Checking Out Pug Sunday at Alta Plaza Park in San Francisco

by Gina Scialabba

Pugs have a passionate, cultlike following. And if you don’t believe it, you’ve never been to Pug Sunday, a once-a-month gathering of owners and their wrinkly breed. It’s a time to socialize, nosh and sniff (not the owners, the dogs).

These little critters get together and run wild right around 2:30 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month. It’s been happening at Alta Plaza Park in Pacific Heights for years, although know no one knows exactly how long.

What makes these ridiculously cute dogs so unique? They heavily snort and grunt. They have an insatiable appetite for anything even remotely food-related. They are playfully clownish, yet stately and dignified. Pugs have been referred to as mini-Ewoks and aliens, with a face only a mother could love.

The gathering I went to included up to 20 pugs in their Sunday best. Pug lovers in attendance came from as far away as England.

Despite it being primarily a pug party, other breeds, like Labradors and Pomeranians, made guest appearances. Pug enthusiasts brought blankets, chairs and picnic baskets, all ransackable in the eyes of the main attractions. A raucous good time was had by all.

Check out this 2011 op-ed cartoon about the event from the Bay Citizen.

Pug Sunday at Alta Plaza Park, San Francisco
First Sunday of each month
2:30 p.m.