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Join ARPO for our 3rd Annual Whiskey & Whiskers, an unforgettable evening of fine spirits, delicious food, adorable adoptable animals, and lifesaving impact—all hosted at the beautiful 24 Shelby in the heart of Indianapolis!
The evening begins with an exclusive VIP Experience from 2:30–4:00 p.m., where renowned bourbon expert Alan Bishop will lead guests through the Bourbon Steward Certification course. A celebrated distiller, alchemist, historian, seed breeder, and author, Alan brings a wealth of knowledge—and plenty of entertaining stories—to this one-of-a-kind experience. During this interactive experience, guests will enjoy thoughtfully curated bourbon and food pairings prepared by Executive Chef Dave Ormstedt, creating the perfect introduction to an incredible evening.
VIP guests will also receive exclusive perks, including a commemorative Whiskey & Whiskers tasting glass, an enhanced goody bag, and early access to all the fun before general admission begins. This VIP experience is your chance to sip, savor, and soak in the spirit of whiskey — before the main event even begins. Spots are limited, and trust us, you do not want to miss this!
From 4:00–7:00 p.m., the celebration continues with general admission for plentiful whiskey tastings, wine, beer and mocktail options, delicious food, and a variety of interactive experiences throughout the venue. Meet ARPO's adorable adoptable dogs and cats, relax with kitten therapy, bid on unique silent auction items, complete the Whiskey & Whiskers Adventure Passport for a chance to win a special prize, cheer on our adoptable dogs during the Pawparazzi Red Carpet Dog Showcase, challenge your friends in the Whiskey Shootout Pop-A-Shot competition for premium prizes, and strike a pose in our themed photo area while sharing your favorite moments on social media. Every activity helps support ARPO's mission of giving homeless cats and dogs the second chances they deserve.
Returning by popular demand, we are thrilled to welcome back our favorite kitty correspondent KJ McGlinn, host of the KJ Today Show and founder of PurrCon, as this year's event emcee. Guests will also be excited to see the return of fan favorite Dixie the Praying Dog, who will bring her unique charm and personality to the evening's festivities! This four-legged celebrity knows how to work a crowd — and if you're lucky, you’ll catch Dixie cruising in style in her custom Jeep (complete with sunglasses, of course!).
Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, an animal lover, or simply looking for a memorable night out, Whiskey & Whiskers offers something for everyone. Raise a glass, make new memories, and help save lives—one sip at a time.
Guests will enjoy free street and parking lot parking. Dress up or dress down—Whiskey & Whiskers is all about having a great time! Comfortable, casual attire is encouraged, but feel free to add a little flair if you'd like. Whiskey & Whiskers is a family-friendly event with guests of all ages welcome; however, attendees must be 21 or older to participate in alcohol tastings, alcohol consumption, or bidding on alcohol-related items in the silent auction.
Whiskey Lovers, Rejoice!
Our incredible lineup of vendors will be pouring over 100 whiskeys — including rare, allocated, and distillery-only gems you won’t find just anywhere! Sip your way through Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and beyond as you explore:
** Vendors will be announced soon. Keep checking back as the list will continue to grow! **
It's a world whiskey tour — tasting book and passport will be provided!
And the whiskers? Oh, we've got whiskers!
Step into our cozy Cat Lounge where you’ll find adorable, adoptable cats and get some kitten therapy with our smallest whiskers. These tiny paws may not be adoption-ready just yet, but they’re full of personality, promise, and cuteness overload! Relax in comfy chairs while you mingle with these furry friends. Don’t miss our fun, new adoptable dog showcase where our foster pups will strut their stuff down the red carpet for your enjoyment! This special showcase is your chance to see the incredible love and care our animals receive every day from our amazing foster families.
We will have volunteers in attendance to help you learn about the early stages of rescue, what it takes to nurture these little ones, and how your support helps give them a brighter future. While they may not be going home with anyone just yet, they’re here to steal hearts and remind us why the work of fostering is so important.
Dinner Menu ~ Stay tuned for the big reveal!
Mark your calendars — this is one event you (and your taste buds) don’t want to miss! Cheers to great whiskey, adorable animals, and making a difference!
