Looking for the cutest way possible to spend your weekend in Tampa?

Finding ways to spend weekends in Tampa is never very hard, but you can look no further than the Tampa Bay Downs on June 30^th for an unusual and fun filled day.

On that day the 3^rd Annual Tampa Corgi Races will take place – 72 corgis will battle it out to claim the corgi racing trophy over a series of nine heats. It has been confirmed that last year’s winner is returning to compete once again for the title of champion.

The corgi races are sponsored and hosted by the Sunshine Corgi Rescue Group, a local group that assists in corgi rescues throughout the state. This year there is a new sponsor working with Sunshine Corgis. Bad Azz Dogs is a program that connects dog owners to events the helps them bond with their pet and maintain an active lifestyle, decreasing shelter recidivism and increasing animal health. Bad Azz Dogs is also noted for their work connecting veterans with their support dogs, and they are currently in the process of starting a Veteran Dog Sports League.

The corgi race is part of a larger event, the Tampa Bay Downs Summer Festival of Racing. The festival lasts all day Sunday the 30^th as well as Monday the 1^st of July; celebrating racing itself, as well as the track and its storied history in the community. There will be thoroughbred races throughout the weekend, where riders will compete in a Jockeys’ Challenge to earn a cash prize. There will also be a seafood festival, featuring fresh crawfish, and musical entertainment from funk groups The Super Stars and The Black Honkeys.

The festival is designed to be enjoyed by both the most dedicated of racing fans and those who have never attended a race before, so all ages can enjoy. For invested fans though, the festival marks the official end of the 2018-2019 season on Sunday, with Monday designated as the first race in the 2019-2020 season.