Dog Trotting

Welcome to dogtrotting’s guide to Dog and Pet Events and Festivals throughout the USA. (If you are looking for Canada, please check here). We are continually updating this guide to dog-friendly events and activities across the United States of America, so please check back frequently.

Also, check the event’s webpage listed for any changes that might have happened since we listed it here. Note that dogtrotting.net is not affiliated with nor organizing any of these event. The following is a researched guide to events organized by various companies and organizations across the country. We at ww.dogtrotting.net are providing this dog-friendly events list to help you plan your dog-friendly travel adventures and answer the question …

What pet-friendly events are near me?

DOG FRIENDLY EVENTS BY U.S. STATE:

ARIZONIA

November 18 & 19, 2023 – PetaPalooza West – Scottsdale

• Location: 2nd Street, Scottsdale, Arizona
• Time: 11 am to 4 pm

Final stop of the PetaPalooza Tour (that starts in Canada) is Scottsdale, apparently the city with the highest percentage of dog-owners in the state. Vendors, charity and rescue booths represented along with the popular 20 foot running of the Bulldogs – both French and British.

CALIFORNIA

April 14 to 16, 2023 – Pet Health Expo, Los Angeles, CA

• Location: 1933 S. Broadway Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
• Time: Friday 12 to 6 pm, Sat/Sun 10 am to 6 pm
• Cost: $25

The Pet Health Expo focuses on pet health and features product speakers, classes for children, and doggy day boot camp. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed to attend.

June 4, 2023 and December 10, 2023 – Super Pet Adoption Event, Irvine, CA

• Location: Irvine Animal Care Center, 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA
• Cost: free admission

The Super Pet Adoption Event & Fundraiser is an annual event at the Irvine animal rescue. Find your next furry friend, donate, or shopt the locat vendors. Each year hundreds of pets find their forever homes here.

August 5, 2023 – World Dog Surfing Championships, Pacifica, CA

• Location: Linda Mar Beach, Highway One and Linda Mar Blvd., Pacifica, California
• Cost: Admission is free.
• Time: 9 am to 2 pm.

Head to the California’s North Coasts – specifically Linda Mar Beach – to see the World Championship for Dog Surfing. Join participants, spectators and partner tents, while The Norcal World Dog surfacing event celebrates the sport’s best

October 22, 2022 – DogFest Walk ‘n Roll Bay Area – Oakland

• Location: Jack London Square, 472 Water Street, Oakland, CA
• Cost: Admission is free
• Time: 11 am to 4 pm.

Join this fun day at DogFest Walk ‘n Roll Bay Area and enjoy many of the activities such as dog festivities, graduate speakers, dog demonstrations, music, food and more. Involves fundraising in support of people with disabilities.

CONNECTICUT

FLORIDA

January 7, 2023 – Bark in the Park, Vero Beach, FL

• Location: Riverside Park. 3280 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach, FL
• Cost: free admission
• Time: 10 am to 6 pm

Family fun fundraiser for the local Human Society, Bark in the Park is a dog-friendly event of dog performances, food trucks, beer gardens, and kids zone.

January 22, 2023 – 3^rd Annual “Pets on the Promenade” Sunset Walk Orlando

• Location: Promenade at Sunset Walk , 3251 Margaritaville Blvd, Kissimmee, FL                              
• Time: 12 pm to 4 pm
• Cost: free

The Promenade at Sunset Walk is always pet-friendly in Kissimmee Florida but January 22 is special because it’s the Pets on the Promenade. The event features live music, street performers, pet caricatures, and complimentary ‘Sno Balls’ for your pup.

TBA, 2023 – The 8th Annual Woofstock – Naples, FL

• Location: 9132 Strada Place, Suite 1103, Naples. Fl
• Cost: $10 per ticket
• Time: 11 am to 2 pm

Dogs are welcome at the 8th Annual Woofstock, a dog-friendly festival at Mercato in Naples. Enjoy live music by Patchouli & Kraig Kenning, craft beer from RipTide Brewing Company, raffles. other rescue organizations and of course a local vendor market.  All proceeds benefit Humane Society Naples.

January, * 2024 – Bo’s Dog and Pet Festival – Coral Gables, FL

• Location: 355 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, Florida
• Cost: free
• Time: 11 am to 6 pm each day.

Bo’s Dog and Pet Festival is one of five events taking place at the Annual Coral Gables Area Mega Festival. More than 50-pet related vendors and exhibits are part of this outdoor free event.

