Pensacola, Fla. (September 17, 2026) – For a decade, Pensacola has gone to the dogs –  and Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue is celebrating 10 years of Danetoberfest with its biggest slobbery celebration yet!

The lovable giants of Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue (NWFLGDR) will take over Seville Square on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the 10th Annual Danetoberfest, a day of Great Danes, food, fun, fundraising and plenty of four-legged friends.

This year’s theme, “Not All Heroes Wear Capes… Some Drool,” celebrates the giant dogs, and the people who help save them, at this special 10th-anniversary-event. Guests can meet adoptable Great Danes and alumni Danes, shop with vendors, enjoy food and drinks, enter raffles and soak up the sights, sounds and slobbery kisses of one of Pensacola’s most unique fundraisers.

Danetoberfest is more than a tail-wagging celebration. It is NWFLGDR’s biggest fundraiser of the year, helping provide veterinary care, medical supplies, food and other necessities for Great Danes in the rescue. This year, the rescue hopes to raise $15,000.

What began as a celebration of Great Danes has grown into a decade-long tradition that brings dog lovers together while helping provide a second chance for dogs in need. Every ticket, raffle purchase and donation helps NWFLGDR continue its mission of rescuing and caring for Great Danes throughout the region.

“For 10 years, Danetoberfest has given us an incredible opportunity to bring our community together for these slobbery, gentle giants,” said Michelle Cramer, president of NWFLGDR. “We’ve seen firsthand how much can happen when people come together for a common cause.”

The 10th anniversary celebration will feature 30+ vendors selling arts and crafts, from dog-themed items to tasty treats for both humans and pups. Food trucks will also be on hand, making it easy to grab a bite while enjoying the festivities.

Feeling lucky? Raffle tickets for high-value prizes, including a private yacht tour, beach hotel stay and custom painting, are $5 each or six for $20. Dozens of additional $1 raffle prizes will also be up for grabs, including handcrafted items, gift baskets and plenty of dog-themed goodies.

“This year’s theme is a fun way to celebrate our danes – who are the real heroes – and the people who open their homes to them,” said Katie King, vice president of NWFLGDR. “Come out, grab some delicious food, enter the raffles and let one of our gentle giants steal your heart… and couch.”

Bring your furry friends! Danetoberfest is dog-friendly, and all well-behaved, vaccinated pups are welcome. Just remember, no retractable leashes, please!

Come celebrate 10 years of Danetoberfest, support Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue and enjoy a day of fun, food and Great Danes galore!

What’s Danetoberfest All About?

Danetoberfest isn’t just our biggest adoption event of the year—it’s also our largest fundraiser. Every dollar raised goes directly toward veterinary care, medical supplies, food, and other essentials for the Great Danes in our rescue.

“Every Great Dane that comes through our doors has a story, and most of the danes in our care have faced neglect, abandonment, injury or uncertainty,” said Katie King, vice president of NWFLGDR. “Danetoberfest is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a lifeline. It allows us to rescue these amazing dogs, care for them, and help them find the loving homes they truly deserve.”

About Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue

Founded in Pensacola, Fla., in 2010, Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving a large region spanning Florida, southern Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Every Great Dane is vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and heartworm tested before adoption.

For more information about Danetoberfest or NWFLGDR, message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NWFLGDR or email NWFLGDR@gmail.com.