Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, is all set to host the highly anticipated Summer Corgi Nationals on Sunday, May 25, 2025, adding excitement to the Memorial Day Weekend festivities. This annual celebration promises a fun-filled day of adorable corgi races, vibrant community engagement, and thrilling entertainment for all ages. It’s not just a race day—it’s a festival for dog lovers, families, and fans of these short-legged speedsters. Alongside the corgi races, visitors can enjoy food and beverages from local vendors, participate in various activities, and even experience live horse racing events. This event truly offers something for everyone.
The Corgi Nationals first began in 2018 at Santa Anita Park, originally envisioned as a fun gathering for corgi owners and enthusiasts. Over the years, it quickly grew in popularity and earned a loyal following. Due to the overwhelming response, the event expanded to be held twice a year: once in the summer during Memorial Day Weekend, and again in the winter during Presidents Day Weekend as the Corgi Winter Nationals. Today, it proudly holds the title of the world’s largest corgi racing festival, attracting fans from across the country.
Race day will begin with gates opening at 11:00 a.m., allowing fans ample time to settle in and enjoy the pre-race atmosphere. The event will feature ten corgi heats, kicking off with the first at 12:00 p.m., followed by subsequent heats spaced 20 minutes apart. After the tenth heat concludes at 3:00 p.m., the quarterfinals will commence immediately. From there, the top two finishers from each quarterfinal heat will secure their spots in the semifinals, creating a group of the top 20 corgi competitors of the day.
At approximately 4:00 p.m., the semifinals will begin on the main horse track, setting the stage for the top five finishers from each semifinal to move on to the grand finale. The final race, scheduled for around 4:30 p.m., will feature the ten fastest corgis of the day in a single championship heat. The winner of this final showdown will earn an automatic entry into the Winter Corgi Nationals 2026, making it a moment of glory for both the winning pup and their cheering fans.
Prizes and recognition will be awarded generously. The winning corgi will receive a championship trophy, a winner’s wreath, and a prize pack sponsored by event partners. Trophies will also be presented to the second and third place finishers to honor their achievement and competitive spirit.
Some of the beloved and fluffy participants lined up for this year’s nationals include Bilbo, Lugnut, Annie, Mochi Jarvis, Tedy Bruschi Thomas, Mia, Marley Satellite Kantner, Perry, Chance, Moki, Chai Latte, Gracie, Wall-E, and Triscuit. These pups bring their unique personalities and stories to the track, adding charm to the competitive spirit. For instance, Chai Latte once attempted to train as a therapy dog but didn’t complete the program. Now, she relishes being the center of attention and isn’t shy about throwing fits if she isn’t. Gracie is incredibly sociable and enjoys playing fetch and mingling with her fellow corgis. Wall-E is known for his lightning-fast pup-cup eating skills—he can polish one off in just five seconds—and has a curious love for watching Bob Ross and Bluey. Triscuit acts like a protective mother to her kitten friend Nori and also lives with an older feline sibling named Caviar. Moki, meanwhile, isn’t a fan of hugs but gets especially enthusiastic about chasing lizards.
Beyond the races, the Summer Corgi Nationals aims to provide a festive, family-oriented atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks, browse goods from various vendors, and partake in activities hosted at the Santa Anita Carnival. There will also be BBQ, live giveaways, and much more to keep spirits high throughout the day. Even corgis who aren’t racing are welcome to join in on the fun, making new canine friends and enjoying the bustling environment. The event prides itself on being inclusive and affordable, with free entry for attendees under 17 and budget-friendly ticket pricing, ensuring that everyone can join in the excitement.
With its mix of cuteness, competition, and community, the Summer Corgi Nationals 2025 at Santa Anita Park promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the Memorial Day Weekend.
