Chonkfest invites pups, owners to party, imbibe and meet Hammy and Maxine the Fluffy Corgi

Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
·2 min read

Ready to party?

That was aimed at your dog, but you can come along, too.

The first-of-its-kind Chonkfest is coming, a festival for dog lovers and their pets to enjoy a giant pool with dog-safe inflatables, meet some of the most famous pooches in the world, chow down on foods including all things peach, break a dog yoga world record and much more.

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The three-day event is a partnership between dog influencers Hammy and Maxine the Fluffy Corgi, and Bark Social. It's set for Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16 at Bark Social Philadelphia.

Chonkfest will debut at Bark Social Philadelphia on Friday, June 14, and run through Sunday, June 16.
Chonkfest will debut at Bark Social Philadelphia on Friday, June 14, and run through Sunday, June 16.

"For years, Bryan (Reisberg, dog dad to Maxine the Fluffy Corgi) and I have been thinking about how we can pull our community away from their phones and into an environment that allows for us to share an amazing in-person experience together. We weren't prepared to roll out an event that wouldn't live up to our standards. Thanks to our partner, Bark Social, and sponsor, Jazwares Pets, we feel we're finally ready to congregate with our audiences and leave them with memories that will last a lifetime. We truly cannot wait," said Chris Equale, the human behind @hammyandolivia.

According to organizers, highlights of Chonkfest include:

  • Exciting Activities: Exhibits include a huge pool with dog-safe inflatables, dunk tank with a raunchy comedian, a ball pit with a slide, caricature artists, temporary tattoos, Instagrammable opportunities, all peach everything (drinks and food) and more.

  • Special Guest Appearances: Meet and greet Maxine the Fluffy Corgi and Hammy.

  • Food Trucks and Cocktails: Local food trucks and many peach-flavored offerings from Bark Social, like boozy snow cones, fruity cocktails and more.

  • An attempt to break a world record: On Friday, June 14, Chonkfest will attempt to break the world record with a giant dog yoga hosted by Stephanie Williams at Bark Social. The world record currently is 270.

"We are thrilled to introduce Chonkfest to Philly and the world," said Luke Silverman, CEO & Co-Founder of Bark Social. "This festival is an exciting way for dog lovers to come together, celebrate their pets, and have a damn good party while doing it. Our objective was to bring the biggest party the dog world has ever seen and can't wait to show everyone what we have in store."

GO: Chonkfest, Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16. World Record Dog Yoga 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 14; Chonkfest 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 15 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 16, at Bark Social, 3720 Main St., Philadelphia. For tickets, $35 to $55, and more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/chonkfest-24-philadelphia-tickets-906306837147?aff=oddtdtcreator.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Chonkfest at Bark Social in Philadelphia offers dogs, owners food, fun