COUNT OF BARK!

Dog costume contest at the "Count of May" festival

​REGISTER​

Dog Costume Ball at the “Count of May” Festival

This year, the gates of the court of Count of May open not only for people…

🌿 For one day, dogs become heroes of a legend:
knights, forest spirits, jesters, and guardians of spring.

Welcome to “Count of Bark” —
a magical dog costume contest
where every participant takes part in a real ball at the court of the May Count.

Event information

Date: May 23, 2026
Location: Ziedoņdārzs Park, Riga,
OPEN MIC LOCATION
Pet veterinary control (mandatory): 12:00 - 13:30
Contest: 15:00 - 16:00

Who it’s for

— dog owners
— families with children
— lovers of festival atmosphere
— anyone who wants to create bright memories


Why participate

— bright emotions and a unique experience
— professional photos
— prizes from partners
— audience attention and a true festive atmosphere

And perhaps your pet will become
the May Count or Countess 2026 

About the format

— this is a runway show, not a task-based competition
— performance time: ~20–40 seconds
— the focus is on costume, mood, and connection

Categories

-  Most fantasy costume
- Best historical costume
- Best duo (owner + dog)

👑 Main title — Count / Countess of Bark

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📸Inspiration

Think about who your pet could become:
a knight, a dragon, a princess, a forest spirit, or even the guardian of spring…

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Become part of the legend!

For one day, your pet is not just a dog.
They become the hero of a story.

👉 Register and step onto the ball of the May Count

How to participate
  1. Fill out the registration form till 20.05.2026.*
  2. Create your costume
  3. Come to the festival and become part of the fairytale


[REGISTER NOW]

*Limited number of spots available. Registration is closed on May 20, 2026 at 23:59

How the contest works

Everything is simple and comfortable for you and your pet:

1. Registration
Fill out on-line form and prepare your costume

2. Parade and runway
Participants walk across the lawn and present their costumes

3. Final and awards
The jury selects winners in different categories and awards the main title

The format is light and friendly: no complex tasks, no stress for the animals.


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⚠️ Safety and comfort

We care about animal welfare:

— participation only on a leash
— costumes must be comfortable and safe
— distance between participants is maintained
— a calm rest area is available

❗ Participation is allowed only if the contest rules are followed and veterinaty control is passed timely.


Veterinary control:

  • When registering for the contest, indicate your dog’s microchip number.

  • When arriving at the event, you must bring the vaccination passport with valid vaccinations.

  • Have a veterinary check-up with the contest veterinarian, obtain approval and your contest entry number.

  • Dogs without valid vaccinations or with unregistered microchips will not be admitted.


Rules for participating in the “COUNT OF BARK” contest

  1. Only domestic dogs older than 6 months are allowed to participate.
  2. Participation is possible only with prior registration and on-site check-in confirmation.
  3. Each dog must be:
    • clinically healthy
    • properly vaccinated and with registered microchip
    • free from signs of aggressive behavior
  4. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times during the event.
  5. The owner is fully responsible for their dog’s behavior.
  6. Dogs are not allowed to participate if they:
    • display aggressive behavior
    • are under stress or unwell
    • are females in heat
  7. Costume requirements:
    • must not restrict breathing, movement, or vision
    • must not include dangerous elements (sharp parts, small detachable pieces)
    • must be comfortable for the dog
  8. It is prohibited to:
    • force a dog to participate
    • use punishment or harsh handling
    • use loud or frightening accessories
  9. Participants are required to:
    • clean up after their dog
    • follow instructions from organizers and stewards
  10. During the parade:
  • follow the assigned order
  • avoid unnecessary contact with other participants
  • maintain a safe distance
  1. The organizers reserve the right to:
  • refuse participation without explanation
  • disqualify participants for rule violations
  • make changes to the contest format
  1. By participating, you agree to:
  • photo and video recording
  • the use of materials for festival promotion

Some examples for inspiration