GEORGIA

April 2023 – Atlantic Pet Expo – Atlantic, GA

• Location: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA
• Cost:
• Time:

An annual festival, the Atlanta Pet Expo features vendors, adoptions, vaccine clinics, costume contests, and agility

May 20, 2023 – Bark & Blues Music Festival – Columbus, GA

• Location: Woodruff Park, Columbus, GA
• Cost: donation
• Time: 3 to 10 pm

A benefit for the Paws Humane Society, this is the sixth Annual Barks & Blues Music Festival. The festivities which include great music from five local and regional bands, fun entertainment, food and beverages, arts and craft vendors and a kids zone.

IDAHO

April 15, 2023 – Idaho Family Pet Expo – Boise, ID

• Location: Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenood, Boise, ID
• Cost: Admission is $5.
• Time: 10 am to 4 pm.

The annual Idaho Family Pet Expo features local and national pet products, pet services and crafts from Idaho. Petting zoo, groomers, trainers and face painting.

Illinois

July 22 and 23, 2023 – PETCON 2020 – Chicago, IL

• Location: 1215 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL
• Cost: Tickets start at $44 for individual tickets.

PETCON is two days of panels, activities, and chances to meet celebrity pets are all included in this event. There is many different dog related brands and items to find at their vendors. Bring your family and your dog.

LOUISIANA

MARYLAND

January 27 -29, 2023 – World of Pets Expo, Timonium, MD

• Location: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, MD
• Time: Friday, 2-8 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday 10 am to 7 pm.
• Cost: Admission $10

One big pet-loving festival, the World of Pets Expo is in its 18th year and this year promises to be the biggest yet filled with both vendors and entertainment. This is one of the state’s largest family and dog-friendly events.

MASSACHUETTS

September *, 2023 – Boston Family Pet Expo 2021 – Boston, MA 

• Location: Shriner’s Auditorium, 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington, MA
• Cost: Admission is $13

One of many Family Pet Shows, the Boston Family Pet Expo is full of vendors along with special attractions such as performing dogs, agility demonstrations, Dog Lure Course, Parade of Breeds and the Rainforest Reptile Show. Well behaved leashed pets welcome.

MICHIGAN

March 15, 2023 – Paws, Claws & Corks – Grand Rapids, MI

Location: DeVos Place 303 Monroe Ave. NW., Grand Rapids, Michigan

Social fund-raiser for a pet rescue, Paws, Claws & Corks features the hottest restaurant , breweries, and wineries from West Michigan. Guests enjoy beer and wine samples benefiting the Humane Society of West Michigan.

May 26 to 29, 2023 – Dog Bowl, Frankenmuth, MI

• Location: River Place Shops, 925 South Main Street D-2, Frankenmuth, MI
• Cost: Free admission for spectators (Various fees to enter events)

Billed as The World’s Largest Olympic Style Event for Dogs, Frankenmuth’s Annual Dog Bowl is a showcase of high energy events such as running, jumping, diving and retrieving. There are 29 events to watch, 22 your pet can participate in and even Hot Air Balloons. Even an annual canine cruise on the Cass River.

June 2 to 4, 2023 –  Bark on Biddle, Wyandotte, MI

• Location: Bishop Park, Downtown Wyandotte, Wyandotte, MI
• Time: Friday 4 to 9pm; Saturday 10am to 9pm; Sunday 11 am to 6pm.
• Cost: $5 admission and kids under 12 are free.

Bring your dog downtown, to shop, eat and walk the pup along under the shade trees of Bishop Park for Bark On Biddle. Dogs can compete in the Ultimate Air Do dock jumping competition and/or the Lucky Dogs Lure Course. Pre-registration is recommended, not required, for the Ultimate Air Dog competition. Music in the “Bark Garden” starts at 6 pm.

July 20 to 22, 2023 – Farmington Fido Fest, Farmington, MI

• Location: Shiawassee Park, Power Road, Farmington, MI
• Time: Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm. Sunday noon to 5 pm.

Farmington Fido Fest is a festival within a festival – it’s part of Michigan’s Founder’s Festival. Here your dog can participate in the Lucky Dog Lure Course or the Disc Dogs of Michigan frisbee competition. Pet-related vendors, craft beers and Tito Vodka’s ‘Bark Gardens’ will be part of the fun.

September 15 to 17, 2023 – Bark in the Park Pup-a-Paw-Looza, Weidman, MI

Location: Weidman KOA campground, 1855 North Coldwater Road, Weidman, MI

Bring you pup for a two night (minimum) or more stay during the Bark in the Park Pup-a-Paw-Looza weekend festival at the campground. Pet parade, contests, and dog treats. KampK9 dog park on site.

