Dog-Friendly Events
Discover meetups, festivals, yappy hours, and more happening near you.
Famous Fido Celebration of Life Gala
Famous Fido Rescue's annual gala at Chief O'Neill's Pub featuring a buffet dinner, live music, a silent auction, and stories celebrating animals whose lives were changed through rescue. Tickets are $125 and support the rescue's lifesaving work.
Can Do Woofaroo
Can Do Canines' annual fundraiser walk and festival celebrates the amazing partnership between assistance dogs and the people who need them. Bring your well-behaved pup to the Can Do Canines campus for a one-mile fundraising walk (stepping off at 11 a.m.), live music, a dog costume contest, an assistance dog demonstration, dog-centric vendors, a dog agility course, a Facility Dog kissing booth, a scavenger hunt, fire truck and campus tours, food, and more. Registration is free at candocanines.org/woofaroo, and pledges and donations help match assistance dogs with people with disabilities — free of charge.
The Bond Between – Fast & the Furriest 5K
A leashed, dog-friendly 5K walk/run fundraiser for The Bond Between animal rescue at Lake Bde Maka Ska.
Small Dog Hangout at Brew Park Plymouth – Sep 12
A recurring social meetup for small dogs at the indoor off-leash dog park bar.
Strut For Mutts 2026
Rescue Network MN's dog-friendly walk and fundraiser with vendors and activities.
Puppy Play at K9 University
Looking for the perfect playgroup for your puppy? K9U Chicago Puppy Play is a supervised place for your pup to socialize with puppies of their own age and size — building confidence and good play habits in a safe, staffed environment.
Ruff Start Rescue Adoption Day at PetSmart Coon Rapids
Ruff Start Rescue fosters showcase adoptable dogs, puppies, and other animals looking for their forever homes. A great chance to meet your new furry family member and chat with fosters about the adoption process.
Coco's Heart Dog Rescue Adoption Event at Pet Evolution
Meet adoptable dogs from Coco's Heart Dog Rescue at Pet Evolution in Woodbury.
Hill Harvest Fest at Wooden Hill Brewing
A free Oktoberfest-themed festival with a makers market, food and drink specials, and an outdoor dog adoption event featuring adoptable pups.
Windy City Yorkies Dog Meetup
Calling all Yorkie lovers! An in-person meetup where your adorable Yorkies and other small dogs can play, socialize, and make new furry friends at Chicago's Fred Anderson Dog Friendly Area. Leashed, friendly pups welcome.
Doggy Days at The SoFo Tap
Leash up and bring your pup to The SoFo Tap's dog-friendly afternoon in Andersonville. Every Saturday from noon to 3pm, enjoy half-price drafts inside and on the back patio while your dog gets free treats and fresh water.
Dachshund Races – James J. Hill Days 2026
The classic wiener-dog races held during Wayzata's James J. Hill Days festival.
Healing Hearts Rescue Adoption Event at Forgotten Star Brewing
Adoptable dogs and puppies from Healing Hearts Rescue at Forgotten Star Brewing in Fridley.
Puppy Yoga USA – Sep 12
Roll out your mat surrounded by adorable puppies at Puppy Yoga USA's Fulton Market Studio. Each session is a 30-minute all-levels yoga flow followed by 30 minutes of puppy cuddle-and-photo time (mats provided). Saturday sessions run at 12:00, 1:15, 2:30 and 3:45 PM — this weekend features French Bulldog puppies. A relaxed, feel-good outing for dog lovers.
Happy Days Festival Dog Show
Ramsey's Happy Days Festival hosts its annual Dog Show downtown. Enter your pup in Best Dressed, Top Trick, Silver Snout (ages 8+), or Cutest Puppy (under 1 year) — judges award Best in Show, People's Pooch, and first-place ribbons in each category. Registration includes a goodie bag; walk-ups welcome as space permits. Proof of current vaccinations required.
Goldzilla
RAGOM’s annual Fun Fair and Walk for Rescue—and one of the BIGGEST Golden Retriever events in America! All money raised supports our mission of rescuing and rehoming Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes of all ages.
