CAPE MAY - Summer may be winding down, but the Jersey Shore is still buzzing with activity. Next month, The Rusty Nail in Cape May is bringing back its beloved Doggie Pageant, promising an afternoon of tail-wagging fun for both pups and their parents.
A "Paws-itively" Exciting Competition
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Beach Shack's iconic outdoor venue will transform into a canine catwalk. Dogs that garnered the most public votes during the preliminary social media contest will take center stage from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM to compete in three adorable categories:
- Best Style
- Top Trick
- Musical Chairs
At the end of the afternoon, one lucky dog will be crowned the grand prize champion. The top dog will walk away with a $250 Rusty Nail Gift Card and a massive doggie gift basket packed with treats and goodies.
Good Times for a Great Cause
Beyond the adorable entertainment and the excellent food and beverage specials, the event serves a fantastic community purpose. All proceeds from the pageant will go directly to Animal Outreach of Cape May County, an organization dedicated to providing shelter, care, and love for vulnerable animals.
Representatives from Animal Outreach will be on-site alongside event partner Collar & Bone. They will have a dedicated table set up to collect donations and share valuable information about their local adoption and spay/neuter programs.
Make a Day of It at the Shore
If you're heading down to Cape May for the pageant, take full advantage of the late-summer weather. We recommend grabbing a hearty breakfast at Uncle Bill's Pancake House before heading over to the Beach Shack.
If you're making a full weekend out of it—perhaps enjoying a boat outing or a coastal drive with friends—be sure to cruise up the coastline to cap off the day with bayside drinks and dinner at Lazy Bass Bayside Bar and Grill or the Rock n' Chair.
Event Details:
- What: The Rusty Nail Doggie Pageant
- When: Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Where: Rusty Nail at the Beach Shack, 205 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
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