The Highlands Festival is back after a seven‑year hiatus, opening its streets this Saturday, Aug. 22, from noon to 7 p.m. on Baxter Avenue between Broadway and Highland Avenue. The free, family‑friendly event brings live entertainment, local vendors, food options and a range of activities for visitors of all ages – including their four‑legged companions.
Dog‑Friendly Celebration on National Dog Day
Coinciding with National Dog Day, the festival features a special dog‑centric program at PG&J’s Dog Park Bar. The front parking lot will be transformed into a “doggy oasis” with artificial turf, splash pools for pups and other canine‑focused attractions. Organizer Gina Nobles, owner of PG&J’s, said, “We’ll have pools, the world’s smallest dock‑diving contest, and the Kentucky Humane Society is doing doggy tattoos. They’ll also have adoptable pups.” All proceeds from the dog‑related activities will benefit the Kentucky Humane Society’s animal‑welfare programs.
Music, Food and Local Vendors
Beyond the canine festivities, the festival offers an all‑day street fair atmosphere with music, shows and a variety of food vendors. “It’s an all‑day street festival with music, shows, activities, food — you name it — for all ages,” Nobles explained. New businesses on the strip, including her own, see the event as an opportunity to introduce themselves to the broader community.
Community Support and Fundraising
The celebration includes PG&J’s fourth annual National Dog Day BarKrawl. Participants can donate $10 for a “PAWSport,” visit participating Highlands bars, collect stamps and enter for a chance to win prizes. All proceeds from the BarKrawl also go to the Kentucky Humane Society, reinforcing the festival’s charitable focus.
Looking Ahead
Organizers note that the seven‑year break allowed the community to anticipate the return of a beloved neighborhood tradition. “The community has embraced it, and they really want to see it come back,” Nobles said. With new businesses joining the local scene, the festival aims to showcase the evolving character of the Highlands while honoring its historic roots.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their families and pets to enjoy the music, food, and charitable activities that define the Highlands Festival’s renewed spirit.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
