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THE THIRD ANNUAL LARGEST GOLDEN RETRIEVER MEETUP IN TEXAS
FAQ
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General Event Info | What to Bring | Weather & Cancellation | Parking | Rules & Safety | Dog Portraits | Airbud Look-a-like | Golden Races | VIP Package | Event Map
General Event Information
When, where and what time is the event?
The Meetup is on Sunday, April 13th at Star Hill Ranch from 11am-4pm. If you must leave the venue, re-entry is not allowed.
Are tickets required and can we purchase them at the event?
$3 entry fee ticket is required for ALL humans attending and re-entry is not allowed. Tickets must be purchased online here before the event.
What time can I arrive at the event?
Parking will begin at 10:30am, with “doors” opening at 11am.
Do I have to own a Golden Retriever to attend?
Bringing a golden retriever is encouraged, but not required, and other dogs may attend the meetup!
Does my dog need to be on a leash during the event?
All dogs must be on leash at all times except for the off-leash area, and our event activations.
Will there be food served at the event?
There will be four food trucks at the event: Tacos from Pueblo Viejo, BBQ from Up in Smoke, Corndogs from The Corndog Company, Empanadas from Yapa Empanadas
What drinks will be available during the event?
We will have five full-service bars and a coffee vendor.
What bathroom options will be available?
There are eight indoor bathrooms located throughout the venue, including in the dining hall, VIP building, and mother’s room. There will also be port-a-potties with hand-washing stations.
Will there be water stations around the event?
Yes, there will be free water stations for humans at each bar (water battles for purchase). Please be sure to bring your refillable canisters! For dogs, there will also be kiddie pools full of water in the off-leash area and water troughs around the venue to keep the pups cool!
What is required of my dog in order to attend?
In order to attend the event, you must confirm that your dog(s) attending the event:
Are up to date on vaccinations and in good health.
Are friendly and socialized for large gatherings.
Will remain under my supervision and control at all times.
Will be leashed unless in a designated off-leash area.
You are fully responsible for your dog(s)’ actions, including any harm caused to other attendees, dogs, or property. You must agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Event Organizers from any claims related to your dog’s behavior.
What to Bring
How can I make the most of my 2025 Golden Meetup and what should I be prepared for?
Bring the essentials! Check out our packing list below:
For your dog:
Poop Bags
Water
Water bowl
Bandana (this will help with identification) :)
For you:
Have your ticket ready: Entry Fee Ticket / Parking Pass / VIP Package / VIP Add-on Ticket
Water
Refillable bottle
Blanket
Folding chair
Shade hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Do not bring:
Dog toys (balls, frisbees, etc)
Outside alcoholic beverages
Coolers
Glass containers
Weapons of any kind
Weather & Cancellation Policy
What happens if it rains on the event day?
We will inform everyone about rescheduling if the weather forecast does not support a successful event. Our rescheduling date is 11am-4pm on Sunday, April 27th. All tickets and purchases will be transferred to the new date.
Parking
I’ve reserved a free parking spot in the parking garage. What should I expect?
You will receive parking instructions before the event letting you know where to go. During the event hours, three buses will be running to and from the event in 20-minute increments. The first bus will run at 10:45am, and the last bus will leave the venue at 4pm. Please make sure you are on the return bus before 4pm or you may have to call an Uber!
I have a premium or VIP parking pass. What should I expect?
You will arrive at the venue and show the event team member your parking pass ticket. They will then show you where to park.
I will require handicapped parking. What options are there for me?
We have 15 handicapped parking spots available. Handicapped parking requires a premium parking ticket. When you arrive, show your parking ticket to the event staff and let them know you have a handicap parking pass and they’ll let you know where to go.
I have an entry ticket but no parking reservation and there are none available. Am I still able to attend?
Yes, you may still attend! Rideshare to the venue is encouraged. You may also utilize the shuttle buses, but you’ll need to find alternate parking or rideshare to the bus stop. You may also be dropped off at Star Hill Ranch by a rideshare. There will not be any day-of parking passes available.
Rules and Safety
What should I do if my dog gets lost?
Contact an event team member immediately. Event team members have walkie-talkies and an announcement will be made over the PA system to help find your dog.
Will there be rest/shade areas for us if we are overstimulated or overheating?
There will be plenty of shade at the event, and all of the accessible buildings will have air conditioning. There will also be a “mother’s room”, which is a two-bedroom air conditioned house with a private bathroom that will be available to nursing mothers and anyone that needs a break.
What if there’s an emergency and someone needs medical attention?
