Humane Indiana Invites the Community to Come Together at Paws in the Park on September 19

MUNSTER, IN – After a challenging August that tested communities across Northwest Indiana, Humane Indiana is inviting families, friends, and animal lovers to come together for a day of fun, connection, and celebration at Paws in the Park on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Community Park in Munster.

This free, family- and pet-friendly community event will bring thousands of animal lovers together for a day filled with local vendors, food, entertainment, activities, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the animals who bring us together. Guests are encouraged to bring their well-behaved, leashed, and vaccinated dogs to enjoy the festivities alongside their families.

The event comes at a meaningful time for Humane Indiana and the community it serves. In August, severe storms brought significant challenges to Northwest Indiana, including power outages and damage that impacted Humane Indiana’s shelter and wildlife rehabilitation operations. Through it all, the community stepped up, donating supplies, volunteering, sharing resources, supporting animals in need, and helping Humane Indiana continue its work.

“Our community showed us what it means to come together when it matters most,” said Brian Fitzpatrick, CEO of Humane Indiana. “We saw neighbors helping neighbors, businesses stepping up, volunteers showing up, and people opening their hearts to animals in need. We are also incredibly grateful to the Munster Parks Department for the tremendous work they have done helping clean up and restore our community following the storms. Their hard work, along with the efforts of so many people throughout Northwest Indiana, has made a real difference. Paws in the Park is a chance to celebrate that spirit. We want everyone to come out, bring the family, bring the dog, and spend the day with us. It’s our way of saying thank you and celebrating the incredible community that continues to show up for animals and the people who love them.”

Paws in the Park is a celebration of the connection between people and animals and the community that makes lifesaving work possible. Funds raised through the event support Humane Indiana’s programs, including animal sheltering, affordable veterinary care, foster programs, pet food pantry, and other lifesaving services.

Attendees can expect a full day of family-friendly activities and entertainment, local businesses and organizations, food, shopping, live music, and opportunities to learn more about Humane Indiana and the animals it serves.

“This year, inviting our community together feels especially important,” said Jessica Greer, Senior Director of Shelter & Clinic Operations. “We’ve seen firsthand over the past few weeks just how much people care. From helping animals impacted by the storms to opening their hearts and homes to pets in need, our community has been there for us. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Paws in the Park and celebrate that incredible support.”

Businesses, nonprofits, artisans, and pet-related organizations are also invited to participate as vendors or sponsors. A limited number of vendor booth spaces are still available, providing local businesses with an opportunity to connect with thousands of pet-loving families while supporting Humane Indiana’s mission.

“Paws in the Park is one of our favorite ways to bring the community together,” said Rebecca Greaney, Community and Donor Engagement Coordinator. “Whether you’ve attended every year or this will be your first Paws in the Park, we hope you’ll join us. Come make a day of it, meet some great local organizations, enjoy an amazing live music line up, and celebrate with us.”

Paws in the Park takes place Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Community Park in Munster, and admission is free. Families are encouraged to attend, and leashed, vaccinated, well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Paws in the Park Event Highlights
Paws in the Park will feature a full day of family- and pet-friendly activities, entertainment, local vendors, food, and live music. Highlights include:

• 9 am – Event opens; check-in begins for the 1-mile, dog-friendly walk
• 9:45 am – Presentation of the Flag, courtesy of the University of Illinois Chicago ROTC, followed by the National Anthem
• 10 am – DJ countdown and start of the 1-mile dog-friendly walk
• 10:30 am – “K-9s in Action” demonstration by the Munster Police Department K9 Unit
• 11 am – “WestMunster” Doggy Fashion Show, where dogs and their humans can dress up and compete for prizes
• 11 am – 3 Floyds Beer Garden opens
• 12-3:10 pm – Live music
• 9 am-3 pm – Vendor market, food trucks, and raffle prizes

Live Music Lineup
The afternoon will feature a diverse lineup of local musicians and bands:

• 12-12:30 pm – Steelbelly, solo folk acoustic
• 12:40-1:10 pm – In The Static, two-piece alternative
• 1:20-1:50 pm – Ivan Garcia Acoustic, solo acoustic covers and original music
• 2-2:30 pm – Park Street, five-piece pop punk/alternative
• 2:40-3:10 pm – Jerry and the D.O.G.s, five-piece band performing original music

Proceeds from Paws in the Park directly support Humane Indiana’s mission of creating a better world for animals and the people who love them. Funds raised will support the organization’s animal shelter and community programs, including the Pet Food Pantry, a free resource for pet families experiencing financial hardship; veterinary care for animals in need; and Humane Indiana’s foster care program. For event details, vendor and sponsorship information, and updates, visit Humane Indiana’s Paws in the Park event page.

About Humane Indiana
Humane Indiana has been creating a better world for animals and the people who love them for 85 years. Through its shelter and adoption center, affordable veterinary clinic, wildlife rehabilitation and education center, foster programs, and community outreach initiatives, Humane Indiana serves thousands of animals and families across Northwest Indiana each year. For more information, visit Humane Indiana.