{"id":233606,"date":"2026-04-16T01:56:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T01:56:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/233606\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T01:56:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T01:56:12","slug":"barkhaven-hosts-first-dog-friendly-music-festival-barkchella","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/233606\/","title":{"rendered":"BarkHaven hosts first dog-friendly music festival, “Barkchella”"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWho says raves are just for humans?\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s what Chase Bowden, assistant general manager at BarkHaven<\/a> and part-time DJ, has to say about the concept behind one of Orlando\u2019s first pet-friendly music festivals. The Ivanhoe Village-area eatery and dog park hosts its first \u201cBarkchella\u201d this weekend, putting a pet-friendly spin on California\u2019s massive Coachella<\/a> event.<\/p>\n

From 5 p.m. until late this Saturday, dogs and their humans can enjoy sets from DJs CHYMERA<\/a> and CHASENSPACE<\/a>, glowing lights, a foam party, Pawlicious doggie ice cream<\/a>, jewelry and craft vendors, bubbles and plenty of high-energy fun throughout the evening.<\/p>\n

Since opening its doors in November 2024<\/a>, BarkHaven has grown its membership program and community, drawing visitors for taco Tuesday, wine Wednesday, breed meet-ups, singles night and dog dance parties, which helped inspire this event.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did a smaller version and named it EDC, the Electric Dog Carnival. It was such a huge success for us,\u201d Bowden said. \u201cWe decided to throw a rave-style, dog-friendly and family-friendly EDM event.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BarkchellaBarkchella is the first dog-friendly music festival hosted by BarkHaven in Ivanhoe Village on April 18. The foam machine is always a hit with dogs. (Courtesy BarkHaven)<\/p>\n

Dogs are welcome and encouraged to attend, but not required at the event.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to have a dog to come. I always like to say that our dog run is like a free petting zoo, if you want to go in there and play with other people\u2019s dogs,\u201d Bowden said.<\/p>\n

Additional festivities at the inaugural Barkchella include a make-your-own bandana station, a friendship bracelet crafting area, art for sale from Ohana Aura<\/a>, apparel from Duvin<\/a> and a chill zone away from the energy of the stage with fire pits and a teepee for relaxing.<\/p>\n

\"BarkchellaBarkchella is the first dog-friendly music festival hosted by BarkHaven in Ivanhoe Village on April 18. (Courtesy BarkHaven)<\/p>\n

As the dancing events have grown in popularity, Bowden expects several hundred visitors and dogs throughout the evening on Saturday. Based on the success of previous events, the business has identified a niche for dog-specific events.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone likes to bring their dog everywhere. They are definitely the new kids, so it\u2019s cool to be able to include them,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are the easiest icebreakers to open up any conversation with anybody. They are literally the happiest things on earth. It\u2019s hard to have a bad time when you\u2019re surrounded by dogs all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aside from this one-of-a-kind rave experience, BarkHaven has developed a reputation as a lively space for dog owners, with an off-leash dog park and grooming facilities, a highly rated menu from its scratch kitchen, and a full-service bar with specialty drinks.<\/p>\n

\"BarkchellaBarkchella is the first dog-friendly music festival hosted by BarkHaven in Ivanhoe Village on April 18. (Courtesy BarkHaven)<\/p>\n

This event will help usher in newcomers and existing members alike with a high-energy atmosphere and many opportunities to make memories.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t your average dog park night. It\u2019s high-energy, immersive and built for people who want to party together with their pups,\u201d Bowden said. \u201cThis event definitely takes that to the next level.\u00a0 We encourage everyone to come early, stay late and experience BarkHaven like never before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant: 2026 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards<\/a><\/p>\n

Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you go<\/p>\n

Barkchella is from 5 p.m.-1 a.m. April 18 at 724 Brookhaven Drive in Orlando. A day pass is $15 for non-members. Proof of rabies, distemper and Bordatella vaccines is required. Dogs must be at least three months old, and dogs older than 12 months must be spayed or neutered. More information: barkhaven.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"BarkHavenBarkHaven Dog Bar in Orlando, pictured on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, offers a comfortable place to visit for both people and dogs. (Rich Pope\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

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