Big dogs, little dogs, black dogs and white dogs.
It wasn’t a scene from “Go Dog Go” playing out in Big Bear Lake on Saturday, July 25, it was the third annual Puptopia, held in the San Bernardino Mountains community.
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Daveana Meaux of Las Vegas poses with her Shiba Inu breed dogs, Foxy and Rose, during the 2026 Puptopia Festival at Veterans Park in Big Bear Lake, Saturday, July 25, 2026. (Photo by Eric Reed/Contributing photographer)
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Daveana Meaux of Las Vegas poses with her Shiba Inu breed dogs, Foxy and Rose, during the 2026 Puptopia Festival at Veterans Park in Big Bear Lake, Saturday, July 25, 2026. (Photo by Eric Reed/Contributing photographer)
Thousands of dogs of all breeds and sizes came to the free Puptopia Festival at Veterans Park, 40870 Big Bear Blvd., which brought a “day of fun for dogs and the people who love them,” according to a news release.
The people there along with their four-legged friends were able to participate in interactive activities, watch live entertainment, shop and more “in a beautiful lakeside setting.” And given the heatwave hovering over the region, the mountain community also offered a day of slightly cooler fun outdoors.
The event included a “Pawground,” featuring a giant ball pit, fire hydrant splash area and social play space, agility courses with tunnels, ramps and jumps, a training demonstration and live dog stunt performances.
There were also planned costume contests, tiny dog races and “tiny dog vs. owner races.”
And for pooches who want to be pampered, the event included a “Spaw” experience, with grooming.
Thousands of dogs, along with their people, came to play and get in on the fun.
Puptopia is committed to supporting local communities and partners with nonprofit organizations in every community it visits, the release says.
Visit Big Bear also partnered with some local businesses for some special dog-friendly deals on Saturday too.