Memories from Rome
The 2024 promotional video looks back at earlier celebrations.
OCTOBER 15–16, 2027 ◆ HELEN, GEORGIA
Little town.
Big schnauzer energy.
Your favorite schnauzer celebration has a new home.
Join the pack for two days of friendship and fall fun in Helen.
SAME SCHNAUZER FAMILY. A WHOLE NEW ADVENTURE.NOVEMBER 10–17, 2026 · ENDS AT MIDNIGHT NOVEMBER 17
Get Tickets →The early bird gets the treats.
Take advantage of our early bird registration, November 10–17, and save $10 on dog registration and $5 on each meal ticket.
Rooted in friendship.
A new chapter in Helen.
Schnauzerfest began in Rome, Georgia, in 2019 with a simple idea: bring schnauzers and the people who love them together. The inaugural celebration welcomed 630 schnauzers and 1,200 owners, with visitors coming from 43 states, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.
Over the years, Rome became the setting for unforgettable parades, costumes, music, games, and friendships that carried far beyond festival weekend. It’s where online friends met in person and a community became a festival family.
Why Helen?
For Schnauzerfest 8, we’re bringing that family to Helen, Georgia. With the schnauzer’s German heritage and Helen’s Bavarian architecture, mountain setting, and Oktoberfest spirit, it feels like a natural next chapter. Helen is excited to welcome Schnauzerfest as a big part of its annual Oktoberfest celebration.
Our hometown is changing, but the heart of Schnauzerfest stays the same: good friends, great memories, and the dogs who bring us together.
Schnauzerfest in the news
CBS Atlanta’s Brian Unger visits Schnauzerfest Rome in 2025.
FROM NEAR AND FAR. ONE SCHNAUZER FAMILY.
Who comes to Schnauzerfest?
They cross state lines, borders, and oceans—for a weekend with their kind of people and their kind of dogs.
47U.S. states represented
across past celebrations
across past celebrations
3states left to welcome:
Alaska, Hawaii & Wyoming
Alaska, Hawaii & Wyoming
2dogs have traveled
all the way from England!
all the way from England!
A little festival. A far-reaching family.
What began in Georgia has grown into a gathering that reaches far beyond our hometown. Over the years, Schnauzerfest has welcomed dogs from 47 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, and England. Yes—even two dogs from across the Atlantic have joined the fun!
At Schnauzerfest Rome 7 in 2026, we welcomed our very first dog from Washington state—another milestone in a family that keeps reaching farther.
Every journey brings another story, another friendship, and another beard to the family. Now we’re setting our sights on a special milestone: welcoming schnauzers from all 50 states.
CanadaMexicoEngland · 2 dogs!
THE FINAL THREE STATES
Your schnauzer could help make history.
Calling Alaska, Hawaii, and Wyoming! Schnauzerfest will provide complimentary round-trip airfare for two people accompanying our first qualifying schnauzer from each of these three states to Schnauzerfest 8 in Helen, Georgia, October 15–16, 2027.
That’s three households, six passenger tickets, and one unforgettable milestone. Could your dog be the one to complete our map?
Promotion details are coming soon. Eligibility, how “first” is determined, booking arrangements, covered costs, and pet-travel requirements will be announced before applications open.
Ask about the Final Three States →New town. Same pack.
A nod to our German roots.
Schnauzers have German roots, and Helen brings Bavarian charm to the North Georgia mountains. For Schnauzerfest 8, we’re bringing those two together—celebrating the breed we love in a village that feels made for the occasion.
Helen is excited to welcome Schnauzerfest as a big part of its annual Oktoberfest celebration. German roots, Bavarian charm, and a whole lot of schnauzer spirit—it’s a natural fit!
Rome will always be part of our story.
Helen is where our next chapter begins.
WELCOME TO SCHNAUZERFEST 8A whole weekend.
A whole weekend.
A whole lot of beards.
Miniature, Standard, or Giant—there’s a place for your schnauzer in this pack.
Bring your best friend and reconnect with your festival family, or come make new friends. Our eighth celebration brings the Schnauzerfest spirit to Helen, Georgia, with a fresh mountain-town backdrop.
Friday’s glowing Meet & Greet, Ivory Legends concert, Saturday morning’s Georgia Mountain Coaster experience, and the return of our daytime parade are confirmed! More schedule details will be announced here.
MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT
Two days to come together.
Save the dates.
We’ll take care of the details as plans unfold.
15OCTOBER
FRIDAY
FRIDAY
Meet, greet & enjoy the music.
Bring your LED collars, leashes, and decorated strollers to a glowing evening Meet & Greet, then enjoy the outdoor Ivory Legends concert featuring Hugh Tyner.