5th Annual Be Happy 5K
A dog-friendly charity 5K run/walk at Cleary Lake Regional Park supporting youth mental health, with speed yoga and a kids' dash. Dogs are welcome on the course, and there is an optional dog-chew treat add-on at registration.
Puppy Yoga with Kaitlin Kalb
A puppy-yoga session pairing an all-levels flow with adoptable rescue puppies at a dog-friendly Saint Paul brewery.
Paws on Grand 2026
Saint Paul's largest dog street festival with pet adoptions, a pet marketplace, portraits, and wiener-dog races.
Doggy Olympics – James J. Hill Days 2026
A dog agility and games competition for pups during Wayzata's James J. Hill Days festival.
Home for Life's Beach Party
A lakeside fundraiser for the Home for Life animal sanctuary, welcoming supporters and their dogs.
C.A.R.E. Rescue Pop-up at Soul Good Coffee
Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) sets up shop at Soul Good Coffee in Skokie for a rescue pop-up. Grab a coffee and chat with volunteers about adoption, fostering, and volunteering while supporting local rescue animals — a relaxed morning for anyone thinking about adding a furry friend to the family.
Healing Hearts Rescue Adoption Event at Spikes & Houles
Meet adoptable dogs and puppies from Healing Hearts Rescue at Spikes & Houles in Stillwater.
Tiny Dog 500
One Tail at a Time's beloved Tiny Dog 500 races back into Midwest Coast Brewing! Pint-sized pups dash toward the finish line with costumes, cheering crowds, food, raffles, and photo ops — all to support dogs and cats in need. Bring your little dog (or just come cheer) for an afternoon of small-but-mighty fun.
Bark Together Again! – Chicago Canine Rescue Reunion
Chicago Canine Rescue celebrates 25 years with an alumni reunion at Pup Social Club! Bring your CCR alum (or any friendly pup) for an afternoon of tail wags, familiar faces, and new friends. A dog-friendly indoor social club in Bucktown — leashed, crowd-friendly dogs welcome.
Dog Park Skills 101 at Unleashed Hounds and Hops
A dog-focused training session with a certified trainer covering recall, impulse control, and dog-park basics for dogs 5+ months.
Puppy Basics Class at Unleashed Hounds and Hops
Bring your young pup to Minnesota's original off-leash indoor dog park + bar for a beginner-friendly training session. This two-week class for puppies 3–6 months old is led by a certified trainer and covers foundational socialization and basic manners in a dog-friendly setting. $60 per session.
Wags & Wine Tasting Event
Join us for an evening of refined sipping and wagging tails at Pup Social's Wags & Wine Tasting Event. Sip curated wines while your pup socializes in a relaxed, dog-friendly setting — a laid-back evening out for Chicago dogs and their humans.
Anti-Cruelty Dog Wellness Fair at Phalanx Family Services
The Anti-Cruelty Society brings its free Dog Wellness Fair to Phalanx Family Services on Chicago's Far South Side. Dog owners can access free vaccinations, wellness checks, pet supplies, and resources — no appointment needed. A great chance to keep your pup healthy and connect with community pet-care services.
Pet Food Pantry at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D.
A free pet food pantry pop-up at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. in Greater Grand Crossing. Dog and cat owners facing hardship can pick up free pet food and supplies to keep their four-legged family members fed and cared for. First come, first served while supplies last.
Ruff Start Rescue's 16th Anniversary Celebration & Open House
Join Ruff Start Rescue as we celebrate an incredible milestone: 16 years of lifesaving work and more than 33,000 animals rescued! Join us on Saturday, September 19th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm to celebrate Ruff Start Rescue's 16th Anniversary! This open house-style event is a chance to celebrate our history, impact, and future vision while connecting with our supporters. It is our way of thanking the fosters, volunteers, donors, adopters, and community members who made it possible. What to Expect Meet adoptable animals Food & Beverages Games & Activities Shop local vendors RSR merchandise for sale Silent Auction supporting Ruff Start Rescue programs Take a tour of our new expansion Donation Drive- collecting new and gently used pet supplies and food Admission is FREE, family-friendly, and open to all (donations welcome!). Whether you’re a long-time foster, first-time adopter, or passionate animal supporter, this event is for you. **Pet Policy: We kindly ask that you leave your resident pets at home, since we'll have adoptable animals on site. This helps create a safe, low-stress environment for the foster animals attending the event. Visit the Facebook Event for more details, as well as vendor and activity highlights. By attending this event, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken for Ruff Start Rescue marketing purposes.
