Coon Dog Day Festival

July 6, 2024
The tiny town of Saluda  (about 35 miles southeast of Asheville) welcomes visitors for Coon Dog Day. The very fun, quirky street festival celebrates the loyal pet used for many years for hunting and known for its unique bark and an amazing sense of smell. The celebration held for 50+ years includes a parade, music, street fair with art and food, and dog judging. 

The festivities kick off early at 8 AM on Main Street with the 5K race through town. Folks bring chairs early to claim a shady spot for the 11 AM parade that features homemade floats, fire trucks, antique cars,  King and Queen, and plenty of coon dogs. The parade lasts about 30 minutes. The day ends with a street dance, Square Dancing Under the Stars, at 7:30 PM. Admission is free. 

2024 Schedule

8:00 AM
Saluda Elementary School 5k Fun Run – Main St – Start and Finish
Sign-up

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Vendors Open – Public Parking on Howard Gap Rd with Shuttle

11:00 AM
Coon Dog Day Parade 

12:30PM
★ Every Dog's a Star Show ★
All dogs contest and fundraising event! 
Day-of Registration: 12:00 PM at Ella Grace Stage, next to the park
Entry Fee: $2 per contest (cash only), donated to the local humane society

1:30PM
Firefighter Agility Contest

2:30 PM
AKC Register Coon Hound Dog Show – Saluda School Ball Field
Same-Day Registration available

5:00 PM
Shagging in the Park with Jack Roper & The Weatherman Band

7:00 PM
Square Dancing Under the Stars

Coon dogs are the stars of the entire day. The AKC licensed show starts at 2:30 PM with the Bench Show for looks and style standing still. 

Meet many dogs up for adoption from several agencies at the festival.

Find many goodies to buy for dogs and their owners!

Don't forget to explore all the cool shops, general store and galleries in downtown Saluda. Parking for Coon Dog Day is scattered around downtown in many lots (look for signs), including the local school, churches and fire department. 

Read more about Saluda and other things to do. And see our other Top Summer Festivals.

Directions from Asheville: Take I-26 East about 35 miles to Exit 59.

Watch Our Video of Parade Highlights

History
In 1949, the Blue Ridge Coon Dog Association was organized to replenish the local raccoon population, which had dwindled to almost nothing. By the late 1950s the club was holding a fundraising barbecue each year on the first Saturday after the 4th of July. Proceeds were used to restock the woods with ‘coons. The popularity of the barbecues, and the success of the “Old Prospector” parade that had celebrated the opening of the Rock and Mineral Museum in 1962, convinced the club to try their own annual parade beginning in 1963. Coon Dog Day was wildly successful, and the event has grown over the decades.