4 PM · Breeders Network
5 PM · Meet & Greet
8 PM · Ivory Legends concert
Following the Meet & Greet · All registered participants and their dogs are invited at no additional cost.
5 PM · Meet & Greet
8 PM · Ivory Legends concert
Following the Meet & Greet · All registered participants and their dogs are invited at no additional cost.
16OCTOBER
SATURDAY
SATURDAY
Start with a mountain thrill.
Experience the Georgia Mountain Coaster, free as part of your Schnauzerfest 8 weekend experience. Professional handlers will care for your dog while you ride.
9–10 AM · Georgia Mountain Coaster
Our regular daytime parade returns! Parade time and route coming soon.
Our regular daytime parade returns! Parade time and route coming soon.
THE SCHNAUZERFEST SPIRIT
Past celebrations have brought together costumes, vendors, demonstrations, Schnauzer Idol, and a glowing evening parade. Stay tuned to see what’s coming to Helen.
COSTUMES. CREATIVITY. A WHOLE LOT OF SCHNAUZERS.The Largest Single-Breed
The Largest Single-Breed
Dog Parade in the USA
Big costumes. Little paws. Unforgettable memories.
Saturday, October 16, 2027 · Helen, Georgia
Our daytime parade returns! Time and route to be announced.
Tap or click the collage to see the details.
Photos celebrate past Schnauzerfest events in Rome.
More costumes & parade memories ↓
BACK FOR SCHNAUZERFEST 8
Joseph Garcia & the CSO K9s return!
A familiar team. Some extraordinary Giants.
Many of you will remember Senior Team Leader Joseph Garcia and his CSO K9s, who were a big part of Schnauzerfest in 2022. We’re excited to welcome them back for our Schnauzerfest 8 celebration!
Learn more about these amazing Giant Schnauzers and how they are used in correctional law enforcement through features on our social media platforms throughout the year.
Follow along as we share more about the team leading up to Schnauzerfest 8.
MEET THE STARS. MAKE MEMORIES.
Schnauzer Celebrity Row
Your favorite social media schnauzers, beyond the screen.
Stop by Schnauzer Celebrity Row, an area of tents where you can meet your favorite social media celebrity schnauzers and their parents. Say hello, hear their stories, take photos, and make memories with the personalities you love following online.
You never know who will appear at Schnauzerfest 8—but we’ll let you know as soon as they’re confirmed!
Celebrity lineup coming soonAppearances are not yet confirmed. Watch this space for guest announcements and meet-and-greet details.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2027 · 4:00 PM
Attention Schnauzer Breeders!
Schnauzerfest Breeders Network
Join the Schnauzerfest Breeders Network on Friday, October 15, at 4:00 PM—one hour before the Meet & Greet—for a relaxed social gathering dedicated to making connections and celebrating our shared love of schnauzers.
Get to know fellow breeders, exchange ideas and practical tips, discuss pedigrees and bloodlines, explore responsible breeding collaborations, and share experiences with health testing, puppy development, training, and grooming.
Breeders are also welcome to set up tables featuring pictures, videos, and information about their breeding programs, giving Schnauzerfest attendees an opportunity to meet them, ask questions, and connect.
Whether you’re building friendships, finding a mentor, or sharing knowledge, this gathering brings our community together with the breed’s future at heart.
4:00 PM · Breeders Network
5:00 PM · Meet & Greet
5:00 PM · Meet & Greet
FRIDAY EVENING · OCTOBER 15, 2027 · MEET & GREET
Keep the glow going!
New setting. Same sparkle.
Were you part of Schnauzerfest Rome 7? Don’t pack away those LED collars, leashes, and decorated strollers just yet!
We’re returning to our regular daytime parade, and moving all the excitement and beauty of the LED light experience to our Friday evening Meet & Greet.
Bring your lights, your schnauzers, and your festival spirit. Let’s light up our first evening together in Helen before the Ivory Legends concert at 8 PM.
Daytime parade. Friday-night glow.Meet & Greet begins at 5 PM. Location, plus the daytime parade time and route, will be announced.
FRIDAY NIGHT SPOTLIGHT · OCTOBER 15, 2027 · 8 PMA little Vegas.
A little Vegas.
A lot of legends.
After the Meet & Greet, the music takes center stage.
IVORY LEGENDS · FEATURING HUGH TYNERLegendary songs.
Legendary songs.
An evening under the sky.
Join Hugh Tyner for a beautiful outdoor concert celebrating the music of Billy Joel, Barry Manilow, Michael McDonald, and Elton John.
Hugh performed elements of this show on the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Tahoe, Reno including 9 countries in Asia for 16 years... Now he’s bringing Ivory Legends to the Schnauzerfest family for a memorable Friday night in Helen.
