Dachshunds take center stage at Dachtoberfest on October 4

Dachtoberfest is back in Richmond for its fourth year, bringing dachshund-themed fun to the Richmond Raceway Complex on Saturday, Oct. 4. Hosted by the Dachshund Enlightenment Foundation, the festival runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Old Dominion Building at 600 E Laburnum Ave.

The family friendly event will feature wiener dog racing, costume contests, raffles, vendors, food and beer trucks, guest speakers, and agility demonstrations. While the spotlight is on dachshunds, all dogs are welcome.

Tickets are $10 in advance through the Dachshund Enlightenment Foundation website here or $15 at the door. Kids 10 and under are free, and parking is free.

Races and contests throughout the day

Wiener dog racing returns with four divisions: Senior Schnitzels (9 years and older), Special Sausages (special needs dachshunds), Little Links (under 2 years old), and Bratwursts (between 2 and 8 years old). Registration is $5 per dog.

Costume contests are free and open to all dogs, with categories including Dapper Dog, Doggie Diva, Halloween Hound, Most Creative, and Best Pack (group entries with humans and dogs).

Full schedule highlights

The day begins with a 10 a.m. blessing of the animals, followed by a dog nutrition talk at 10:30 a.m. by Dr. Preston Buff. Races kick off at 11:30 a.m. and agility demonstrations by Zoom Room RVA start at 1 p.m. Costume contests take place at 2 p.m., with winners for longest and shortest dachshunds, raffle prizes, and silent auction results announced later in the afternoon.

The Dachshund Enlightenment Foundation, the nonprofit behind the event, focuses on dachshund education, health, and care, creating opportunities for dialogue between owners, breeders, veterinarians, and rescues.

For more details, visit the Dachtoberfest website here.