The Puppy Bowl is returning for its 19th year, and Austin’s biggest dog‑loving community event is gearing up to take over the Austin Humane Society on Saturday, February 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. With hundreds of families, a full tailgate‑style atmosphere, and dozens of adoptable puppies, this is one of the most joyful—and impactful—Super Bowl weekend traditions in the city. You can find the full official overview, including photos from past years and current year details, on the Austin Humane Society’s Puppy Bowl 2026 page.

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Austin Humane Society

Free admission; optional VIP upgrade
124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752
Puppy Bowl 2026: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Website

Here is your complete insider guide, including what to expect, how to make the most of your visit, and the details most visitors don’t know until they arrive.

Essential Event Info
• Date & Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (confirmed on the official event listing)
• Location: Austin Humane Society, 124 W. Anderson Lane
• Admission: Free
• Optional VIP Pass: Includes event T‑shirt, drink pass, and exclusive entry to the Tailgate Food Competition, with pricing and registration details available through the Puppy Bowl 2026 RSVP and ticket page

Pro Tip

VIP passes often sell out before event day. If you know you want Tailgate Food Competition access and merch, lock in your VIP spot online a week or two in advance.

The 2026 Puppy Bowl features crowd favorites: puppy races, halftime performances, pet adoptions, vendor booths, and the beloved Super Bowl puppy predictions, with the New England PAWtriots facing the Seattle SeaDogs. For a look at how the day is structured and photos from previous years, browse the official Puppy Bowl overview, which also highlights the playful game‑day theme. Last year’s event raised more than $50,000 and welcomed over 800 attendees, a milestone that’s echoed in AHS’s broader corporate sponsorship impact stats.

VIP Experience
Guests who upgrade to the Very Important Puppy‑fan package receive special perks along with access to the Tailgate Food Competition, where Austin chefs compete for the title of best game‑day bite. You’ll find current VIP pricing, what’s included, and Tailgate Food Competition entry options on the 2026 event calendar listing.

Insider Intelligence: What Most Visitors Miss
• Arrive early. The adoption queue fills up quickly as families try to meet puppies before the races begin. Local coverage from CBS Austin’s preview of the Puppy Bowl also notes the family‑festival feel and high demand for early‑day puppy time.

Pro Tip

If adopting is a priority, aim to arrive 15–20 minutes before gates open so you can head straight to the adoption area before the races and performances start.

• Bring shade or sun protection. The event is held outdoors on the shelter grounds, and shaded areas fill up fast.

• Parking is limited. Check the Austin Humane Society’s official Puppy Bowl 2026 page the week of for updated parking maps and overflow lot details.

Heads Up

The main lot at Austin Humane Society fills early and nearby street parking can be tight. Build in extra time for parking and be prepared for a short walk from overflow areas.

• Expect lines around the food competition. VIP ticketholders should head there first—judging begins earlier than most realize, and details are posted alongside the RSVP and VIP ticket info.

Note

Judging and sampling windows at the Tailgate Food Competition don’t run the full length of the event. Check posted times when you arrive so you don’t miss your chance to taste and vote.

• Follow AHS on social for day‑of updates. Weather adjustments and adoption announcements often happen in real time, and are frequently highlighted in media coverage of the event.

Pro Tip

Turn on event‑day notifications for Austin Humane Society’s social channels so you’ll see real‑time updates about weather delays, adoption spot openings, and featured puppies.

Why This Event Matters
This is one of AHS’s most important fundraising weekends of the year. Every activity, sponsorship, and adoption supports the shelter’s mission to care for animals in need across Central Texas. For a deeper look at how events like the Puppy Bowl fuel programs, adoptions, and medical care, explore AHS’s corporate sponsorship and impact overview.

If you’re planning out a full weekend of local fun around the Puppy Bowl, you might also like a few of our other insider guides to family‑friendly outings and nearby experiences:

• Make a full sports‑themed day of it with a visit to Inside The Pitch Austin: The Insider Guide to Northeast Austin’s New Dog‑Friendly Sports & Dining Destination.
• If you’re driving in and want to save on parking near other Austin stops, check out Inside Austin’s Hidden Park ATX Hack: How to Stack Your Two Daily Free Parking Sessions Like a Local.
• For a relaxing reset after a busy event day, unwind with Inside Hiatus Day Spa Austin: The Insider Guide to the City’s Most Accessible Everyday Luxury Wellness Escape.
• And if you’re building a full weekend of family activities, don’t miss Inside the Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour in Cedar Park: The Insider Guide to the Most Iconic Family Show Hitting Austin This Weekend.

Whether you're looking to adopt, sample tailgate food, or simply bask in the overload of puppy energy, Austin’s Puppy Bowl 2026 is one of the most joyful community events of the year—and now you’re equipped with the insider knowledge to experience it like a seasoned regular.