You’re invited—and so is your dog.All registered Schnauzerfest participants and their dogs are invited to attend as part of their Schnauzerfest weekend experience—at no additional cost!
Friday, October 15 · 8 PM · Following the Meet & Greet
Outdoor concert location to be announced.
SATURDAY MORNING ADVENTURE · OCTOBER 16, 2027You take the curves.
You take the curves.
We’ll take the leash.
9–10 AM · Georgia Mountain Coaster
Kick off Saturday with a little mountain excitement! Everyone is invited to experience the Georgia Mountain Coaster, free as part of your Schnauzerfest 8 weekend experience.
Before you board, professional handlers will be ready to babysit your dog and care for your four-legged friend while you enjoy the ride.
A mountain adventure for you.
A caring pair of hands for your pup.
Get Tickets →A caring pair of hands for your pup.
NEW TOWN. NEW MEMORIES.Meet us
Meet us
in Helen.
Make room for a little exploring between festival moments. Helen’s Bavarian village setting is the backdrop for our next schnauzer adventure.
WhenFriday & Saturday
October 15–16, 2027
October 15–16, 2027
WhereHelen, Georgia
Festival venue to be announced
Festival venue to be announced
Venue and parking information will be added here as details are confirmed.
Find Helen on the map →STAY THE WEEKEND · BRING YOUR PUPFind Your Overnight
Find Your Overnight
Accommodations
Looking for a place to stay?
Explore pet-friendly lodging in Helen and nearby.
Hotels & Inns
Browse pet-friendly hotels in Helen and compare each property’s dog policies.
Find Hotels →
Airbnb Stays
Explore pet-friendly homes and cabins in Helen and the surrounding area.
Find Airbnb Stays →
Cabins &
Vacation Rentals
Discover dog-friendly vacation rentals, from cozy cabins to larger homes.
Find Vacation Rentals →Please confirm pet fees, dog size and number limits, and availability for October 15–16, 2027 directly before booking. Photos show local lodging examples. These are independent lodging directories, not festival room blocks.
Good dogs. Great community.
MEET THE ORGANIZER
Hugh Tyner
Executive Director · Schnauzerfest
Questions about joining us, vending, or sponsorship? We’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch →Vendors
Bring something special to Schnauzerfest 8! Connect with schnauzer lovers and share your products with our festival family.
Become a Vendor →Sponsors
Help make our next chapter in Helen unforgettable. Connect your business with the Schnauzerfest family.
Become a Sponsor →Our Past Sponsors
Their generosity has helped make Schnauzerfest special through the years.
Past sponsors shown here. Schnauzerfest 8 sponsors will be announced as confirmed.
Help make the next chapter possible.
Let’s talk about sponsorship opportunities for Helen.
How do I get tickets?
Use any Get Tickets button to visit our Ticketleap event page. Take advantage of early bird registration to save $10 on dog registration and $5 on each meal ticket. Early bird registration runs November 10–17, 2026, ending at midnight on November 17. Ticket availability and purchase details are on Ticketleap.
When and where is Schnauzerfest 8?
October 15–16, 2027, in Helen, Georgia. The festival venue and parking details will be announced here.
Should I bring my LED collars, leashes, and stroller?
Yes! Bring your LED gear from SFR 7, or join the glow for the first time. The LED light experience moves to Friday evening’s Meet & Greet. Our regular parade returns to daytime, with its time and route to be announced.
Is this for all schnauzer sizes?
Yes! Schnauzerfest celebrates Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers and the people who love them.
My dog is only part Schnauzer. Is he or she welcome at Schnauzerfest?
Yes! Any dog with Schnauzer DNA is welcome at Schnauzerfest!
I have another family member who is a Beagle. Is he or she welcome at Schnauzerfest?
Unfortunately, no. Schnauzerfest is a celebration just for Schnauzers and dogs with Schnauzer DNA. If we invited every breed, it would become a regular dog festival! Think of it like letting your daughter bring her little brother to an all-girls slumber party—it might put a little damper on the party. We love all dogs, but this weekend is the Schnauzers’ special time to shine!
Where can I find the full schedule?
Friday’s Ivory Legends outdoor concert featuring Hugh Tyner begins at 8 PM on October 15, following the Meet & Greet. All registered participants and their dogs are invited at no additional cost. Saturday morning, October 16, brings the Georgia Mountain Coaster experience from 9–10 AM, free as part of your Schnauzerfest 8 weekend experience, with professional handlers caring for dogs while guests ride. Additional schedule details will be added as they are confirmed.
How do I ask about vendors or sponsorships?
Email Schnauzerfestrome@gmail.com with your business name and what you have in mind.
Your pack is waiting.
Let’s make the next chapter one to remember.
Get Tickets →