FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (March 9, 2026) — Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale invites dog lovers and their four-legged companions to the 19th Annual Riverwalk Mutts & Martinis™, taking place Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Esplanade Park (400 SW 2nd Street) along the scenic New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

This beloved community tradition celebrates Riverwalk’s four-legged residents and the humans who love them with an afternoon filled with canine-themed fun, entertainment and opportunities to support local pet rescues. The free, family-friendly event welcomes guests to bring their pups or simply stop by to enjoy the festivities.

Highlights of the event include the crowd-favorite Peanut Butter Eating Contest, the ever-popular Doggie Fashion Show, pet-themed vendors offering treats and accessories, and a silent auction and raffle featuring prizes for dogs and dog lovers alike.

In addition to the entertainment, the event places a strong focus on pet rescue and adoption, with local shelters and rescue organizations on site connecting dogs in need with loving homes. The afternoon provides an opportunity for the community to meet adoptable pets and learn more about the organizations dedicated to helping them.

Rescues participating this year include: We Care More Pet Rescue, UFAR Animals Rescue, Humane Society of Broward County, Abandoned Pet Rescue, Everglades Angel Dog Rescue, Good Karma Pet Rescue and Suncoast Basset Rescue.

Guests interested in participating in the Peanut Butter Eating Contest or Doggie Fashion Show may pre-register by emailing Events@GoRiverwalk.com, with day-of registration also available at the Riverwalk tent at the northeast entrance of Esplanade Park.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is able to continue delivering free admission events and programming to the community thanks to the generous support of its sponsors and partners, including: Tito’s Handmade Vodka/Vodka for Dog People, Blakeley Law Firm, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers, Morningstar Storage, S. Mark Graphics, and Go Riverwalk Magazine.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or vendor participation, visit www.goriverwalk.com/mutts or email Events@GoRiverwalk.com.

About Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization responsible for the programming, beautification and activation of Riverwalk Park and the Riverwalk District. Composed primarily of volunteer private citizens and overseen by a board of directors, all members uphold the organization’s directive, as stated in its mission statement, “to be the catalyst in building and nurturing Riverwalk and the Riverwalk District as a vibrant community connected by the New River.” Funding for this mission comes from hosting a wide range of fundraising, networking and membership events, grants, and by publishing local information on our informative website and in Go Riverwalk Magazine.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (March 19, 2026) — Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale invites dog lovers and their four-legged companions to the 19th Annual Riverwalk Mutts & Martinis™, taking place Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Esplanade Park (400 SW 2nd Street) along the scenic New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

This beloved tradition fosters community connection in the Riverwalk District by bringing our four-legged residents and their human companions together with local businesses and rescues. Guests can enjoy canine-themed vendors and entertainment at this free, family-friendly event, whether attending with their well-behaved pups or simply joining in the festivities.

Our entertainment schedule will be as follows:

3:30 – Peanut Butter Eating Contest – Dogs will be competing in heats with other dogs of similar size, and should gather by the stage early to be grouped.

4:00 – Doggie Fashion Show – Awards will be handed out for: Congeniality, Doggie Look-alike, Fashionista, Most Photogenic, and Best Overall.

To sign up for these events email Events@GoRiverwalk.com or look for the Riverwalk Tent on Saturday in the northeast corner of the park to sign up in-person.

In addition to the entertainment, the event places a strong focus on pet rescue and adoption, with local shelters and rescue organizations on site connecting dogs in need with loving homes. The afternoon provides an opportunity for the community to meet adoptable pets and learn more about the organizations dedicated to helping them.

Rescues participating this year include:

·        We Care More Animal Rescue
·        UFAR Animals Rescue
·        Humane Society of Broward County
·        Abandoned Pet Rescue
·        Everglades Angels Dog Rescue
·        Good Karma Pet Rescue
·        Suncoast Basset Rescue

Raffle items donated by our generous sponsors and vendors will be on display at the Riverwalk tent, where tickets can be purchased.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is able to offer free admission events and community programming in part through the support of its sponsors.

The 19th Annual Riverwalk Mutts & Martinis™ is sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka/Vodka for Dog People, Blakeley Law Firm, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers, Morningstar Storage, S. Mark Graphics and Go Riverwalk Magazine.

For more information, visit www.GoRiverwalk.com/Mutts or email Events@GoRiverwalk.com.

