What is Tailgate?

Michigan Humane’s Tailgate in partnership with Ford, is an animal-friendly community celebration at Roosevelt Park and Michigan Central Station in Corktown on Saturday, May 9, 2026 where you can: 

• Run in the Hope Unleased 5K Race to End Pet Hunger, in partnership with Delta Dental and Kroger 

• Walk the Mutt March Walk for Animal Rescue in partnership with Team Lyders Taco Bell 

• Adopt a new pet at the Mike Morse Law Firm Meet Your Best Friend adoption event 

• Enjoy a day full of festivities, including food trucks, a spirit and beer garden, dog contests, and interactive experiences, all while supporting Michigan Humane’s life-saving work. 

Whether you’re running, fundraising, adopting, or simply coming for the fun, there’s something for everyone, two- and four-legged alike! Learn more and sign up today: MichiganHumane.org/Tailgate

What is the event schedule? 

• Humane Leaders VIP Packet Pickup and Fundraising Event: The Siren Social, Thursday, May 7, from 6:30-9:30 pm at The Siren Hotel 

• Tailgate Early Race/Walk Packet Pickup: Friday, May 8, from 5-7 pm 

• Tailgate Event Day: Saturday, May 9, from 7:30 am to 2 pm.  

• • Race times: 

• • • Without dogs: 8:30 am start 

• • • With registered dogs: 9:00 am start  

• • • Walk time: 9:30 am (with or without dogs) 

• • MYBF time: 9:00 am – 2 pm 

• • Food trucks open: 9 am 

• • Spirits & Beer garden open: 9 am 

Is there any cost to attend? 

There’s no cost to attend Tailgate, however there are registration fees for the walk and run events, adoption fees for Meet Your Best Friend, and costs for food and beverages throughout the event. 

I want to run in the race – do I have to fundraise? 

No, you do not have to fundraise to participate, but it is greatly appreciated if you do. 

What do I receive for participating in the race or the walk? 

• Race participants: An event dry-fit shirt, gift bag, and medal. 

• Walk participants: An event T-shirt, gift bag, and medal. 

• Youth participants: Medal 

Why did Mutt March leave the Ford House? 

After 37 years at Ford House, Michigan Humane decided to combine several of its signature events into one community celebration of pets. Moving to Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood allowed Michigan Humane to bring the activation closer to their work in metro Detroit. 

Will there be a Meet Your Best Friend at the Law Firm this year? 

Yes, there will! Mark your calendars for Sept. 19, 2026.  

Can my pets attend? 

Yes, Tailgate is a dog-friendly event. Dogs are welcome in any of the festival’s outdoor activations. 

Can my pets run with me? 

Yes! Dogs may join Mutt March or Hope Unleashed with a registration. 

Will Michigan Central Station be open during the event? 

Yes. Michigan Central Station’s lobby is open 8 am to 5 pm. Please be aware that pets (excluding service animals) are not allowed inside the station. 

Can I bring my pets to meet the adoptable animals? 

Yes – there will be designated meet-and-greet areas for adopters. 

Do I have to fill out an application to adopt a pet? 

No, applications are not required to adopt a pet. Basic information is collected, and an adoption contract is signed at the time of adoption.  

Which other organizations will have adoptable animals? 

Friends of DACC, Michigan Animal Rescue League, Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit, and Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society 

Can I find out which animals are going to be available ahead of time? 

Make sure to follow the participating organizations’ social media accounts for possible sneak peeks leading up to the event! 

Where should I park?

• Exit the Bagley Mobility Hub at 1501 Wabash St.
• Turn left onto Bagley Street.
• Cross Bagley Street and use the 15th Street pedestrian bridge/walkway toward Michigan Central.
• Continue toward Michigan Central Station. Roosevelt Park is directly in front of the Station.

What are the expectations/requirements of my dog attending?

• Owners will be responsible for all picking up and disposing of dog waste in the park and along the run/walk routes
• Dogs must be on 6’ leash or shorter at all times. Please refrain from using “Flexi” or retractable leashes
• Dogs will not be allowed in the adoption area 
• The following vaccines are required for entry: DHLPP & Rabies Vaccines. Recommended vaccines: Leptospirosis, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza vaccinations. Failure to provide vaccination records may result in non-entry to the event.
• Dogs who show aggression toward other dogs or people will be asked to leave the event