Portland pugs strut in movie-themed fashion show at PUGapalooza

By Casey Frizzell (OPB)
Aug. 30, 2026 5:07 p.m. Updated: Aug. 30, 2026 8:11 p.m.

Dozens of costumed pugs competed for top honors at Portland’s second annual PUGapalooza pageant.

Jack Rising and pug Brisket, dressed as the May Queen from the film "Midsommar," pose for a portrait at the Pugapalooza event in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 29, 2026. The pair were finalists in the Prettiest Pug Pageant.
Showing image 1 of 12

Jack Rising and pug Brisket, dressed as the May Queen from the film "Midsommar," pose for a portrait at the Pugapalooza event in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 29, 2026. The pair were finalists in the Prettiest Pug Pageant.

Saskia Hatvany / OPB

It was lights, camera — fashion for dozens of pugs at the Prettiest Pug Pageant Saturday, as hundreds turned out to show off their squished-faced companions during PUGapalooza.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
Become a Sponsor

The Pacific Pug Rescue partnered with the Portland Saturday Market for the second annual event.

This year’s pageant theme was “Barkbuster Movies.” Pugs of all shapes and sizes competed to win People’s Choice and Portland’s Prettiest Pug.

You could find pugs dressed as characters from A24’s “Midsommar,” Disney’s “Up,” and as “Pug-cess Leia” from “Star Wars.”

The event wasn’t just for the dogs. Michael Spera took it as an opportunity to propose to his girlfriend with a ring and pug in hand.

For more information on how to adopt a pug from Pacific Pug Rescue, or to donate, visit pacificpugrescue.org.

Saskia Hatvany contributed reporting to this story.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
Become a Sponsor
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
Become a Sponsor
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
Become a Sponsor

Streaming Now

On Point

Switch Stream: