HUDSON, MA — We tried. We waited. Regretfully, Pet Rock Fest organizers announce that its flagship festival, held the last several years at Wyman Gordon in Grafton, MA, will “paws” for 2022.

Fear not, loyal puppies, kittens and ducklings. Pet Rock Fest will announce plans for an event in lieu of the festival this year, but will also make its triumphant return with the traditional Pet Rock Festival on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 (yes, next year!), at our probable new home: the Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge, 99 Park St., Hudson, MA. 

“Unfortunately, holding the festival at Wyman-Gordon, where it has been held the last four years (except for 2020, when Pet Rock Fest was held virtually), isn’t an option anymore,” explains Charlene Arsenault, founding partner. “We were hoping to hold the event there for another year. It wasn’t in the cards, and as much as we tried, we couldn’t find an appropriate alternative for 2022. But we’re already planning for next year! In fact, the festival organizers and volunteers are using the opportunity to revamp the event into something even grander and more momentous.”

Jeannie Hebert, founding partner, adds: “Supporting animals is our passion, and for more than  20 years Pet Rock Fest has allowed us to raise funds to assist organizations who share that passion with us. It was a difficult decision to make, but unfortunately, this year we find the festival to be as homeless—just like some of the animals we help. In 2023, we will be back with a new and better location to grow Pet Rock Fest to offer more support to the organizations that work so hard for the animals.”

Pet Rock Fest continues to put the spotlight on the animal welfare organizations of New England that work hard to promote kindness to animals. 

Located conveniently off of Route 495, the new venue centrally located in Hudson is easily accessible from points east, west, north and south, and better accommodates our allies and fans in MetroWest Boston. Also, the location boasts an expansive, grassy, fenced-in event area, a covered pavilion, areas shaded by trees, and hundreds of parking spaces at the adjacent high school building. It is ideal for both people and animals.

In fact, there is plenty of space, and beyond, for all of Pet Rock Festival’s popular attractions-and more-including: K9 demos; an agility course; the disc dog team; live music; the Rescue Groups and Shelters Pet Parade; kids activities, cat photo contest; book signings, annual Pet Rock Hero awards; speakers; amateur dog contest; vegetarian food court; animal mascots, doggie massages, demonstrations, free and low-cost microchipping and rabies shots; a doggie water park; photos of your pets; animal-friendly vendors; and, most importantly, hundreds of nonprofit groups devoted to welfare causes related to all animals.

“It’s certainly disappointing to skip a year,” continues Arsenault, “but it will give us a chance to strengthen and expand upon what is already an amazing, signature event that has had a remarkable impact on the animal welfare community."

Stay tuned for updates on alternate Pet Rock Fest-sponsored fundraisers, as well as the return of the Pet Rock Festival in 2023.

Anyone interested in volunteering for, performing at, or taking part in the 2023 festival in any way (including vendors and sponsors), or in joining the volunteer team, should contact [email protected]. Please do not hesitate. We’re very eager to grow our team and participants.

For updates on the plans for the day, groups signed up to attend, and other official or not-so-official news, visit petrockfest.org or check us out on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/petrockfest and on Twitter @Petrockfestival.

Celebrating more than 23 years, Pet Rock Fest is the largest event of its kind in the Northeast, an annual festival that promotes kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership. Pet Rock Fest, held in September each year, is a family festival that features guest speakers, vegetarian food, live music, games, events, a raffle, vendors, and hundreds of area animal welfare organizations. Pet Rock is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax-deductible.