South Beach Dachshund Winterfest

It's free.  This is an informal gathering in a public park.  There is no admission fee.

It's a festive day out for dachshunds.  Dogs and people socialize.  Strangers marvel.  There are usually a couple of dog-oriented activities or games.  Sometimes there is a speech by a local dachshund-loving dignitary.  We end with a spirited singing of the Dach Song and a Grand March.

We start at 12:00 noon and we're usually done by 1:30.  Some people linger later, others leave earlier. 

It's not a costume party and most dogs arrive au naturel, but some do dress for the occasion... as hot dogs, cowboys, divas, beach babes, politicians, you name it.  Bring your camera.

Yes.  All Dachshund Wanna Be's are made honorary weenie dogs for the day!  Your non-dachshund should be prepared for a little outraged barking, but don't mistake this for being unwelcome. It's just Long Leg Envy, articulated. 

The South Florida chapter of DARE (Dachshund Adoption Rescue & Education) has bottled water and dog treats available for a small donation which goes straight to dachshund rescue efforts.

There's no food for people (it's a small park so you can bring picnic items), but dog-friendly outdoor cafes can be found all over Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road.  Attendees can often be spotted dining and drinking in style after the festivities.

Bottled water, dog treats, and raffle tickets for dachshund-related items are available for a small donation that benefits dachshund rescue efforts.  Otherwise, no, it's a non-commercial event.

Some great vendors, restaurants, hotels, and organizations have supported our efforts by donating products or services.  You can find them listed in the program at the 'Fest and on the "Contacts & Links" page here. 

We're in the grassy area on the east side of Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, called Lummus Park.  We meet between 11th and 12th Streets.  The easiest approach from 95 is via 395 (aka the MacArthur Causeway). Go straight when you hit Miami Beach (you'll be on Fifth Street) until you can't go any farther, then take a left onto Ocean Drive.

Parking can be a challenge in South Beach but everyone manages to find a spot each year.  Public parking costs $1/hour and most spaces now use machines that take cash and credit cards.  There are metered spaces on Ocean Drive and many of the side streets.  There is a small public parking garage on 13th between Ocean & Collins (entrance on 13th), and a larger one at 7th & Collins (entrance on 7th).  There are other lots and garages as well:  http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/NEWCITY/depts/parking/geninfo.asp

We are smitten by our little dogs -- loyal, demanding, hilarious, stubborn, opinionated, articulate, comfort-seeking missiles of love.  The rest of the world sees a funny looking dog but we know better.  We are mere dachshund servants, ruled by our better halves. (eighths? sixteenths?)

The Winterfest is fashioned after the popular Octoberfests and Spring Fiestas in New York, gatherings we sorely missed after moving to Miami.  We figured South Beach could handle one more quirky event and created a dachshund social affair with a tropical spin. 

We started with 30 hot dogs at the first 'Fest in 2003.  Last year, more than 300 dachshunds attended.  We've been feted by Ocean Drive hot spots such as The Tides Hotel and The Palace Bar, presented with keys to the city by Miami Beach officials, and hounded by the media (NBC's South Florida Today, Channel 10 News, Miami Herald, Wire, Miami New Times, Miami Sunpost).  The Mayor even ceded temporary control over the government in 2007.  Dachshund power knows no bounds.

But mostly, we take the day to honor the wonderful loving silly dachshund, our little "haute dogs", stretch limos of the canine world, capturers of our hearts.