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pugfest
Dogs of all breeds are welcome to PugFest, but expect lots of canines of the smushed face variety. Adobe Stock

Pug lovers, rejoice: an annual pug-themed celebration has relocated permanently to Louisville — and its first time here is next week.

Next Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a new annual event called Bluegrass PugFest will bring thousands of dogs to the West Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center for two days of pug-centric contests, educational sessions, vendors and more. Check out the schedule here.

The expo started as Milwaukee Pug Fest, which ran for 15 years before founders Rick and Debbie Kopaczewski relocated to Louisville. A press release says that the fest, “the largest Pug event in North America,” brought “nearly 4,000 humans and 2,000 canines” to its last run in 2019. Bluegrass PugFest was meant to take place for the first time in 2021, but the event was canceled as COVID-19 raged.

Tickets to this year’s event will be available at the door and will cost $8 for adults and $4 for kids 2-12.

Part of the proceeds from Bluegrass PugFest will go to pug rescue organizations.

That said, dogs of all breeds are welcome to attend as long as they’re well-behaved, friendly, and up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Check out the Bluegrass PugFest website for more information.

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Carolyn Brown is the staff photographer and digital writer at LEO. Follow her on Instagram at @cebrownphoto or get in touch at cbrown@leoweekly.com.