The Weather Thought It Could Stop Us… But Doggy ’Lympics Is Back On for April 18th
The weather tried it. Doggy ’Lympics said absolutely not.
After getting postponed, Doggy ’Lympics is officially back on for Saturday, April 18, 2026, and it’s shaping up to be such a fun day at Hi-Wire Brewing in Charlotte. This event means a lot to me because it’s not just something I’m showing up to photograph or help with — it’s an event I created through Pets Are Really Cool from the ground up, and I’m so excited to finally bring it to life.
Even better, a portion of proceeds and donations from the event will benefit Billie’s Buddies, so this isn’t just about laughs, ribbons, and dogs doing ridiculous or adorable things. It’s also about showing up for rescue and making the day count in more ways than one.
So… what is Doggy ’Lympics?
Doggy ’Lympics is a playful, low-pressure dog competition built for real dogs — not just the perfectly trained ones.
This is for the dogs with personality. The dogs who know a trick and want an audience. The dogs who are treat-motivated, chaotic, charming, dramatic, or weird in the best possible way. It’s meant to be fun, welcoming, and easy to jump into, whether your dog is polished or just enthusiastically winging it.
There are four stations total, and dogs can enter one, a few, or go for all four:
Treat Catch
Paw / High-Five / Fist Bump
Wackiest / Funniest Trick
Shell Game
Each station will have its own winners, prizes, and photo-worthy moments, and then the station winners move on to the Grand Finale at the end.
The best part? You do not need a “perfect” dog.
That’s one of the biggest things I wanted this event to be.
Doggy ’Lympics is not a serious trial. It’s not meant to feel intimidating or exclusive. It’s meant to feel like something you and your dog can come enjoy together. If your dog is more “heart of a champion” than “precision athlete,” honestly… that may be even better.
When and where
Saturday, April 18, 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Hi-Wire Brewing
340 W Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Register here:
https://petsarereallycool.com/doggylympics
It’s free to attend and watch, and if you want your dog to compete, entries are $10 per station or $25 for all four. Each station is limited to 15 dogs max, so there are only so many spots available.
Every entry also includes a professionally edited action photo, with more images available if you fall in love with what your dog does out there — which, let’s be honest, is very possible.
The stations
Treat Catch
Sponsored by The Grown Ass Pet Sitter
Exactly what it sounds like, and exactly as fun as you think. Timing, focus, snack commitment, and probably at least a few hilarious attempts.
Paw / High-Five / Fist Bump
Sponsored by AnimalCity
For the dogs who know how to work a crowd with one well-timed paw. Sweet, charming, dramatic — whatever style they bring, this one is all about connection and personality.
Wackiest / Funniest Trick
Sponsored by BrittCraft
This one might be the biggest wildcard of the day. If your dog has a signature move, a ridiculous talent, or something that makes people laugh every single time, this is their category.
Shell Game
Sponsored by The Leash Lounge
Five bowls, one hidden treat, and a chance for your dog to trust their nose and show off a little strategy. Equal parts cute and impressive.
How it’ll work
The event will run as one shared program, so the stations happen one at a time rather than all at once. That means everybody gets to follow along, cheer each other on, and actually enjoy the full event together.
Here’s the schedule:
1:00 PM – Check-in opens
1:20 PM – Check-in closes and opening announcements begin
1:30 PM – Treat Catch
Demo: 1:30–1:35
Competition: 1:35–1:55
Judging/results: 1:55–2:00
2:00 PM – Paw / High-Five / Fist Bump
Demo: 2:00–2:05
Competition: 2:05–2:25
Judging/results: 2:25–2:30
2:30 PM – Wackiest / Funniest Trick
Demo: 2:30–2:35
Competition: 2:35–2:55
Judging/results: 2:55–3:00
3:00 PM – Shell Game
Demo: 3:00–3:05
Competition: 3:05–3:25
Judging/results: 3:25–3:30
3:30 PM – Grand Finale setup
3:35 PM – Grand Finale begins
3:50 PM – Awards
4:00 PM – Wrap-up
The Grand Finale
This part is for the station winners. After all that action of winning, now we’re going to test their ability to sit and stay…
Each station will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and the station winners become eligible for the Grand Finale at the end of the event. If the same dog wins more than one station, they don’t take up multiple finale spots, so another top finisher gets the chance to move up. I wanted the finale to feel competitive and exciting, but still fair.
And yes, there are real prizes involved.
Each station has sponsor-provided prizes for placements, plus medals and ribbons, and the Grand Finale prize pool is valued at over $500.
Huge thank-you to the people helping make this happen
Doggy ’Lympics may be my event, but it definitely isn’t something I’m doing alone. I’m so grateful to the businesses and partners helping bring it to life:
Come hang out, cheer people on, or sign your dog up
Whether your dog is in it to win it, in it for the treats, or just in it for the experience, I wanted Doggy ’Lympics to feel like something fun and memorable for the whole community.
So yes — the weather got one shot. That was enough.
Doggy ’Lympics is back on for April 18th, and I’d love to see you there.
Register here:
https://petsarereallycool.com/doggylympics
A special thank-you also goes to Always Faithful Dog Training Charlotte, who will be helping demonstrate each station so everyone can see how it works before the dogs take their turn.