Nashville Unscripted · Events Guide
Free admission. Dogs welcome. Top Dog contest, pet adoption orgs, and dog-themed vendors at Capitol View. The best September event for Nashville dog owners.
The 2026 festival has wrapped. Hot Diggity Dog Fest 2026 was Saturday, September 19. Dates for 2027 haven’t been announced yet — the festival is held in September each year. We’ll update this guide when the new date is out.
Hot Diggity Dog Fest is Nashville’s annual free dog festival — a full afternoon of dog-centric fun at Capitol View with a Top Dog contest, pet adoption organizations, food trucks, and vendors dedicated to dogs and their people.
2026 Date
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Hours
11am – 4pm
Location
Capitol View, Nashville
Admission
Free
2026 Theme
The Great Dog Show
2026 Nonprofit
Live Like Roo Foundation
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2026 was the 4th annual Hot Diggity Dog Fest, and it keeps getting bigger. The 2026 theme was The Great Dog Show — a fitting backdrop for the Top Dog contest.
- Top Dog Contest — the main event. Enter your dog in the competition and show off their best tricks, looks, or personality. Categories vary by year.
- Pet adoption organizations — local rescue and adoption groups are on-site. A great opportunity to meet dogs looking for homes even if you’re not adopting today.
- Dog-related vendors — products, services, and gear for dogs and their owners from local and regional vendors.
- Food trucks — human food trucks serving the crowd throughout the event.
- Pet care services — groomers, trainers, and pet care providers on site.
- Nonprofit partner — in 2026, the Live Like Roo Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families whose pets face a cancer diagnosis.
Dog Rules
All dogs must be on non-retractable leashes to enter the festival. Retractable leashes are not permitted. Dogs must be friendly and under control at all times — this is a busy event with many dogs in a small area.
Where Is Hot Diggity Dog Fest?
Hot Diggity Dog Fest is held at Capitol View — the mixed-use development on Nelson Merry Street in Nashville’s Capitol District, just north of downtown. The address is 500 11th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203.
Capitol View is an easy trip from downtown Nashville — about 10 minutes by rideshare.
Parking for Hot Diggity Dog Fest
Capitol View has on-site garage parking, and there’s street parking in the surrounding Capitol District. Downtown Nashville meters are enforced on Saturdays, so check the posted hours before you leave your car.
For guaranteed parking, browse SpotHero for nearby options — downtown garages are within walking distance and often cheaper than event parking.
Dog-Friendly Nashville: Before and After the Fest
Hot Diggity Dog Fest is a great anchor for a dog-friendly Nashville day. Before or after the festival:
- Bicentennial Mall State Park — nearby open green space in the Capitol District. Great for a pre-festival warmup walk.
- Germantown — the walkable historic neighborhood nearby has several dog-friendly patios and coffee shops.
- Centennial Park — one of Nashville’s most dog-friendly large parks, about 15 minutes west by car. The same park that hosts Musicians Corner.
- Kimpton Aertson Hotel — if you’re staying overnight, the Kimpton Aertson near Vanderbilt is one of Nashville’s most dog-friendly hotels. Confirm the current pet policy when you book.
Hot Diggity Dog Fest FAQ
When is Hot Diggity Dog Fest Nashville?
Hot Diggity Dog Fest 2026 was Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11am to 4pm at Capitol View (500 11th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203). Dates for 2027 haven’t been announced yet.
Is Hot Diggity Dog Fest Nashville free?
Yes — Hot Diggity Dog Fest is free admission for all attendees. Dogs are welcome and encouraged.
Can I bring my dog to Hot Diggity Dog Fest Nashville?
Yes — dogs are the point. All dogs must be on non-retractable leashes to enter. Dogs must be friendly and under control at all times.
Where is Hot Diggity Dog Fest Nashville?
Hot Diggity Dog Fest is held at Capitol View on Nelson Merry Street in Nashville’s Capitol District, 500 11th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203. About 10 minutes from Broadway by rideshare.
What is the Top Dog Contest at Hot Diggity Dog Fest?
The Top Dog Contest is the main competition at Hot Diggity Dog Fest where dogs compete for the title. The 2026 theme was The Great Dog Show. Categories and judging criteria vary by year.
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Hot Diggity Dog Fest event details change each year. Always verify current information at the Capitol View website before attending. This post contains affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.