Events

The VHS holds several special events throughout the year to raise funds for our lifesaving programs and to maintain a presence in the community.

  • West Side Nut Club Fall Festival

    The fun on Franklin Street is one of VHS’ largest fundraisers. Be sure to stop by booth #75 near St. Joe Avenue at the west end of the festival. Our tried & true vegetarian menu is one of the most popular on the street, including:

    • Hand-battered Fried Green Tomatoes
    • Fried Green Beans
    • Fried Macaroni & Cheese
    • Hand-squeezed Lemon Shake-Ups
    • Hand-squeezed LemOrange Shake-Ups
    • *Caramel Apple Slices (*Deaconess Wise Choice)


    October 7-12, 2019
    Booth hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
    Booth #75 near Franklin & St. Joe across from Pet Food Center
    Cash only

    We are always in need of dependable, able-bodied volunteers age 16 or older in our Fall Festival booth. The Fall Festival is perfect for corporate volunteer groups! Email [email protected] to inquire about signing up for 2019. 

    Proceeds from the Fall Festival booth benefit the mission of the Vanderburgh Humane Society!

    This year, we are also partnering with the West Side Nut Club as their official Pet Parade partner! The Pet Parade is 100% FREE to participate in. Dress up your kids, pets, and even yourself, and show up at St. Boniface Church by 9:00 on Saturday, October 12th. After 9:00 judging, the parade begins at 10:00. Get all the details in the Facebook event! 


  • Pet Pictures with Santa

    Don’t miss a Tri-State Christmas tradition! The VHS is host to the longest-running Pet Pictures with Santa event in the Tri-State, celebrating 34 years in 2019. Mr. Claus himself makes the trip to Washington Square Mall from the North Pole during the first full weekend in November each year. This allows families to get their photos back in plenty of time for family Christmas cards!

    2019 Dates:
    • Friday, November 1 from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    • Saturday, November 2 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
    • Sunday, November 3 from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm


    At Washington Square Mall!

    *Insider tip: Sunday is the busiest day. Friday afternoon is the best time to come!*

    Photos are $25 and include two poses with digital images for your use. Cash or check only please. Costumes and accessories are encouraged, and rental accessories for pets are provided free of charge! Children, adults, and all species of pets are welcome in photos! (Really -- all pets! We have recently had potbellied pigs, miniature horses, rats, rabbits, a hedgehog, guinea pigs, a Sphinx cat, and more come to visit Santa!)

    Proceeds benefit the mission of the Vanderburgh Humane Society!

  • Annual Auction & Benefit Dinner

    Going, Going, Gone to the Dogs! Benefit Dinner & Auction

    The annual auction is the VHS’ largest fundraiser. This splendid evening features a preview cocktail party, a plated dinner, and both silent and live auctions with hundreds of items ranging from $25 up to $5,000+!

    Save the Date for Our 25th Annual Auction

    “Tail as Old as Time"
    Spring 2020
    Date & Venue TBA

  • Hairy Pawter & the Magical Creatures

    July/August 2020 @ the Vanderburgh Humane Society

    Each year the Vanderburgh Humane Society is transformed into Pawgwarts for a themed adoption event!  Enjoy "10 Galleons" ($10) off all adoptions, plus spin the wheel for a chance to win additional money off! Many VHS shelter animals will be Sorted into houses based on their personalities to help you find the perfect match! This is a come-and-go type event with FREE ADMISSION for ALL AGES!

    Purchase a $10 tennis ball for the Fluffy 2K Fetch for your chance to win $500! One of our "three-headed" shelter dogs will fetch the winning ball. Get yours in advance or at the door, but don't wait -- they may sell out!

    Themed vendors:

    • Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library activity (free!)
    • Live snakes & education at "Slitherin' House" by Wesselman Woods (free!)
    • Food by Flourish Plant-Based Eatery ($)
    • Anna Banana Slime Company selling HP-themed slimes ($)
    • Themed refreshments including cold butterbeer and treats from the Hogwarts Express trolley ($)
    • Smarty Pints Trivia - answer HP trivia questions for your chance to win prize packages!
    • Care of Magical Creatures with Pet Supplies Plus - enter to win a $50 PSP gift card!


    Kids' Activities:

    • ($) Adopt Your Plush Hogwarts Pet station ($10 cash to participate)
    • "Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them" Scavenger Hunt ($5 cash to participate)


    Get Sorted when you arrive and make a monetary donation to help your House win the House Cup! Can't attend? You can still donate to our Facebook fundraiser on behalf of your House!

    Potter-themed costumes/cosplay for pets & people are highly encouraged!

    Crossover VHS-HP shirts will be available for purchase!

    VHS is also a Greenhouse location in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite! Return Foundables and stock up on much-needed seeds & ingredients!

    Shop "Diagon Alley" at the Happy Tails Resale Shop!

  • Restaurant Give-Backs

    Upcoming Give-Backs:

    Gerst Haus "Sausagefest"
    Friday, September 20th, open 11 am - 11 pm
    $1 from select sausages sold all day comes back to VHS
    2100 West Franklin Street
    Evansville, IN 47712

    Ongoing:

    Beans & Baristas – Eastland Mall
    800 Green River Road
    Evansville, IN 47715
    We receive $4 from each bag of VHS Bow Wow Brew or Cat Nap decaf sold

  • Sponsorship Opportunities

    Businesses or individuals have the opportunity to sponsor any of our events at various levels. For the current year’s sponsorship opportunities, please email our Development Coordinator or call (812) 426-2563 extension 218.