After a pandemic hiatus for two years, BARK is back, live, in the park. Dogs are leading their humans to The Anti-Cruelty Society’s BARK event on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Stadium Green at Soldier Field located at 1410 Museum Campus Drive. Rain or shine, thousands of animal-lovers and their dogs will spend a fun morning raising funds and awareness for The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago’s oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization. This is the 28th year for BARK, making this the oldest dog party in Chicago. This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of the late Chicago Police Officer Ella Grace French who lost her life in the line of duty in August of 2021. Officer French was a lifelong animal lover and was known for her commitment to care for homeless animals.

A variety of free food and beverages will be offered to attendees (four-legged friends included), as well as the opportunity to purchase a cold beer. Attendees are encouraged to get social and share their best BARK pup pics using #BARK2022. Advance registration costs $40 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12, and children under 3 and dogs are free. Participants are encouraged to join a team or walk as an individual and fundraise for the Society. Fundraising pages can be created at the time of registration at anticruelty.org/bark and prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers.  Pets attending the event with their owners are required to have updated vaccinations. Dogs must be on a static leash; retractable leashes are not allowed at the event.