Dog-Friendly Events
Discover meetups, festivals, yappy hours, and more happening near you.
Small Dog Hangout at Brew Park Plymouth
Dedicated off-leash park time for small dogs under 30 lbs at Brew Park Plymouth's indoor dog park and bar — no large dogs present. Admission $12, free for members.
Puppy Yoga (West Town) – July 18
Roll out your mat for an hour of puppy yoga in West Town: a 30-minute gentle flow followed by 30 minutes of unstructured playtime with adoptable puppies. A relaxed, joyful way to start a summer Saturday. $65 per person.
Healing Hearts Adoption Event at Chuck & Don's – Edina
Meet adoptable dogs from Healing Hearts Rescue at Chuck & Don's in Edina. Stop by Saturday, July 18 from 11 AM–1 PM to say hello to foster pups looking for their forever homes, and browse pet supplies while you're there. A great low-key outing for dog lovers and families.
Taste of River North Dog Parade
The 4th annual dog parade returns to Taste of River North! Check-in opens at 11:00 AM and the parade steps off at 11:25 AM by the main stage, with small breed, medium breed, large breed, costume, and rescue categories competing for prizes. Every registered pup gets a special dog bandana. $10 registration per dog. Part of the 25th annual Taste of River North festival.
Ruff Start Adoption Event at Frattallone's Hardware & Garden – Circle Pines
Ruff Start Rescue fosters showcase adoptable dogs at Frattallone's Hardware & Garden in Circle Pines — a great chance to meet your next furry family member.
Safe Hands Rescue Meet & Greet at Makwa Coffee
Adoptable puppies and adult dogs from Safe Hands Rescue on the covered patio of Makwa Coffee, an Ojibwe- and queer-owned craft coffee shop in Roseville. Grab a coffee, tea, or pastry while snuggling some pups.
Pups 'N Cups at Montrose Dog Beach
Fun in the sun with your canine companions at Montrose Dog Beach — join a community of dog lovers for good conversation about how to help dogs in need while your pup splashes and plays. Bring your dog and soak up a summer afternoon on the sand.
Pups on the Patio at Steele & Hops Kitchen/Bar
Steele & Hops for a paws-itively adorable event benefiting Ruff Start Rescue! Join us on Sunday, July 19th, from 11 am–1 pm at Steele & Hops Kitchen/Bar for a fun-filled event benefiting animals at Ruff Start Rescue! 🐾 🐶 Meet adoptable rescue dogs looking for their forever homes 🦴 Bring your pup and enjoy brunch on our dog-friendly patio 🎟️ Enter to win dog-themed raffle baskets filled with treats, toys, and accessories 🍖 Treat your furry friend to our special dog brunch menu and dog beers 🍺 Support Ruff Start Rescue through the Community Keg, with proceeds donated to help animals in need Come brunch, sip, and support a great cause! Visit the Facebook Event for more details and to learn about the adoptable dogs attending this event. By attending this event, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken for Ruff Start Rescue marketing purposes.
Sit for Shelter Pets 2026
One Tail at a Time's Sit for Shelter Pets is a morning gathering at the Bucktown Adoption Center supporting shelter pets in need. Meet the OTAT team and adoptable animals, learn how you can help, and start your Sunday doing good for Chicago's rescue dogs and cats.
Greyhound Pets of America Adoption Event
Meet adoptable retired racing greyhounds at a Greyhound Pets of America – Minnesota meet & greet and adoption event in the Wandering Leaf taproom.
Weekend Wags – Adoptable Dog Meet & Greet at Fat Pants Brewing
Join Pet Haven at Fat Pants Brewing for an adoptable dog Meet & Greet. Chat with fosters about their pups, learn about the adoption process, and enjoy a beer on the dog-friendly patio.
Stillwater Lift Bridge Yappy Hour
Coco's Heart Dog Rescue brings adoptable dogs to the Stillwater Lift Bridge taproom for a Sunday Yappy Hour with an outdoor bar, food trucks, and dog treats. $1/pint and $2/crowler benefit the rescue.
Puppy Playtime & Smol Dog Night at Unleashed Hounds and Hops
Two separate ticketed sessions at Unleashed's indoor off-leash dog bar: Puppy Playtime for pups ages 3–6 months (5–6 PM) and Smol Dog Night for dogs under 30 lbs (6–8 PM). Pre-registration required — a supervised way to socialize your little one in the North Loop.
Boxer Night at Saint Bark
Boxers, it's your time to shine! Join Saint Bark for a night of play, socializing, and making new friends with fellow Boxer pups. All breeds are welcome at these breed-specific nights — bring your dog for off-leash fun at St. Paul's indoor/outdoor dog park bar.
Giant Breed Night at Unleashed Hounds and Hops
Unleashed's weekly Breed Night celebrates Giant Breeds and their humans. Bring in a Giant Breed dog and spin the prize wheel for a chance at prizes. All dogs are welcome at this indoor off-leash dog bar in the North Loop.
Downtown Skokie Pups & Purrs Pet Picnic
A pet-friendly outdoor festival in Downtown Skokie benefiting C.A.R.E. Bring your furry friend for an evening of picnic meals from local restaurants, live entertainment, pet activities, shopping, and giveaways — a fun summer celebration of pets, community, and local businesses.