November 10 to 12, 2023 – Novi Pet Expo, Novi, MI

• The Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI
• Time: Friday 2 to 8 pm; Saturday 10 am to 8 pm; 10 am to 5 pm.
• Cost: . Parking is $5 and admission is $12.

One of the biggest pet expos in terms of entertainment, the annual Novi Pet Expo will host a conference center of vendors along with various shows, trainers, and presentations. Dogs are welcome, but no other pets.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

NEW JERSEY

January 6 to 8, 2023 – Super Pet Expo Edison, New Jersey

• Location: The New Jersey Convention & Expo Centre, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, NJ
• Time: Friday 3 – 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
• Admission: $13 for one day and $20 for a weekend pass

Shop and play with your dog  at the Super Pet Expo Edison – this one in New Jersey.  As at the sister event in Virginia, you can participate in seminars about training, nutrition and health. Try the lure course (well, your dog can) for an extra fee. .

June *, 2023 – The World Dog Expo – New Jersey

Location: Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ

Head to The World Dog Expo with multiple stages, attendees will enjoy caliber events, such as dock diving, disc dog, lure coursing, weight pulling and schutzhund, and more. The show will also promote dog rescuing, fostering, and adoption. There will be a large array of dog related products during the trade event. Also, creative grooming competitions and dog sports are scheduled activities.

NEW YORK

January 6 and 20, 2023 – AKC Museum of the Dog – New York, NY

• Location: 101 Park Ave, New York, NY
• Time: 6 to 8 pm
• Cost: Museum Admission

The Museum of the Dog in NYC is only open to dogs on select days, usually two per month. On these days, special events and guests are planned, freed to members but advanced registration is required.

March 4 to 5, 2023 – Long Island Pet Expo 2023 – Brentwood, NY

• Location: Suffolk Community College Expo Center, 1001 Crooked Hill Rd., Brentwood, NY
• Cost: $13 online in advance and $15 at the door
• Time: Saturday 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

One of many Family Pet Shows, the Long Island Pet Expo is full of vendors along with special attractions such as Diana Frohman and her performing dogs, agility demonstrations, Dog Lovers Days Lure Course, Parade of Breeds and the Rainforest Reptile Show. Well behaved leashed pets welcome.

NORTH CAROLINA

July TBA, 2023 – Coon Dog Day – Saluda (Near Asheville)

• Location: Main Street, Salude, NC
• Time: 11 am to 11 pm.

A celebration of the state’s national dog, the Coon, this traditional hunting dog has been honoured for over 50 years with a quirky parade, a street fair with live music, and WKC dog judging competition. The winner of a ‘treeing contest’ is the one who bays longest at a fake raccoon. There’s also a Coon Hound rescue fundraiser because many of these animals aren’t considered pets on farms and need rescuing when abandoned.

October 27 to 29, 2023 – Barkoweek Weekend – Rutherfordton, NC

Location: 4 Paws Kingdom Campground

Lure courses, winery, social events – this is an annual rally/social get together for dogs and their people at 4 Paws Kingdom Campground and Dog Retreat in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Book a campground and join the fun. (Check out our summer experience at 4 Paws here).

OHIO

March 10 to 12, 2023 – Columbus Pet Expo – Columbus, OH

• Location: Ohio Expo Center, Multi Purpose  and Ohio Building, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH
• Cost: Admission is $12 and parking is $5.
• Time: Friday 12 – 8 pm; Saturday 10 am – 7pm; Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

Welcome to the Annual All American Columbus Pet Expo full of vendors, pet entertainment, seminars and demonstrations. Also happening is the All About Cats Expo TICA cat show. Enjoy the Dog Lovers Days Lure Course and free inside dog park installed by Gyms for Dogs. Pets welcome if you sign a waiver.

April 29, 2023 – Home & Pet Expo – Westlake, OH

The pet industry is growing and now specializing: the 2023 Home & Pet Expo combines our love for home improvements with our need to accommodate our furry and feathered friends. This pet-friendly expo features home-improvement companies with products and services for all types of pets.

• Location: Market Square at Crocker Park in Westlake, Ohio
• TIme: 10 am to 3 pm
• Cost: $3

June 11, 2023 – Put-in-Bay Pooch Parade – Put in Bay, OH

• Location: DeRivera Park, 341 Bayview Ave., Put in Bay, OH
• Time: 10 am
• Cost: $15 for parade entrance

Make this day part of a longer river-side holiday, the Put-in-Bay Pooch Parade starts at the DeRivera Park gazebo at 10 am. Enter the parade for $15 per dog and that includes a goodie bag and opportunity to enter competitions.

