FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · July 1, 2026
Zilker 351 Launches "Dog Days of Summer" Photo Contest
Weekly dog photo contestants will receive prizes and compete for the cover of the 2027 Dogs of Zilker Park Calendar while helping protect and enhance Zilker Park.
Contact: Fleetwood Jacobs · fleetwood@zilker351.org
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin's furry, tail waggin' park lovers are invited to strike a pose for a great cause.
Zilker 351, the nonprofit organization dedicated to stewarding Zilker Metropolitan Park, today announced the launch of the "Dog Days of Summer" Dog Photo Contest, a 12-week social media-based celebration of the dogs who make Zilker Park one of Austin's most cherished gathering places. Each week, one winning dog will take home prizes and earn a featured spot in Zilker 351's 2027 Dogs of Zilker Park Calendar — professionally photographed and immortalized alongside Austin's most iconic public park. Proceeds from calendar sales will support projects that protect and enhance the ecological health of Zilker Park.
Whether your dog loves swimming at Barking Springs, chasing a frisbee on the Great Lawn or simply enjoying a walk beneath the trees, this contest celebrates the joy each dog brings to Zilker Park. Our hope is that every photo tells the story of a terrific park that belongs to everyone, including our furry friends, while reminding people why it's worth caring for and protecting.
— Fleetwood Jacobs, Executive Director of Zilker 351
Beginning July 2, dog owners can enter by signing up for the Zilker 351 newsletter, posting a favorite photo of their dog enjoying Zilker Park on Instagram or Facebook, and following and tagging @Zilker351 and @Barkin_Creek with the #DogDaysOfZilker. See contest details here.
Each week, one winning dog will receive a custom Zilker Park dog bandana and will be one of 12 dogs featured in the 2027 Dogs of Zilker Park Calendar. At the end of the contest, the public will vote to select one Grand Prize winner. The grand prize winner will appear on the cover of the 2027 Dogs of Zilker Park Calendar, win a gift box of dog treats and goodies from Barkin' Creek, and more!
About Zilker 351
Zilker 351 is a nonprofit conservancy founded in 2022. Its mission is to help ecologically steward all 351 acres of Zilker Park while ensuring the park remains welcoming, accessible, and sustainable for all Austinites. Current projects include native tree and wildflower plantings, habitat restoration, historical storytelling initiatives, and community partnerships focused on protecting Austin's most iconic public park.