Bernadette Peters hosts Broadway Barks on July 11, 2026
Bernadette Peters and Andrew Rannells will host the 28th annual Broadway Barks on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Shubert Alley, New York City. The free adoption event returns at 3 p.m. with a meet-and-greet, followed by celebrity presentations from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Co-founded by Peters and Mary Tyler Moore, Broadway Barks pairs Broadway stars with shelter animals to help them find homes.
Key Takeaways
- Broadway Barks takes place July 11, 2026, in Shubert Alley between 44th and 45th Streets.
- Bernadette Peters and Andrew Rannells host the 28th annual dog and cat adoption event.
- The free public event runs from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
- More than 2,500 animals have appeared over 27 years, with roughly 85% adopted.
- Celebrity participants include Laurie Metcalf, Ayo Edebiri, Melissa Barrera, and dozens of Broadway stars.
Broadway Barks returns to the heart of the Theater District for its 28th year on July 11. The star-studded adoption celebration brings together adoptable dogs and cats from New York City area shelters with performers who use their platforms to spotlight animals still waiting for homes.
When and where is Broadway Barks 2026?
The event is set for Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Shubert Alley, located between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and Eighth Avenues. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a meet-and-greet featuring all adoptable pets.
From 5 to 6:30 p.m., animals take the stage alongside Broadway performers for celebrity presentations. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS produces the event, and proceeds benefit participating shelters and rescue groups. Admission is free and open to the public.
Who is hosting Broadway Barks with Bernadette Peters?
Three-time Tony honoree Bernadette Peters co-founded Broadway Barks with Mary Tyler Moore in 1998. She returns as host alongside Tony nominee Andrew Rannells, known for The Book of Mormon and a celebrated stage and screen career.
Broadway.com describes Peters as a stage legend and self-proclaimed doganizer who has anchored the event for more than two decades. Rannells joins her to emcee the 2026 edition, continuing the tradition Peters helped build with Moore nearly 30 years ago.
Which celebrities and shelters are participating?
This year's celebrity lineup spans Tony winners, newcomers, and Broadway veterans. TheaterMania reports participants including Shoshana Bean, Laurie Metcalf, Caissie Levy, Natalie Venetia Belcon, J. Harrison Ghee, Debbie Gravitte, Ayo Edebiri, Melissa Barrera, Bebe Neuwirth, and Ben Vereen.
Broadway.com and City Life Org also list Alex Brightman, Eva Noblezada, Ana Gasteyer, Frankie Grande, Nikki M. James, and Junior LaBeija among dozens of stars lending support. Adoptable animals come from more than 20 area groups, including Animal Care Centers of NYC, Bideawee, North Shore Animal League, and Best Friends Animal Society.
Fetch Pet Insurance serves as premiere sponsor, with additional support from Tito's Homemade Vodka and Humane World for Animals. Fetch vice president Tom Murphy said the company shares Broadway Barks' mission of placing shelter pets in loving homes.
Why does Broadway Barks matter beyond adoption day?
Over 27 years, more than 2,500 dogs and cats have appeared at Broadway Barks, with approximately 85% finding forever homes. That sustained impact reflects a community health model that pairs entertainment visibility with direct rescue support.
Broadway Cares has awarded more than $300 million for essential services since 1988, including healthcare programs through the Entertainment Community Fund. For readers tracking longevity and wellness topics, pet companionship and accessible veterinary care—areas Fetch Pet Insurance emphasizes—are part of the broader picture. Full details are at broadwaybarks.org and TheaterMania.