Bark Harvest – Killingly Business Association

The Killingly Business Association (KBA) is proud to announce the inaugural presentation of Bark Harvest on Sunday, November 2, from 12 PM to 4 PM at the site of the former St. Joseph’s Church located at 350 Hartford Pike in Killingly. The festival offers both pets and people an afternoon of fun activities in support of local animal shelters, all while experiencing what makes Killingly uniquely and “Pawsitively” appealing to both dog lovers and tourists alike.

Bark Harvest will feature activities designed for both pets and their human companions. Event-goers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite dog photos to be included in a 2026 Bark Harvest Studio calendar. Those interested in entering their furry friend in the contest (dog or otherwise) can do so by scheduling a photo shoot with Charlene’s Portrait Studio. The $40 fee will be donated to local animal shelters and future Pawsitively Killingly initiatives. Sessions can be booked online from the event website at killinglyba.org/BarkHarvest.

For the pets, there will be a dog costume contest and pet parade, a dog “pie” eating contest, Trick-or-Dog-Treat Trail, bobbing for pumpkins, paw painting art station, and an agility course hosted by Ocean State Agility Club. Pets must be leashed at all times while at the event.

For the people, there will be a dog and pet-related vendor marketplace featuring an array of vendors including Kuhl-K9 Training, Strout’s Custom Acrylics/Happy Hounds LLC, Spicy Leashes, author Julia Kneeland, Fetch dog treat bakery and more.

Eventgoers can also snap a “pumpkin patch pup photo” with their furry friends, watch a dog adoption parade, participate in a scavenger hunt, take part in a dog yoga demonstration, and purchase tickets for fun pet- and fall-themed raffle prizes. Fall-themed food and beverages will also be available and music will be provided by C. Hamilton Studios.

All proceeds from Bark Harvest will directly support local pet shelters and fund future “Pawsitively Killingly” initiatives. For more information about Bark Harvest, including volunteer opportunities, sponsorship packages, and event updates, visit killinglyba.org/BarkHarvest.

Killingly has developed a distinctive identity as a destination for dog enthusiasts, particularly along Main Street, where visitors can find an impressive array of canine-focused or themed establishments. Within a single mile, the town’s Main Street boasts businesses such as Bark-Society grooming and pet gift shop, Two Dogs Coffee Shop, Chubby Dog Coffee Co. & Gaming Bar, and CrossFit Underdog Union – creating a one-of-a-kind cluster of dog-themed businesses that reflects the community’s love for four-legged companions.

This exciting new event marks the first initiative in the Association’s new “Pawsitively Killingly” campaign, designed to highlight the town’s remarkable concentration of dog-related and dog-themed businesses while also celebrating its unique combination of small-town Americana charm and cultured, craft-style breweries, restaurants, and retail experiences.

“We recognized that Killingly has something truly special with our concentration of dog-related businesses,” said KBA President Amy Brunet. “The ‘Pawsitively Killingly’ initiative aims to celebrate this unique aspect of our town while bringing together both local community members and tourists from across the region to enjoy all that Killingly has to offer.”

In addition to the town’s numerous dog-themed establishment, Killingly is also home to the world-famous Logee’s Greenhouse, gift and flower shops featuring local artisans, a sweets shop for the kids (and kids at heart), and craft breweries. Killingly is also home to a wide variety of cuisine options including Thai, Lao, Chinese, African, Greek, and Mexican restaurants as well as artisanal bakeries and establishments that cater to vegan, gluten free and healthy, whole food options. Nestled in the heart of “The Last Green Valley,” the town also offers plenty for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking trails, kayaking and forested state parks to orchards, skydiving and, of course, a dog park.