Fall is the season made for discovery, and your four-legged friend wants to tag along. The crisp air, golden leaves, and pumpkin-filled streets mean that autumn has arrived in the Twin Cities. For dog owners, fall is a special season. It is time for some fresh adventures with your furry companion.
Today, we have some events tailor-made for exploring and enjoying time together. Whether you want to stroll through the colorful trails or try a pet-friendly indoor gathering, we have you covered. Minneapolis-St. Paul always offers plenty of ways to make the most of the season with your pet by your side.
As for those hosting dog-friendly events, feel free to submit it to the Sidewalk Dog directory for a chance to be featured in our weekly roundup.
Warm Drink on a Patio
When: Open Daily, check working hours
Where: Plenty of Dog-Friendly Patios
What: October is the perfect month to enjoy a warm drink with your furry companion on one of the many dog-friendly patios in the city. Many breweries and coffee shops welcome dogs on their patios, so it is up to you to check them out.
More Info: Find out some of the best dog-friendly patios here.
Scavenger Hunt
When: Open Daily
Where: The whole city of Minneapolis
What: Let’s Roam offers self-guided, app-led scavenger hunts in downtown Minneapolis. You can explore the city at your own pace with friends, family, or colleagues. And the best part is their tour is pet-friendly. Walk from one landmark to another to discover art, culture, and history as you search for clues and solve riddles. The app provides help if you have a hard time finding the answer.
More Info: Check their website to find out how it works.
Howl-o-Ween at Brooklyn Park
When: Friday, October 10, 5 pm to 7 pm
Where: Mississippi Gateway Regional Off-leash Dog Park – 10126 W River Road
What: The best part is that this event does not require you to buy a pass from Three Rivers. During the event, you can treat your pup with pup cups, let him run wild in the off-leash area, enjoy live music, snap some spooky shots, or get a quick caricature of your pet (make sure to bring a photo).
More Info: Check the dog park rules here.
Howl-o-Ween at St. Louis Park
When: Sunday, October 12th
Where: St. Louis Park Rec Center, ROC, Aquatic Park
What: If you miss the Howl-o-Ween at Brooklyn Park, or if you like it, there will be a similar event at St. Louis Park just two days after. Bring your furry friends and best costumes as you stroll through the park and meet different vendors. Visitors can redeem prizes and do some shopping. At 2:30 pm, you can attend the costume contest.
More Info: Find out more about the event on their Facebook page.
Adopt a Puppy
When: October 11th and October 12th
Where: Forgotten Star Brewing and Spikes and Houles Stillwater
What: Healing Hearts rescue helps potential pet owners find their loving pet, and dogs find their forever home. You can join the event even if you already have a dog. Come to support the organization and socialize with other pet parents.
More Info: Check the organization’s website for more info about adopting.
Nose Work Trials
When: October 11th and 12th
Where: Olson Middle School, Bloomington, MN
What: Nose work is a canine sport and activity where dogs use their sense of smell to locate a hidden target odor. It is a fun and confidence-building activity that stimulates your dog’s natural instincts. Dogs of all breeds, backgrounds, and ages can enjoy it. If you want to find out more about how to use nose work for training your dog, this event might be the perfect place to start.
More Info: Check their website for more info about the event.
Apple Season is Here
When: Open Daily, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 6428 Manning Avenue, Stillwater, MN 55082
What: October is apple season, and there are plenty of farms in Minneapolis that allow dogs to tag along. Visit some to pick up some fresh apples, or take some lovely photos with your pup.
More Info: Check their website for more info about how to pick your apples.
Hutchinson Fall Pet and Plant Expo
When: Saturday, October 11th
Where: McLeod County Fairgrounds Agribition Building 840 Century Ave SW Hutchinson, MN 55350
What: The upcoming Pet and Plant Expo will feature plenty of vendors offering toys, food, and supplies. During the event, you can also talk with responsible and experienced animal advocates, asking for anything pet-related. Or, you might adopt a new puppy and leave with one more furry companion. Admission is $4.
More Info: Check their Facebook event for more info.
Play With Clay
When: Schedule with the host
Where: Clay Squared to Infinity, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55418
What: Play with Clay is a pet-friendly experience where you can come and learn new and easy techniques in polymer clay. You can create your own piece while your pet sits alongside you. The experience lasts for two hours. During the event, you can also meet some new people, and your pet will surely enjoy some attention.
More Info: Find out how to join here.
Puppy Playtime
When: Monday, October 13th
Where: Unleashed Hounds and Hops, 200 East Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis
What: For this event, Unleashed Hounds and Hops is combining Small Dog Night and Puppy Playtime. Puppies have to be over five months old and fully vaccinated. Your puppy can stay later for Smol Dog Night.More Info: Check their event page for more info and make sure to register.