art unleashed: a christmas in july showcase

Hot Paws: We’re Beating the Heat with a Cool New Time.

It’s getting toasty, so we’re shifting things to enjoy the festivities in the cooler evening hours.

Here’s the new lineup for Art Unleashed: A Christmas in July Showcase:

7:00 PM – Reindog Parade Onsite Registration (if you haven’t preregistered, register here)
7:30 PM – Parade and Costume Contest Begins 
8:30 PM – Dog House Auction Under the Stars

From stylish pups to designer dog houses, it’s a festive night for a fantastic cause — benefiting Oklahoma Humane Society and made even better by Raising Cane’s $2,500 match for parade registrations!

Art Unleashed: A Christmas in July Showcase  

OAK is turning up the holiday heat with a sun-soaked celebration of creativity, community, and canines!

At the heart of the event is a charity auction featuring 10 custom-designed dog houses, each a one-of-a-kind creation by local builders and designers. These imaginative works will be on display starting July 25 and available for bidding on July 26, with 100% of the funds benefiting the Oklahoma Humane Society.

It’s a summer event that’s merry, bright, and totally unique.

The unforgettable day includes a Reindog Parade beginning at 7:30 PM featuring emcee Brittany Gaskill. 100% of the registration fee will go directly to the Oklahoma Humane Society — and to make an even bigger impact, Raising Cane’s will match all parade registrations up to $2,500. 

Registration is $25 per dog
Only 100 spots available — Register here. 
Holiday-themed canine costumes are encouraged but not required.
Costume winners will each receive $200 in prizes in each category, and our Best in Show pup will fetch an extra $250 gift card.

Prize Categories:

• • Best Dog Pack:
    Two or more dogs walking together in costume.

  • Best Costume – Small Dog:
    For dogs under 25 lbs in their most festive holiday or themed outfit.

  • Best Costume – Large Dog:
    For dogs over 25 lbs bringing big costume energy to the stage.

  • Best Dog Owner Dress-A-Like:
    Dog and human lookalikes — coordinated outfits, matching themes, or just uncanny resemblance.

  • Best Botanical:
    Dogs dressed as plant-inspired icons — think Christmas trees, oak leaves, mistletoe, poinsettias, flowers, and more.

  • Just Showing Off:
    For pups who want to parade without competing — all the fun, none of the pressure.

  • Or just bring your dog to enjoy the show!
    (Not parading or competing.)

    2025 Reindog Parade Judges:
    Laurie Anderson-Pitsiri, Founder & Owner, Gerties Doghouse
    Erin Bishop, Area Marketing, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
    Mark Eby, CEO, Oklahoma Humane Society
    Andrea Gossard, Vice President, Vincit.Build
    Melissa Hunt, AIA Central Oklahoma – A Chapter of The American Institute of Architects
    Emily Singleton, Marketing & HR Assistant, Pella of Oklahoma

• Dog House Auction begins at 8:30 PM, featuring auctioneer Brian Preston
  100% of all funds go directly to the Oklahoma Humane Society.

  Dog house designers include:
  Veritas Development, Luster Custom Furnishings and Renovations, Lingo Construction Services, Clementine Hair Lounge, Toucan Productions, Yellow Dog Coffee Company, HSE Architects in partnership with Anderson & House, Vincit Construction, and REES Architecture — working in collaboration with Manhattan Construction and Nabholz (sponsored by CEC and ZFI Engineering Co.) on two houses.

• OAK’s Santa in his Tommy Bahama best
  Santa will be in Heartwood Park for selfies during the Reindog Parade and Dog House Auction.

• OAK’s Signature Ice Cream
  Created by Boom Town Creamery — try our exclusive Sugar Plum flavor with fresh plums and gingerbread cookie pieces!

• Holiday movies showing Elf and The Grinch