Fort Lauderdale, FL — March 19, 2026 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale has again been nominated for USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Riverwalk. Voting is open now and runs through Monday, April 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Community members are encouraged to vote once per day to help Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale secure the top spot. In 2025, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale’s first time being nominated, the park placed #7. Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk has it all – amazing residential buildings, businesses large and small, the Arts and Entertainment District and the Las Olas shopping and dining corridor. The downtown Riverwalk District is a livable, walk-able neighborhood, and one of the premier places to live, work and play in South Florida, with continued relocation of businesses and residents from within the region and throughout the United States. Centered in a growing district buoyed by expanding residential, nightlife and dining options, including two Fort Lauderdale restaurants to make the Michelin Guide in it’s inaugural year in Broward County, and in 2026 by the opening of the reimagined Huizenga Park, Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk is the place to be for residents and visitors alike. “We’re thrilled for Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk Park to be recognized again for its value as a critical part of our vibrant and growing community,” says Riverwalk president and CEO Genia Duncan Ellis. “Riverwalk is at the heart of Fort Lauderdale – geographically, culturally and from residential, business and civic perspectives. Let’s bring the award for Best Riverwalk home where it belongs.” How to Vote: Visit GoRiverwalk.com/vote to be redirected to the official 10Best voting page. Voting is limited to one vote per person, per category, per day, and incentives are not permitted per the official rules. More information will be available at GoRiverwalk.com/10Best, including materials for partners to promote the campaign.

About Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization responsible for the
programming, beautification and activation of Riverwalk Park and the Riverwalk District.
Composed primarily of volunteer private citizens and overseen by a board of directors, all members
uphold the organization’s directive, as stated in its mission statement, “to be the catalyst in building
and nurturing Riverwalk and the Riverwalk District as a vibrant community connected by the New
River.” Funding for this mission comes from hosting a wide range of fundraising, networking and
membership events, grants, and by publishing local information on our informative website and in
Go Riverwalk Magazine.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 11, 2026) – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is proud to announce the 10th Annual Riverwalk Chili Cook-off on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Esplanade Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale, leading up to National Chili Day on Thursday, February 26. This beloved community tradition brings together amateur and professional chefs for a flavorful competition that celebrates local nonprofits and builds community spirit.

The Riverwalk Chili Cook-off gives participants the chance to compete for the prestigious title of “Best Chili in Fort Lauderdale.” Attendees can purchase tasting cups, sample unique chilies and cast votes to determine the winner, making this an interactive culinary experience for the whole community. The team with the most votes not only claims bragging rights but also earns a paid entry into the Last Chance Chili Challenge at the World Championship Chili Cook-offs (WCCC).

More than just a cooking competition, the Chili Cook-off serves as a platform for participating teams to raise funds and awareness for a chosen nonprofit. By cooking and serving chili, teams help promote important community causes in a fun and relaxed environment. This years event will feature at least six returning teams including the winners and runners up from the previous two events, as well as several new comers!

Admission to the event is free, thanks to the generous support of sponsors and partners. This year’s featured sponsors include Morningstar Storage – Fat Village, Go Riverwalk Magazine and S. Mark Graphics. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring or participating can email events@GoRiverwalk.com for details.

“After 10 years we can truly say that the Riverwalk Chili Cook-off is more than a food competition – it’s a celebration of community connection,” said Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale president and CEO Eugenia Duncan Ellis. “We’re proud to host an event that uplifts local nonprofits, brings people together and highlights the vibrant spirit of our downtown Riverwalk District.”

For team applications or additional information, please contact matt@GoRiverwalk.com. Event details are available at GoRiverwalk.com/chili.

About Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization responsible for the programming, beautification and activation of Riverwalk Park and the Riverwalk District. Composed primarily of volunteer private citizens and overseen by a board of directors, all members uphold the organization’s directive, as stated in its mission statement, “to be the catalyst in building and nurturing Riverwalk and the Riverwalk District as a vibrant community connected by the New River.” Funding for this mission comes from hosting a wide range of fundraising, networking and membership events, grants, and by publishing local information on our informative website and in Go Riverwalk Magazine.

Professionally, I’m a principal in Kaufman Rossin’s Risk Advisory Services practice, where I help organizations of all sizes in highly regulated industries strengthen their cybersecurity, governance and operational resiliency. My career has included leadership roles at global consulting firms and in federal service, working closely with executive teams on complex cyber and risk challenges that impact critical
systems and infrastructure. When I’m not focused on cybersecurity and risk, I enjoy everything Fort Lauderdale has to offer – from the energy of Las Olas to the walkability and events that Riverwalk helps bring to life. I’m proud to support Riverwalk’s mission and look forward to contributing my experience to help keep our downtown community connected, thriving and moving forward.

The Hoch Research Library houses extensive collections of historic photographs, maps, architectural
blueprints, books, periodicals, and local history files. The banks of the New River were once a prized possession of Mary Brickell, who owned four square miles along the river by 1890. In 1926, planner John Schermerhorn envisioned a linear park in the city’s first master plan. Yet those early dreams did not become reality until the Riverwalk Trust was established in 1990. Supporting Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
honors the vision of forward-thinking planners and civic leaders while helping preserve this natural waterfront space for future generations.