Puptoberfest at Elm Creek Brewing
Puptoberfest at Elm Creek Brewing — a dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration with a MARS (Midwest Animal Rescue) adoption event from 10 AM to 2 PM, plus pet grooming, puppy cuddles, live music, contests, and food. Leashed dogs welcome.
Small Dog Hangout at Brew Park Plymouth – Sep 19
Brew Park Plymouth's weekly Small Dog Hangout — an indoor off-leash session for small dogs and their humans at the dog-park bar. Let your little one socialize in a safe indoor space.
Coon Rapids Pet Fair
Coon Rapids' free annual Pet Fair returns to the Civic Center grounds with a pet/owner costume contest, pet parade, K9 demonstrations, vendor booths, kids games, a ball-pit treat hunt, DIY tug-toy station, and plenty of food. Bring your leashed, vaccinated pup for a morning of fur-tastic fun.
Blessing of the Animals at St. Paul's Monastery
A joyful outdoor prayer service and individual blessings celebrating the bond we share with our animals. Pets of every kind are welcome — each receives a monastery bandana and a blessed St. Benedict medal, plus treats. Bring pet food or supply donations for Tubman's Harriet's Haven for Pets.
Barktoberfest: The Shire-Way at Inbound BrewCo
Barktoberfest at Inbound BrewCo returns, Shire-style — this year it meets Bilbo's Birthday for a dog-friendly Oktoberfest party with beer, dogs, and Middle-earth fun. Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome inside and on the patio.
Healing Hearts Rescue Adoption Event at Chuck & Don's Edina
Healing Hearts Rescue brings adoptable dogs and puppies to Chuck & Don's in Edina. Meet adoptable pups, chat with volunteers, and learn about fostering and adoption.
Coco's Heart Dog Rescue Adoption Event at Angel's Pet World
Meet adorable, adoptable dogs and puppies from Coco's Heart Dog Rescue at Angel's Pet World in Hudson. Chat with volunteers about the adoption process and shop the local pet store while you visit.
Puppy Yoga USA – Sep 19
Roll out your mat surrounded by adorable puppies at Puppy Yoga USA's Fulton Market Studio. Each session is a 30-minute all-levels yoga flow followed by 30 minutes of puppy cuddle-and-photo time (mats provided). Saturday sessions run at 12:00, 1:15, 2:30 and 3:45 PM — this weekend features Golden Retriever puppies. A relaxed, feel-good outing for dog lovers.
Streeterville Walk and Wag
A pet-friendly community walk through Streeterville followed by a social, hosted with SOAR, Anti-Cruelty, Dog. Hotel, and Kriser's. Bring your pup for a group stroll, meet fellow dog owners, and enjoy vendor treats and giveaways.
Healing Hearts Rescue Adoption Event at Guardian Angels Fall Festival
Healing Hearts Rescue joins the Guardian Angels Fall Festival in Oakdale with adoptable dogs. Meet rescue pups and support the rescue while enjoying the fall festival.
Ruff Start Rescue Adoption Day at PetSmart Monticello
Meet adoptable rescue animals from Ruff Start Rescue at PetSmart Monticello. Fosters bring dogs, puppies, and cats looking for their forever homes — stop by to say hello and learn about the adoption process.
Drink and Dine For A Cause – Warrior Dog Rescue
An evening at Wooden Hill Brewing supporting Warrior Dog Rescue. Grab a local brew and settle in on the dog-friendly taproom patio — 10% of taproom sales during the event are donated to the rescue. A relaxed way for dog owners to drink for a good cause.
Chicago River Canine Cruise 2026
Set sail with your well-behaved pup aboard the pet-friendly First Lady for a scenic two-hour evening cruise on the Chicago River. Enjoy light snacks and entertainment while supporting Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control.