Once again, someone (who? who? who-who?) is getting ready to let the dogs out… onto the catwalk, MEOW!

Put your paws together for the 2026 Helen Woodward Animal Center Pawmicon PAWsplay event, a summer fundraiser event that has become a full-on spectacle of epic “pup-portions.” Furry friends of all kinds will be donning their best fan-forward costumes and geeky couture to strut their stuff.

All the action and fierce competition will take place on Tuesday, July 21 from 4pm-7pm on the President’s Way Lawn at Balboa Park, near the Air & Space Museum. The event is free to spectators and suitable for all ages.

New this year, there will be three categories to enter.

• Flying Solo: One animal who deserves the whole spotlight
• Duos, Trios, and More: One or more animals (or humans!) who will share the spotlight
• Fantastic Floats: For the pet that has a sweet ride

Think your pet has what it takes to strut the runway? Participating in the contest is $20 per entry (not per animal!) in advance and $30 if you register at the event. Registration is open now.

All proceeds help the Helen Woodward Animal Center continue their mission that “people help animals, animals help people” by offering animal re-homing and adoptions, as well as a wide variety of educational programs, therapeutic programs, and humane care.

In addition to the “mane” (and tail) event, there will also be a variety of fun activities, including the ever-popular Trivia Booth, a Charms Booth with trinkets to collect, a Merch booth featuring this year’s new design as well as the latest shirts, bags, buttons and sticker, local vendor booths and, debuting this year, a LEGO booth, where guests can get creative with supplied bricks and build their masterpiece.