Summer in Chicago can’t be beat. Swap out your normal nap and Netflix routine with everything from dog yoga to introducing your pup to the fine arts. It’s time to sniff out some things to do in Chicago this weekend!
1. Doggy Yoga
Washington Square Park, Chicago
Thursday, July 21, 6–7 p.m., registration required
Downward dog, up dog, sup dog? Find your zen with this free class by Fitness Formula Club in Gold Coast. Bring your own mat, some water and get ready to ohhhhh, big stretchhhhhhh. RSVPs required.
2. Wicker Park Fest
Wicker Park, Chicago
Friday, July 22, 5–10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, July 23–24, 12–10 p.m.; $10 suggested donation
Wicker Park—more like Wicker Bark! This dog-friendly street festival boasts music, vendors, tasty treats and plenty of fun for hoomans and pups alike. Sure, every neighborhood thinks their summer street fest is the B(ichon Frise)’s knees, but Wicker Park Fest won the title for very best by the Chicago Tribune.
3. ShakesFest
day.” | Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Various Locations, Chicago
Thursday–Saturday, July 21–23, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
All the world’s a stage, and all the pups are invited. ShakesFest, hosted by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, is popping up all over city parks for special performances. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a modern, musical take on ol’ Bill Shakespeare that’ll have your rover asking “to woof or not to woof?”.
4. Sundays on State
The Loop, Chicago
Sunday, July 24, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Get ready for some tail-waggin’ fun! Sundays on State made its inaugural appearance in 2021 and has returned to the iconic street for four weekends, starting this Sunday. Sit and stay for art, culture, active recreation, food, drinks, shopping, and local attractions. Did we mention food? There’s gonna be LOTS of food.
5. Beer Run
Sketchbook Brewing Company, Skokie
Sunday, July 24, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; registration required
Start your Sunday by getting pup and running! Sketchbook Brewing Co. is hosting a “5K-ish,” fun run event and you’re invited. Walk, run, zoom—it’s all allowed. After you’re done, lap up a free beer and take home a pawesome pint glass to commemorate the event.
No pupper in your life yet? Get a heckin’ dog already!
If you live in a world without tail-wags—what a heckin’ tragedy—check out this Chicago adoption event!
Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC)
- Perhaps you’re finally ready to take the plunge on pawrenthood or sniffing around for a sibling for your Princess? Either way, take a peek at the adorable adoptable dogs at Chicago Animal Care and Control. Now through July 31, Bissell is hosting an “‘Empty the Shelter”’ event every day from 12–7 p.m., and it’s just the push we need to find some pups a furever home. If you’re adding to your pack, be sure to talk to them in advance and work through the logistics.
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: Cottonbro
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.