves over 800,000 guests annually, with free admission to the grounds, plus guided and self-guided tours, seasonal events, programs and rental spaces. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating programs and experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.
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Note to editors: photos are available upon request.