Carli Clesmere 
Dog lovers, mark your calendars. Barknic is coming to Lackawanna Station, located at 1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair on Saturday, August 8th, from 12PM to 5PM. The indoor event will feature adoptable animals, local vendors, giveaways, activities, and plenty of ways to support Wise Animal Rescue. The Local Girl team will also be there with a few giveaways of its own. Read on for everything to know about Barknic 2026.
What to Expect
Barknic, Wise Animal Rescue’s biggest fundraiser ever, will take place on Saturday, August 8th from 12PM to 5PM at Lackawanna Station in Montclair. The indoor, family-friendly, and animal-friendly event is designed for pets and their people, with local vendors, music, photo moments, raffles, and activities for dogs and humans alike. Guests can also meet adoptable pets from local rescue organizations while supporting Wise Animal Rescue, a volunteer-run, foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues animals from neglect, abandonment, and unsafe situations and helps place them into safe, loving homes.
Sponsors include Bond Vet, Multipet International, Raising Cane’s, Veterinary Emergency Group, Woofie’s, and Z100 New York, and vendors include Auburn Jewelry, Barks and Besos, Brews & Chews, Buddy Treats, Home Towne Pet Shoppe, Pure Green, Rosie’s Empanadas, Wise Choice Treats, and more. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, while children under 12 and pets are free. All proceeds support Wise Animal Rescue.
Supporting Wise Animal Rescue
Barknic raises money for Wise Animal Rescue, a volunteer-run, foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the well-being of dogs of all breeds. All funds raised from the event go directly to Wise Animal Rescue. WISE rescues dogs of all ages and breeds from unsafe environments, as well as those who have been abandoned or surrendered, and partners with veterinary practices to help restore them to health before placing them in safe, loving homes.
The organization also focuses on awareness, education, and advocacy for neglected, surrendered, and abandoned dogs, including dogs categorized as bully breed mixes that often face unfair stigma. During the event, guests can learn more about the many ways to support WISE, including adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, creating a fundraiser, becoming a corporate partner, supporting Lola’s Legacy hospice dog program, purchasing items from the rescue’s wish list, or making a memorial or tribute donation.
Read More: Volunteer Opportunities in Montclair for Summer 2026
All proceeds from Barknic will help provide rescue dogs with the medical care, supplies, and support they need to find their forever homes.
The Rainbow Bridge Project
The Local Girl team will also share more about The Rainbow Bridge Project at Barknic, a passion project created by TLG founder Jennifer Tripucka. The planned memorial at Elysian Park in Hoboken will give locals a special place to remember and honor pets who have passed away. Plans include a small rainbow bridge where visitors can leave a pet’s collar or another meaningful memento as a tribute. The project is being developed in partnership with Wise Animal Rescue, with the goal of creating a comforting space for pet owners while also supporting animals in need.
See More: 10 Ways to Support Animal Welfare Organizations in New Jersey If You Can’t Foster
TL;DR
- Date: Saturday, August 8th, 2026
- Time: 12PM to 5PM
- Location: Lackawanna Station, 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
More information about tickets, volunteering, donating, and sponsorships can be found here.
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