Pet Lovers Pack Gateway Arch National Park for Annual Arch Bark
photos by Alex Bakken, Courtesy of Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Hundreds of dog lovers will gather at Gateway Arch National Park on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s annual Arch Bark presented by Purina to celebrate sustainability in action and the ongoing mission to nurture thriving spaces where pets and people flourish together.
The annual event is the ideal place for St. Louis dog lovers to explore the Foundation’s mission to preserve 91 acres of parkland in the heart of downtown.
The free, family-friendly event in the North Gateway of the park celebrates the bond between pets and their owners with a community dog walk, fun activities, entertainment and stunning views of the Gateway Arch.
“Gateway Arch Park Foundation believes the Arch is for everyone, including canine friends,” said Ryan McClure, Gateway Arch Park Foundation executive director. “As stewards of this iconic landmark, events like Arch Bark exemplify the commitment to creating inclusive, vibrant spaces at Gateway Arch National Park. By partnering with Purina and local vendors, the foundation not only breathes life into its mission to make the Gateway Arch a welcoming destination for everyone but also supports the local economy and highlights how caring for this park sustains a healthier environment for people and pets alike.”
Activities
Arch Bark 2026 promises an exciting lineup of activities for dogs and their humans, set against one of St. Louis’ most iconic green spaces:
10:00 a.m. – Booths Open & Dog Walk Registration Begins
10:30 a.m. – Community Dog Walk
11:15 a.m. – Purina Incredible Dog Team Performance
12:00 p.m. – Dog Fashion Show + Best Trick Contest
12:30 p.m. – Purina Incredible Dog Team Performance
1:00 p.m. – Dog Agility Course Opens
Throughout the event, guests can enjoy ongoing pet activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including a DJ and music, pet booths and food trucks, caricature drawings, a roaming photo booth, yard games, and a tennis ball pit with Purina Beggin’ Treats. Purina will be there to greet pets and their people with complimentary treats, travel water bowls, doggie pickup bags and reusable totes that encourage responsible park enjoyment.
Attendees can visit the Purina booth for all their pet needs, plus additional pet booths featuring the National Park Service B.A.R.K. Ranger Program, Speak Rescue & Sanctuary, Mify Pupco Clothing, No Leash Needed, Charlotte’s Pets, Pawsitively Purrfect Boutique, Head2Tail, Veterinary Emergency Group, Midwest Institute’s Veterinary Technician School, City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency, and Wolf Gang Bakery & Grooming. Food trucks include The MOObile, Ray’s Kettle Corn, The Best Wurst Food Truck, and Pour Decisions STL.
Last year’s Arch Bark event
Events like Arch Bark serve as a reminder that dog walks and outdoor play at the national park would not be possible without the healthy ecosystems and sustainability efforts to support them, a priority that Gateway Arch Park Foundation & Purina share.
“Arch Bark offers St. Louisans a perfect opportunity to celebrate our love of dogs in our hometown national park,” said Kim Beardslee, director of community affairs at Nestlé Purina PetCare Co. “Purina is committed to promoting sustainability not only in our business practices, which include a focus on regenerative farming and packaging recyclability, but also in our communities through initiatives like tree planting and greenway development. Hosting events like Arch Bark creates another opportunity where people can connect with their pets in nature.”
Visitors can stop by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation tent to learn how the nonprofit conservancy of Gateway Arch National Park makes events like this possible and how to support the mission to keep this urban national park healthy, active and accessible for future generations of people and pets.
For more information on Arch Bark activities or to support the foundation’s mission, visit archpark.org/archbark.