Dog-Friendly Events
Discover meetups, festivals, yappy hours, and more happening near you.
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.
Dog Days: Fashion Show & Adoption Event
SPCA of Texas brings its Dog Days celebration to the Coppell Arts Center's outdoor Grove — a dog fashion show, adoptable pups looking for homes, and a fun morning for dogs and their people. Leashed, friendly dogs welcome.
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.
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.
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.
Chicago Pet Rescue Adoption Event at Pet Supplies Plus Lincolnwood
Meet Chicago Pet Rescue volunteers and adoptable dogs at Pet Supplies Plus in Lincolnwood. Learn about the adoption process, current foster and volunteer needs, and find your new best friend.
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.
Pet Food Pantry at M.A.S.K.
One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid pet food pantry brings free pet food and supplies to dog owners in the Englewood community. No RSVP required — stop by to keep your pup fed and healthy.
Strut for Strays 2026
Join Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) for the 2026 Strut for Strays, a 2.5-mile dog walk along the Northshore Sculpture Path to support homeless pets. Bring your leashed pup for the Saturday-morning kickoff walk, with a hybrid virtual option available through September 26. Registration and donations benefit C.A.R.E.'s rescue and adoption programs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Golden Retriever Night at Saint Bark
Saint Bark hosts its Monday Meet-Up Breed Night featuring Golden Retrievers. Bring your pup for an evening of off-leash play and socializing with other Golden owners at Saint Paul's indoor dog park + bar. All breeds are welcome; first-time visitors should register their dog beforehand.
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.
Animal Dermatology Clinic Open House
Paws for a second — you're invited! The Animal Dermatology Clinic in Eagan throws open its doors for a community open house. Tour the clinic, meet the specialty veterinary team, and learn how they help dogs (and cats) tackle stubborn allergies, ear infections, and itchy skin. A relaxed evening for pet parents curious about dermatology care for their four-legged family.
BISSELL Empty the Shelters Adoption Event
SPCA of Texas joins BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters for reduced-fee adoptions September 25–27 at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center. Meet adoptable dogs (and cats) fully vetted and ready to go home the same day.
Dogtoberfest at Saint Paul Brewing
Saint Paul Brewing's Dogtoberfest — kick off the weekend with your furry friend. Enjoy a pop-up dog market, a dog costume contest at 7pm, specials on pup cups, and an on-site dog portrait artist at this dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration.
Small Dog Hangout at Brew Park Plymouth – Sep 26
A relaxed morning meetup for little pups at Plymouth's indoor off-leash dog park and bar. Small dogs can run around and make new friends in a safe, size-appropriate space while owners kick back with a drink.
Barktoberfest on the Chicago Riverwalk
Free dog-friendly fall festival on the Chicago Riverwalk, hosted by the Sheraton Grand with PUPS Pet Club. Expect local vendors, pet-friendly treats, themed photo ops, and a special pup menu from Chicago Burger Company (Barkuterie Board, Bark Burger, and the ever-popular Pup Cup). Admission is free.
2nd Annual Happy Trails Animal Walk and Celebration
Stroll, celebrate furry friends, and enjoy good vibes at the coolest animal walk around, hosted by Animal Voice Advocacy at River Siren Brewing in downtown Stillwater. The day features live music, lunch, games, prizes, and pet adoptions.
SPCA of Texas Mobile Adoptions at NorthPark Center
The SPCA of Texas mobile adoption vehicle rolls up to NorthPark Center with adoptable dogs and cats ready to meet new families. All pets are fully vetted and can go home the same day.
DOGtoberfest — Pet Vendor Market & Adoption Event
Grab your pups and break out the lederhosen — Dallas Pets Alive teams up with Community Beer Co. for DOGtoberfest during Community's annual Oktoberfest. Adoptable dogs, a dog costume contest, local pet vendors, live music, and German-style food and drink. Free admission.
Healing Hearts Rescue Adoption Event at Pet Evolution Arden Hills
Meet adoptable dogs and puppies from Healing Hearts Rescue at Pet Evolution in Arden Hills. Come chat with volunteers and take the first step toward meeting your newest family member.
VIP Petcare Mobile Clinic at Pet Supplies Plus Burnsville
Low-cost pet vaccinations and preventative care come to the Burnsville Pet Supplies Plus via the VIP Petcare mobile clinic. Walk in with your dog for affordable vaccines, microchipping, and wellness services from licensed veterinary staff.
Dog Content Creator Meet-Up
Calling all content-creating pups and their humans! Join Pup Social's Dog Content Creator Meet-Up — an afternoon designed for local pet influencers, aspiring creators, photographers, and dog lovers to meet, mingle, create, and play at Pup Social's indoor dog park.
Shih Tzu Night at Saint Bark
Saint Bark's Monday Meet-Up Breed Night spotlights Shih Tzus. Join fellow owners for off-leash play, drinks, and socializing at Saint Paul's indoor dog park + bar. All breeds are welcome; first-time visitors should register their dog in advance.