Man’s best friend takes center stage at the Icehouse Amphitheatre this weekend.

The second annual Woofstock takes over the downtown Lexington venue Sunday, Oct. 29 to support the Humane Society of South Carolina and its mission to end animal cruelty, neglect and overpopulation. 

“We hope a lot of people come out and support the event. It’s supposed to be a good, family friendly event,” said Dawn Wilkinson, the Humane Society ‘s executive director, adding that she would love to see this year’s event exceed the more than $8,000 raised last year, perhaps even surpassing $10,000.

Those funds go toward low-cost spay and neuter services and the society’s vaccine clinic, as well as the cruelty and neglect program. The Humane Society serves all of South Carolina and works with law enforcement throughout the state to respond to complaints about animals being mistreated.

The family-friendly event will feature 10-12 beers on tap, including four from local Lexington brewery Angry Fish and one from Columbia brewery Hunter-Gatherer.

Woofstock will also include live music from the band Killer Beez, four food vendors and an online silent auction that began before the event and features about 50 items. Everyone who purchase a ticket to the event receives a link to acces the auction.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their dogs and dress them up, with a costume contest set to take place at about 3:15 p.m., with winners being selected in seven categories — most creative, scariest, funniest, best human and dog combo, best superhero and best overall. 

Even the dogs that don’t win will still get a surprise, with pup cup stations offering them a free sweet treat.

The Humane Society is also working with Lexington County Animal Services and there will be dogs up for adoption at the event.

“It’ll be a good afternoon,” Wilkinson concluded.