Barks, Bow Ties & Brews: dog-friendly fundraiser comes to Wilmington this weekend

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Pet lovers can grab their leashes and Derby hats this weekend for a day of fun, music, and adoptable animals at Broomtail Brewing.

The brewery is hosting Barks, Bow Ties & Brews on Saturday, a Kentucky Derby–themed fundraiser for Seaside Animal Rescue, featuring live music, food, raffles, and a market of local vendors.

Event manager Kristen Lee says there’s something for everyone, including four-legged guests.

“There’s the opportunity to enter your dog into a dog obstacle course, which I know will be very entertaining,” Lee said. “There’s also a dog costume contest and a best human hat contest, so you can break out that fancy Kentucky Derby hat from earlier this year for a chance to win a prize.”

The event will also include a raffle, live music by John Gibbons, food from Fusion Fries Food Truck, and a vendor market with local artisans and early holiday shopping opportunities.

“You can’t bypass our amazing coffee and beer that we have at Broomtail,” Lee said. “We love supporting our local vendors and seeing their crafts and products.”

All adoptable pets at the event will come from Seaside Animal Rescue, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit that works to save the lives of animals who are at risk, neglected, or homeless across North Carolina’s coastal communities.

Lee says Barks, Bow Ties & Brews is designed to be a family-friendly experience.

“It’s definitely something for the whole family,” she said. “We are kid and dog friendly, and we love having the community come out to Broomtail.”

The event runs Saturday, November 8, from noon to 4 p.m. at 6404 Amsterdam Way in Wilmington. Coffee will be served until 1 p.m., with craft beer available throughout the day.