4 Things to Do on National Dog Day in Chicago

Photo: Leonides Ruvalcaba

In our hearts, every day is National Dog Day — but it’s nice to have an excuse to go tennis balls to the wall in celebration of all things canine. There are so many drool-worthy events going on around Chicago for National Dog Day (this Sunday, 8/26). You and your best friend may just have to roll over to each one.

Paws, Jogs & Hog Dogs (Sunday, 8/26: 11am – 3pm). The Roosevelt Collection is turning their rooftop into a wooftop! Head to the South Loop for a bone-afide extravaganza complete with a Dachshund race, breed-wide costume contest, and complimentary Portillo’s. 100% of the Wiener Dog Race (please just picture it) proceeds go to Sit Stay Read, a nonprofit that brings dogs into low-income CPS schools to improve at-risk students’ literacy skills.

National Dog Day at Brownstone Tavern (Sunday, 8/26: 12pm – 3pm). If you’re on the trail for an open bar with half of all proceeds going to a good cause, sniff no further than the Brownstone Tavern in North Center. Enjoy the late-August weather on the dog-friendly patio, and take your time—all Revolution beers, well liquor, bloody marys and mimosas are included in the price of a wristband. Sit for the litter of free goodies from Revolution Brewery—and stay for brunch with a bunch of pups available for adoption from ALIVE Rescue.

National Dog Day Extravaganza (Sunday, 8/26: 1pm-4pm). Bucktown Pub is going to transform into Barktown Pup (sorry) for this full-blown dogfest. Pamper your pal with a pawdicure, enjoy an adult human beverage, get discounts from dog-friendly businesses and make both of your dreams come true by jumping snout-first into a ball pit. Plus, proceeds benefit Live Like Roo, a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides support to families whose pet faces a cancer diagnosis.

Tiny Dog 500 (Sunday, 8/26: 3:30pm-6:30pm). Join One Tail at a Time for their annual Tiny Dog 500, a race for glory among the smol doggos. Divisions include featherweight (1-10 lbs), middleweight (11-20 lbs), heavyweight (21-25 lbs), and seniors up to 20 lbs. Or grab a seat as a spectator — tickets include PBR and snacks. Proceeds benefit One Tail at a Time, a rescue dedicated to finding grrr-eat homes for Chicago canines.

What other festivities are on your agenda this holidog weekend? Happy celebrating!

Next up: Share all of your pup’s adventures with #SidewalkDog for the chance to be featured. Then head to our Dog-Friendly Chicago online forum for super local, pooch-centric chat with the some of the best people we know dog people.

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