Each year, Dachshund Adoption Rescue and Education (DARE) partners with Florida Wiener Dog Derby to host our annual wiener dog races at Doxapalooza. And here’s the best part — it’s not just for purebred dachshunds! Dachshund mixes and small dogs under 35 lbs can join in the fun, too.

Race heats are determined based on sign-up, but spaces are limited. Heats you MAY see at Doxapalooza include:

• Dachshund Puppies
• Dachshund Young Adults
• Dachshund Adults
• Dachshund Seniors
• Cart Dogs
• Special Needs Dogs
• Dachshund Mixes
• Other Small Dogs (under 35 lbs)

Unleash Your Dog’s Inner Athlete at Doxapalooza 2025!

Get ready for the best dog chase game ever! At Doxapalooza 2025, your pup can experience the thrill of a SwiftPaws lure course — a safe, fast-paced chase game that’s just as exciting for spectators as it is for the dogs.

DARE is proud to partner with SwiftPaws and Courteous Canine, a top-rated Tampa dog training company offering classes in basic obedience, agility, lure coursing, and dock diving. Before you invest in an at-home SwiftPaws system, let your dog try it in person at our dog-friendly Florida event.

🐕 All dogs are welcome — from small dachshunds to large breeds, every pup can join the fun!

Q: How much time will my pet have on the course?

A: In a single-play session, your pup will have up to two minutes to run the course twice. If your pup enjoys the course and would like to participate in additional play sessions, and lure course availability permits, be sure to give your pup plenty of rest in between.

Q: Will I get to be on the course with my pet?

A: Yes! Owners must be on the course with their pup. Once on the course, you will keep your pup leashed until the lure operator instructs you to remove the leash so the play session can begin.

Q: Is the speed adjustable?

A: Yes. The speed can be adjusted to meet the needs and abilities of your pet. Our professional lure course operator will do just that as your pet runs the course at Doxapalooza.

Q: What if my pet trips on the line or grabs the lure?

A: SwiftPaw’s system is set up to sense if there is a disturbance to the system (ie: your pet steps on the line or grabs the flag) it will automatically cut power when it senses this.

It’s time to unleash your pup’s style! One of the most popular events at Doxapalooza is our annual dog costume contest, where dogs and their humans hit the runway in their most creative outfits.

Whether you dress for this year’s theme or create your own unique look, we can’t wait to see your imagination at work. You might even break into song as you strut your stuff — because anything can happen at Florida’s biggest dachshund festival!

2025 Costume Contest Categories:

• Best 50’s Theme – Poodle skirts, leather jackets, jukebox vibes… let’s go retro!
• Most Creative – The sky’s the limit for originality and flair.

All dogs are welcome — from dachshunds to dachshund mixes to small and large breed friends.

Bring your best outfit, your biggest smile, and get ready for applause, tail wags, and some amazing photo ops!

Does your dog love giving kisses? Then this is the event for you! At Doxapalooza 2025, our dog kissing contest is all about showing affection — the pup that gives their human the most kisses in the set timeframe will take home the win (and bragging rights).

All dogs are welcome — dachshunds, dachshund mixes, and pups of every size and breed.

This fun-filled contest is sure to get tails wagging, cameras snapping, and hearts melting. It’s one of the most loved dog-friendly activities in Florida, and a perfect chance to share the love with the crowd at Keel Farms in Plant City.

So get ready to pucker up — your dog might just be crowned Best Kisser at Doxapalooza 2025!

Capture the magic of Doxapalooza 2025 with a professional pet photo session in the beautiful Keel Farms gazebo. This is your chance to get high-quality portraits of your pup (and you!) to remember the day forever.

What’s Included:

• Mini photo shoot in Keel Farms’ gazebo
• Digital photos perfect for sharing on social media — included in your session fee
• Option to purchase high-resolution images and prints for just $10 each

All photos will be posted online after the event, so you can view, share, and select your favorites.

Whether your dog is in costume, fresh from a race, or just showing off their natural charm, this is a must-do activity for lasting memories.

The Sisimito Food Truck will be serving up mouthwatering eats in the Keel Farms Backyard during Doxapalooza. Known for their bold flavors and creative dishes, Sisimito offers something for everyone — from savory street food to tasty handhelds. Check out their latest menu and food photos on the Sisimito Food Truck Facebook page and come hungry!

Cool off and relax at The Backyard Bar, where you can sip on beer and wine crafted right here at Keel Farms. Don’t forget to grab your commemorative Doxapalooza wine or beer glass — the Backyard Bar will gladly fill it with a standard pour of your favorite drink.

Want to enjoy a sit-down meal? The Keel Farms Patio and Tasting Room will be open during Doxapalooza 2025, serving their famous upscale pub-style dishes and fresh beverages. The patio is now air-conditioned year-round for comfort — but if it’s one of those perfect Florida fall days, the space can be opened up to let in fresh country breezes.

Things can get busy, so reservations are recommended if you plan to dine inside. Please note: Dogs are welcome only on the patio, making it the ideal spot for a relaxing, dog-friendly lunch.

Stay Close to the Action – Official Doxapalooza 2025 Hotel Partners

We’re thrilled to partner with Hampton Inn and TownePlace Suites in Plant City to provide exclusive accommodations for Doxapalooza attendees.

Both hotels are dog-friendly and conveniently located just off I-4, less than 2 miles from Keel Farms — the home of our event. That means you can enjoy all the fun of Doxapalooza and be back at your room in just minutes.

You’ll also be within walking distance of plenty of dining and convenience options, including Starbucks, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Wawa, and more.

Special Perks for Doxapalooza Guests:

• Exclusive discounted room rates (use the booking links below)
• Reduced pet fee of just $75 for your stay
• Comfortable accommodations close to the action

Book early to lock in your special rate and make your Doxapalooza weekend as fun and stress-free as possible!

Stay in Style with Harvest Hosts

Traveling to Doxapalooza 2025 in your RV? Harvest Hosts is a unique membership program that gives self-contained RVers access to a nationwide network of wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and other one-of-a-kind attractions that welcome overnight stays.

For as little as $99 per year, members can stay at thousands of locations across North America, enjoying new travel experiences and unforgettable destinations while supporting local businesses.

Recommended Location for Doxapalooza:

• Keel Farms – Nothing beats staying onsite at Keel Farms during Doxapalooza! Enjoy fresh air and easy access to all the day’s events, and end your evening with a glass of Keel Farms wine or craft beer.

With Harvest Hosts, your trip to Doxapalooza can be more than just a day event — it can be a full RV getaway.

No Pup? No Problem! Stay Lakeside at Keel Farms Airbnb

Heading to Doxapalooza 2025 but not bringing a dog? No worries! Keel Farms’ private Airbnb offers the perfect lakeside retreat to unwind after an exciting day at the event.

Enjoy peaceful evenings surrounded by nature, just minutes from Keel Farms and all the Doxapalooza festivities. Whether you’re visiting from nearby or traveling in from afar, this cozy and convenient Airbnb is ideal for a relaxing stay in Plant City, Florida.

Book early to secure your spot and make your Doxapalooza weekend even more memorable!