EMS and police will be on-site if anything goes wrong. Contact your nearest event team member if you need help and we’ll radio EMS to assist you.
Dog Portraits
What should I expect from the “Golden Meetup - Dog Portrait”?
There will be two photobooths at the event: a rustic western-themed booth, and a giant tennis ball booth. You’re welcome to have your dog photographed in either booth. The photo experience is 1-3 minutes and may produce as many as 10 final images. You’re welcome to have your dog photographed by itself or with you, but we don’t offer both.
If you have multiple dogs, you will need to purchase multiple appointments. If you’d like your dogs photographed together, a person will need to pose with them to hold them in place.
I purchased a portrait spot for my dog, how do I schedule my appointment?
One to two weeks before the event, we’ll send a calendar link so that you can choose what time you’d like your dog's photos to be taken. Appointment times are flexible, but you must be ready for your photo appointment by 3:30pm.
How will I get my photo?
We’ll email you with a gallery of images within one week of the event. The gallery will include all of the images from the photobooth, in hour blocks. Be sure to remember what time your photo was taken to make it easier to find your photos.
If it’s been longer than a week, and you haven’t seen a gallery email from us, please check your spam/promotions folder.
Airbud Look-a-like Contest
I’ve entered my dog into the Airbud Look-a-like contest. Where do I need to go to participate?
The Airbud Look-a-like contest will take place from 1:45pm-2:15pm in the amphitheater area of Star Hill Ranch. Participants should arrive no later than 1:30pm for participation instructions.
What should I expect from the competition?
The competition will be a series of challenges to prove your pup is the REAL Airbud of Austin, Texas! Challenges include:
Distraction Challenge: Your dog must stay in a designated area while we attempt to distract them! If they leave, they're out.
“Stay” Distance Competition: Tell your pup to stay and walk away. The last dogs holding their position move on!
Tennis Ball Catching Showdown: Can your Air Bud snag the ball like a pro?
Final Round: Talent Show – It’s time to shine! Show off your dog's best tricks and skills. The ultimate winner will be decided by a crowd cheer-off!
How can I prepare for the competition?
Work on your training, but also head to your favorite online store for some Airbud costume ideas! Look the part by getting your golden a Airbud jersey or uniform.
Golden Retriever Races
I’ve entered my dog into the golden retriever races. What should I expect?
The races will be heats of four. One of our team members will hold your dog at the starting line while you wait at the finish line. When it’s time to start the race, your dog will be released and *hopefully* run to you!
It’s important and required that your dog be off-leash trained with no history of aggression or reactivity. If you’ve entered your dog but are concerned they might not do well off-leash, please reach out to us!
How will I know what time my dog will race?
One to two weeks before the event we’ll contact you about scheduling your heat time. The first round of the races will be from 11:00am-1pm.
We will take a break for our group photo and the Airbud Look-a-like contest before resuming the 2nd round at 2:15pm.
If your dog wins its heat, make sure you’re ready for the 2nd round! If you miss your heat, you will be eliminated from the competition.
How long is the race course?
The race course is around 75’ long and 15’ wide, fenced in on the sides.
VIP Package
If I purchase the VIP Package and want to bring my friends or family members, do they need a VIP ticket, too?
The $53 VIP add-on ticket is required for any friends or family members that you’d like to join you in the VIP area.
If I want my friends and/or family go to the event, but not have access to the VIP area with me, do they need to purchase the VIP add-on ticket?
No, but they will need to purchase the standard $3 entry fee ticket to enter the event. A VIP add-on is required to enter the VIP area.
How will I receive entry into the VIP area?
Head to the VIP building and check in with our team member to receive your wristbands. You will also receive a ticket for your complimentary swag bags, which you may redeem in the VIP area. The swag bag is available to VIP Package purchasers only, not VIP Add-ons.
I purchased the VIP package, how do I receive the Fi collar included in my purchase?
We will reach out to you soon with a link to order your Fi collar. The link will include a coupon code to redeem a free collar and a free 6-month subscription. You must order your collar by April 4th to ensure you receive your collar in time.
When I receive my collar, how do I enter my dog into the VIP step competition?
To enter the Fi step competition, you must register your collar and share with us the following information: The email you activate your collar with, and Your dog’s name.
If I have two dogs, will I receive two collars?
One collar is included per VIP Package. You may only enter one dog into the step competition per VIP Package purchased.
Event Map
Familiarize yourself with the event layout below! Attendees will receive a map upon entrance. As a reminder, a pre-purchased Premium Parking ticket or VIP Package will be required to park on the event grounds.
