Paws in the Park & Chili Cookoff

Here’s a fun afternoon event that benefits the Charleston Animal Society, tireless advocate for our four-legged friends.  In fact, it's their biggest fundraiser of the year.  It debuted in 2022 with Celebrity Dog Trainer and Animal Planet Star Travis Brorsen & Friends, and the following year featured @AGuyAndAGolden Instagram stars Johnathan Lower and his adorable Golden Retriever, Teddy.

Paws in the Park also known for the ever-popular Chili Cookoff, where a couple dozen of the area's best restaurants and chefs will make their best version of chili and try and win the grand prize/bragging rights as Chili Champion.  Attendees get to sample them and vote for their favorites.  Participants can donate to a favorite team, to help the lifesaving work of the Charleston Animal Society.   Participating restaurants have included Hall's Chophouse, Home Team BBQ, Anson Restaurant, and NICO's Oysters + Seafood. 

2026's venue will be Brittlebank Park at 185 Lockwood Drive in downtown Charleston, and it runs from noon til 4:00 p.m.  Tickets are just $40 regular or $55 for beer tastings and a commemorative glass.

Celebrity Paws in the Park has some great sponsors, including Fetch Pet Insurance.

Here's the scoop:

• Chili Cook-Off: Sample delicious chili from Charleston’s top restaurants!
• Oyster Roast with all-you-can-eat fresh oysters.
• Live Music: including headliner Flashmob.
• Adoption Zone: The shelter will be closed, but you can still take home your new best friend from Brittlebank Park!
• Barks & Brews: Sip on craft beers from some of Charleston’s best local breweries. Get 9 complimentary tastings with the General Admission Plus Ticket!