Countdown to Short Dawgs
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Rowdy the Skateboarding Dachshund is a professional female skater, champion dog racer, and an all-around amazing pup. And now she's entering the world of events! Get ready for Short Dawgs in Da House, a Rowdy Dachshund Production event, coming to the Ventura Harbor Village. It's the dog-chella event of the year: vendors, races, photo ops, competitions, and more!


What is Short Dawgs in Da House?
Short Dawgs in Da House is a completely FREE public event for dawgs of all sizes: short and small, big and tall, and everything in between.
Don't have a pup? No problem! Come out and party with us and enjoy a day of pup cuteness. Dog races, contests, raffles, music, boat rides, and The Biggest Weenie Race you’ve ever seen.
Beyond the races, come to check out a full line up of awesome vendors offering pet products, treats, accessories, handmade goods, and more. With ocean views, harbor breezes, and plenty of space to roam, Ventura Harbor provides the perfect backdrop for this dog-loving celebration.


Dog races
Fast-paced wiener dog, corgi, and small dog races and a lively agility course highlight small breeds as they compete and show off their skill
Best Outfit Contest
If you're not into racing, come through with your pup's most creative, stylish, and over-the-top looks for the best outfit contest
Best Trick Contest
The Best Trick Contest lets dogs show off their coolest moves from impressive commands to crowd-wow surprises
Ventura Harbor Village Scavenger Hunt
The Scavenger Hunt at Ventura Harbor Village is a free, family-friendly activity where guests explore the waterfront and discover local shops for a prize
Photo Ops with your Pups
Bring your camera! Pose in front of fun photo ops with the gorgeous Ventura Harbor as your backdrop
Family friendly fun
The Ventura Harbor is home to plenty of waterfront fun: fresh seafood eats, kayaking, museums, and more!
Event Schedule | Saturday, April 18, 2026
10:00 am - Event Begins
10:30 am - Race Sign-ups
11:00 am - Races Begin
12:30 pm - Big Weenie Race
1:00 pm - Award Ceremony
1:30 pm - Best Outfit Contest
2:00 pm - Best Trick Competition
3:00 pm - Event Ends
Things to do at the Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Harbor Village is a vibrant seaside destination on California’s Central Coast where visitors can shop, dine, play, and explore with breathtaking harbor views. With over 30 waterfront restaurants and cafés serving fresh seafood and diverse cuisine, unique boutiques and art galleries, family-friendly attractions like a carousel and arcade, and easy access to water activities such as boat tours, kayaking, and paddleboarding, the Harbor offers something for everyone. It’s also where your journey begins to the Channel Islands National Park! Visit the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center to learn more about the "Galapagos of North America" and experience an indoor aquarium and other fun exhibits.
Whether you’re craving sunset dining, outdoor adventure, or relaxed coastal strolls, Ventura Harbor Village delivers a quintessential beach-town experience.

Prefer to fly, drive or ride to the Short Dawgs in da House at the Ventura Harbor Village? We’ve got you covered.
-
- By Plane: Fly into one of three major airports — Los Angeles International (LAX), Burbank, or Santa Barbara.
- By Train: Ride the Pacific Surfliner or the convenient Metrolink train service to arrive in Downtown Ventura and enjoy breathtaking views of California’s coastline.
- By Car: Reach Ventura via the beautiful 101 Freeway or the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, just 70 miles north of Los Angeles.
At the Ventura Harbor Village: 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
Ventura boasts a killer food scene with diverse culinary options. From fresh seafood to farm-to-table delights, cozy cafes to trendy eateries, you’ll find the perfect way to crush your cravings.
From ocean views at boutique hotels to the name brands you know and love, Ventura has a ton of options to choose from. Book through us for trusted rates and availability.
Looking to camp in Ventura? Discover camping options.
Short Dawgs in Da House is completely FREE to attend and participate!
Parking at Ventura Harbor – What You Need to Know
-
Parking is FREE Monday–Thursday (except holidays)
-
Less than 1 hour is FREE – just register your plate when you arrive
-
Street parking and the Dolphin Lot at Safe Harbor Ventura Isle remain FREE
-
On weekends and holidays, it’s just $1 per hour (up to 4 hours) or $10 for a full-day pass
-
One payment covers both Village and beach lots for the day
Paid parking will only apply Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays year-round from 10 AM – 8 PM at Harbor Village and beach lots. On these days, be sure to register your license plate at the parking kiosks or via QR code (regardless of your length of stay). Revenue supports clean restrooms, security, free community events, and facility upkeep – all things that help make your Harbor experience even better.
Ventura offers plenty to do, from beaches and outdoor adventures to great food, arts, and local attractions.
Explore our Top 30 Things to Do to start planning your visit.
To pre-register your pup, contact Shortdawgsindahouse@gmail.com
Registration is also available on the day of the event, first-come, first-served.
Ventura, California is a highly dog-friendly beach destination offering pet-friendly hotels, outdoor patios, scenic coastal walks, parks, and plenty of open-air spaces where visitors and their pups can relax and explore together.
Be seen
@visitventura
441
@visitventura
641
9
@visitventura
408
8
@visitventura
1448
12
@visitventura
250
2
@visitventura
1152
13
@visitventura
400
11
@visitventura
3048
35
@visitventura
583
24
@visitventura
394
5
@visitventura
383
5
@visitventura
1050
9
@visitventura
294
5
@visitventura
524
6
@visitventura
797
34
@visitventura
572
11
Tag your pics with #visitventura
11