Your Dog-Friendly Chicago Weekend: October 6-9, 2022

If you haven’t started calling October “Barktober” by now, this weekend might finally do the trick. Celebrate all things autumnal and doggish with our Chicago weekend to-do list.

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1. Pup Room Pop-Up

Ambassador Chicago, Chicago
Thursday, October 6, 6–8 p.m.; Tickets required

Your fancy floof needs to start her weekend on Thursday with the most elegant event she can get her tail into. Secure her a ticket to the Pup Room Pop-Up, a special pet-friendly function in the hotel’s library and screening room. You’ll both enjoy a red carpet photo shoot, pup painting, cocktails and passed appetizers for humans, treats and puppuccinos for pooches, and swag bags to wag about.

2. Chicago English Bulldog Barktoberfest

Midwest Coast Brewing Company, Chicago
Friday, October 7, 6:30–9:30 p.m.; Tickets required

There’s nothing we wouldn’t give to see a bunch o’ bulldogs hanging loose together. If you’ve got one (or just want to witness the cuteness), waddle over to Midwest Coast Brewing Company and raise a glass to fall while benefiting Chicago English Bulldog Rescue. Human tickets include food, one drink, and one raffle ticket, with additional drinks and tickets for purchase. Bulldog tickets are limited and include homemade treats.

3. Barktoberfest at Canine Crews

Canine Crews, Chicago
Saturday, October 8, 1–4 p.m.; Tickets required

Canine Crews knows how to turn any event into a dog-centric celebration. Your ticket to this pupped up version of Oktoberfest includes access to the off-leash indoor dog park, event beer stein, German style food, drinks, raffles, contests, photo booth, goody bag, and more. All funds raised benefit Live Like Roo. Both dogs and peeps must be fully vaccinated and play nicely with others.

4. Petzey Wellness Tour

Park & Field, Chicago
Sunday, October 9, 4–7 p.m.

Petzey is bringing the future of pet wellness to Chicago, and they’ve got some fun activities pupper won’t want to miss! Learn more about Petzey’s on-demand virtual health and wellness services while enjoying canine massages, a healthy treat bar, complimentary primping, and more.

5. Halloween Cruise

Mercury Cruiseline on the Riverwalk, Chicago
Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, 10:15 a.m.; Tickets required

Kick off the spooky season with a Howl-o-ween cruise on Chicago’s waterways. Dress doggo in costume and come aboard for a special boat ride with pumpkin dog treats and prizes for the best doggie costumes. Mercury’s dog cruise offers safe outdoor seating, water bowls for thirsty pups, bar and snack service for humans, and a newspaper-lined restroom for your pet.

Don’t have a dog already? Get a heckin’ dog!

Sniff out these local adoption events happening this weekend to meet your new slobbery soulpup.

All Herding Breed Dog Rescue

  • If finding a new furry bestie and getting lost in a corn maze are both on your fall to-do list, head to Konow’s Corn Maze this Saturday from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. All Herding Breed Dog Rescue will have adoptable dogs available to meet, greet, and treat!

Sniff out more events on our calendar and submit your own events here. And don’t furget to tag us @SidewalkDog in pics of your tail-waggin’ weekend!

Featured photo: Alvan Nee

Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.

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