Over 1,700 “goldens” are expected to attend this year’s event in Bee Cave.
BEE CAVE, Texas — Dog lovers, you won’t want to miss this golden opportunity.
Next month, the annual Largest Golden Retriever Meetup in Texas is taking place for the third year in a row. The event aims to welcome over 1,750 Golden Retrievers on April 13 at Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This isn’t just a chance to see the dogs interact with one another; it’s also for a good cause. The gathering supports Gold Ribbon Rescue, a Central Texas nonprofit that helps find foster and adoptive homes for Golden Retrievers.
This year, they hope to collect roughly double what it made last year, with a goal to raise $15,000. Interested attendees must purchase a ticket in advance, with a small fee requirement to support the rescue.
There will be several new activities this year, including Golden Retriever Races, a Subaru Dog Toy Run and an Air Bud Look-a-Like competition.
The races require a $7 minimum donation and will include several rounds, with four pups at a time running through a fenced area toward their owners. Meanwhile, the dog toy run will allow the retrievers to do what they know best, permitting them to keep as many toys as they can fit in their mouths. Again, a $7 donation or more is accepted.
The look-a-like portion of the day includes tennis ball catching, a “stay” competition and even a talent show, with the winner chosen by the audience. Those interested must donate $10 per dog.
You can also take a photo with or of your dog(s), with two different booths to choose from: a “Rustic Western” booth and one “designed just for Goldens.” Photos start at $35 if you purchase ahead of time and $45 during the event.
The dogs also have the chance to burn off some energy at the off-leash zone, free of charge.
Event organizers hope to beat the world record Golden Retriever meetup, which is currently 1,310, set last year in California.
Texas’ meetup event saw almost 800 goldens in 2024 and 341 in 2023.