Pignic 2025: A Summer Celebration of the Freedom of Sanctuary

Guests watch rescued pigs by pasture fence at Farm Sanctuary NY's summer Pignic event

Pignic 2025: A Summer Celebration of the Freedom of Sanctuary

On July 5, nearly 200 people gathered at our beautiful Watkins Glen, New York shelter to celebrate the animals who have found freedom at Farm Sanctuary.

This year marked the first time we’ve hosted Pignic since 2023, and tickets to this beloved event, held on the Fourth of July weekend, sold out quickly. Guests enjoyed delicious vegan BBQ, time with rescued farm animals, live music, activities for all ages, and much more.

Farm Sanctuary staff member hands a piece of watermelon to a rescued pig

The day began with open sanctuary time, as guests met our animal residents and learned their moving stories. Tours are a vital part of our humane education work, and meaningful moments like these create lasting memories and inspire compassion for farm animals everywhere.

Smiling guests pet rescued sheep at Farm Sancutary's Pignic 2025 event

Guests enjoyed a moving presentation by Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur, who spoke about our mission for animals, people, and the planet as we look to our 40th anniversary in 2026. Our rescue, education, and advocacy change hearts, minds, and systems. Together, we can undermine factory farming and support fair, sustainable, plant-based food systems for all!

Farm Sanctuary President & Co-founder Gene Baur speaks to guests at Pignic 2025 summer event

Our all-vegan BBQ spread featured hot dogs, sliders, desserts, and more. We all pulled up a seat for a compassionate summer feast, with no animals harmed!

Guests are served vegan food at Farm Sanctuary's summer Pignic event

The day included activities for families and kids, including a Finger Lakes Makers Market and much more. Attendees also browsed compassionate and sustainably made goods, from art to vegan food and home goods, featured by vendors.

A guest browses a vendor booth at Farm Sanctuary's 2025 Pignic summer event

As our day celebrating our rescued pig residents drew to a close, the pigs got in on the food and fun, too, with a watermelon party just for them! 

Guests toss watermelons for rescued pigs to enjoy at Farm Sanctuary NY's summer Pignic event 2025

Nicole Carey

Guests also enjoyed the chance to play a bigger role in the lives of our residents by making enrichment activities for the pigs. Here’s why enrichment is so important for farm animals!

Rescued pigs enjoy watermelon at Farm Sanctuary's 2025 summer Pignic event

Farm Sanctuary’s Pignic is so much more than a party. Everyone who purchased a ticket and celebrated with us contributed to our mission for animals, people, and the planet. This beloved event brings people together to honor pigs and farm animals everywhere, in the perfect place to envision a world where sanctuary replaces suffering.

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