Coon Dog Day Festival
Coon Dog Day – July 12, 2025 | Saluda, NC
Celebrate one of North Carolina’s most cherished small-town traditions at Coon Dog Day in Saluda! This all-day festival is packed with family fun, live music, and of course—plenty of pups. The day kicks off with a 5K Fun Run and continues with local vendors, a lively parade full of floats, firetrucks, and furry friends, and dog-themed events like the “Every Dog’s a Star” contest and the official AKC Coon Hound Dog Show.
Enjoy a firefighter agility challenge, shag dancing in the park, and end the night with old-fashioned square dancing under the stars. It’s a full day of community spirit, Southern charm, and tail-wagging fun!
Event Schedule:
-
8:00 AM – 5K Fun Run (Saluda Elementary, Main St start/finish)
-
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Vendor Market Open (Shuttle from Howard Gap Rd)
-
11:00 AM – Coon Dog Day Parade (registration required by 6/15)
-
12:30 PM – Every Dog’s a Star Show – all dogs welcome!
-
2:30 PM – AKC Coon Hound Dog Show (Saluda School Ball Field)
-
5:00 PM – Shagging in the Park w/ Jack Roper & The Weatherman Band
-
7:00 PM – Square Dancing w/ Pinnacle Mountain All Stars