Healing Hearts Rescue at White Bear Lake Marketfest – July 23
Healing Hearts Rescue booth with adoptable dogs and puppies at the weekly Downtown White Bear Lake Marketfest street festival.
Viking Lakes Bark in the Park
Coco's Heart Dog Rescue's ultimate social event for dog lovers at Viking Lakes in Eagan, featuring live music, a caricature artist, and adoptable dogs.
Chuck & Don's Summer Pawlooza – St. Paul
Chuck & Don's annual Summer Pawlooza — bring your dog in-store Saturday & Sunday, July 25–26 for frozen treats and summer fun.
City Paws Summer Festival & Dog Days
A community summer festival for families, dog lovers, and local businesses featuring pet-friendly vendors, games, food, and treats for pups. All proceeds benefit Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest Animal Rescue.
Healing Hearts Adoption Event at Brühaven Craft Company
Healing Hearts Rescue brings adoptable dogs and puppies to Brühaven Craft Company in downtown Minneapolis. Come meet your newest family member over a pint — every adoption helps make room for another rescue in need.
Second Doggy Pool Party at Brew Park Plymouth
Brew Park's second summer pool party for dogs is back! Bring your pup and a towel — the venue handles the rest. There's no extra charge beyond normal admission (members get in free). Dogs must be registered with current vaccinations to splash around.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue Dog Parade
The 3rd annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue Dog Parade — watch pups strut their stuff (free to enter) in categories including Best in Show, Best Small Breed, Best Large Breed, Best Costume, and Best Rescue. Part of the Taste of Lincoln Avenue street festival.
Rescue Puppy Yoga at Lively Athletics
A 45-minute all-levels yoga session practiced alongside adorable rescue puppies from Paradise Rescue. Attendees get a sponsor-filled swag bag and 20% off Lively Athletics purchases, plus time to meet and photograph the pups afterward. All proceeds are split between Moyo Village and Paradise Rescue to support their animal rescue missions.
St. Louis Park PetSmart Adoption Day Event
Ruff Start Rescue brings adoptable dogs, cats, and critters to the St. Louis Park PetSmart. Meet your potential new family member and chat with volunteers about fostering and adoption.
Healing Hearts Adoption Event at HOM Furniture – Coon Rapids
Healing Hearts Rescue's Paws & Floors adoption event at HOM Furniture in Coon Rapids. Meet adoptable dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes.
Summer Splash – The Dog Event of the Year!
Pet Haven of Minnesota's biggest dog event of the year! A splash-tastic afternoon at Pet Haven Headquarters with pools, adoptable dogs, vendors, raffles, and treats for pups and people. Family- and dog-friendly.
Spot's Last Stop Dog Adoption Event
Meet adoptable rescue dogs with Spot's Last Stop Canine Rescue at this taproom adoption event at Wandering Leaf Brewing.
PAWS Chicago Angels with Tails – Roscoe Village
PAWS Chicago's annual Angels with Tails returns to Roscoe Village. Adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens take over neighborhood storefronts as local rescue groups join PAWS to find homes for pets in need. Free, family- and dog-friendly community adoption event. Stroll the shops, meet adoptable pups, and support Chicago's homeless animals.
Pug Night at Saint Bark
Calling all Pugs! Join Saint Bark for a Breed Night celebrating these lovable, playful companions. All breeds are welcome — a different breed is simply highlighted each time. Bring your pup to the indoor/outdoor dog park bar on Snelling Ave for an evening of play, socializing, and making new furry (and human) friends.
Pups & Trivia Night
A dog-themed trivia night at Pup Social. Gather your team and your pup for multiple rounds of questions on breeds, famous dogs, pet care and fun canine facts, with prizes for the top teams while dogs socialize during supervised off-leash play. 21+; up-to-date Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella records required. Humans without a pup may enter free with a valid State ID and completed waiver.
Dog Portrait Day
Bring your dog to the Casket Arts Building for a professional portrait session that captures your pup's personality in a cozy studio setting. Sessions run throughout the evening.
Healing Hearts Rescue at White Bear Lake Marketfest – July 30
Healing Hearts Rescue brings a booth of adoptable dogs and puppies to the weekly downtown White Bear Lake Marketfest street festival. Stop by to meet foster pups looking for their forever homes — leashed dogs welcome.
Dog's Night Out at Gallagher Way
Bring your pup to Gallagher Way for a post–Cubs game paw-ty featuring dog vendors, giveaways, pet portraits, and dog-friendly activities. Donations support local rescues.
Can Do Canines Open House
Can Do Canines will host an open house on Tuesday, August 18, from 6-8 p.m., at its Can Do Canines campus. Potential clients, volunteers, or anyone who might be interested in supporting the organization is invited to attend to learn how an assistance dog changes the life of a person with a disability. Through a self-guided tour, attendees will be able to watch a trainer working with an assistance dog, hear from a dog host volunteer, talk with representatives from the volunteer department, pose questions to client services coordinators, and meet graduate teams from five types that Can Do Canines trains dogs: hearing, mobility, seizure, diabetes, and childhood autism. Also, the first 75 people in attendance will receive a frozen treat! There is no pre-registration for this event, though attendees will be asked to share some contact information when arriving. Can Do Canines strives to provide accessibility for all attendees. Please email [email protected] if you need an accommodation to attend this event.
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.