August 26, 2023 – Mutt Strut 2023 – Kirtland, OH

• Location: Lake Metroparks Farm park, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH
• Cost: free but donations accepted
• Time: 10 am to 2 pm.

Mutt Strutt has many activities including the one-mile walk, dog games and prizes, raffles, agility courses and rally training. There will be many vendors selling dog related items and products. Food is available for purchase and entry is free.

PENNSYLVANIA

February 3 to 5, 2023 – Lehigh Valley Pet Expo – Allentown, PA

• Location: The Ag Hall at the Allentown Fairgrounds, 17th and Chew Streets, Allentown, PA
• Time: Saturday 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
• Cost: Admission is $13 online in advance and $15 at the door.

Another in the Family Pet Expo well… family, this expo in Lehigh Valley features Gail Mirabella and the Dynamo Dogs, parade of breeds, Kan Do K9’s Sport Association, Dog Lovers Days Lure Course, Illusion Ranch Alpacas and Neverland K9 Institute and of course plenty of vendors.

March 10 to 12, 2023 –  Great Philadelphia Pet Event, Philadelphia, PA

• Location: 100 Station Ave., Phoenixville, PA
• Time: Friday 4 to 9pm; Saturday 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday 10 am to 5 pm
• Cost: Tickets are $13 at the door or $20 for a weekend pass.

The Greater Philadelphia Pet Event is complete with rows of vendors and demonstrations including Barn Hunt demos, Dynamo Dog Shows, and Johnny Peers and the Muttville Mix. Also, a lure course for your dog and TICA Cat Show. Philadelphia Pet Event.

TBA, 2023 – Morgantown Pet Expo, Morgantown, PA

• Location: The Morgantown Center, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, PA
• Time: Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
• Cost: $11 per person in advance online and $13 at the door

Morgantown Pet Expo is a consumer pet show full of vendors and performances from Dynamo Dogs, dog training demos, and police dogs. The rabbit hopping competition is at noon and lure courses available all day for an additional charge. Dogs welcome but must sign a waiver.

TEXAS

January 13, 2023 (and every Friday) – Patsy’s Bark N’ Wine

• Location: 1644 Manson Road, Katy, TX
• Time: 5 to 7 pm each Friday

Patsy’s Bark N’ Wine at Patsy’s Pet Market is scheduled for every Friday – Bring your pup and enjoy carefully selected varieties of wine while your pup socializes with other pups.

April 8, 2023 – Dog Dayz of Dallas, Dallas, TX

• Location:100 W Abram St., Arlington, Texas
• Time: 11 am to 4 pm
• Cost: free

Dog Dayz of Dallas is a pet festival at The Levitt in downtown Arlington that promises to be a blast. Many vendors, dog vaccine clinics and heartworm tests, live events, and dog training advice.

VIRGINIA

January 2, 2023 – GardenFest for Fidos – Richmond, VA

• Location: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Henrico, VA
• Time: 5 to 10 pm.
• Cost: Regular admission applies.

Dogs can enjoy the holiday lights at GardenFest for Fidos at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Dogs are allowed on these special Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights nights: November 21, 2022 and January 8, 2023.  All dogs must be leashed and current on rabies vaccinations.

March 17 to 19, 2023 – Super Pet Expo – Chantilly, VA

• Location: Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Drive, Chantilly, VA
• Time: Friday 3 – 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
• Cost: Admission is $13 for one day and $20 for a weekend pass.

Shop and play with your dog  at the Super Pet Expo. Meet experts in training, nutrition and health. Try the lure course (well, your dog can) for an extra fee.

September *, 2023 – Loudoun Pet Expo – Purcellville, VA

• Location: Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purecellville, VA
• Time: 10 am to 4 pm.
• Cost: admission and parking is free.

Loudoun Pet Expo dog-friendly festival with vendors, demos, adoption, dog swim, dog races, and wildlife ambassadors. Franklin Park. Leashed dogs welcome. Please bring a canned pet food donation.

WISCONSIN

February 4, 2023 – The Great Lakes Pet Expo – Milwaukee, WI

• Wisconsin State Park, 8200 W Greenfield, Milwaukee (West Allis), Wisconsin
• Cost: Regular admission $7 and VIP $15.
• Time: 10 am to 5 pm.

The Annual Great Lakes Pet Expo will showcase hundreds of exhibits and feature animal acts on the Main Stage. Also, many interactive educational areas and presentations, and the newest pet products on the market. Produced by a non-profit organization benefiting rescues. 

May 20, 2023 – Winnebago Pet Expo – Oshkosh, WI

• Location: Sunnyview Expo Center, 500 E County Road Y, Oshkosh, WI
• Time: 10 am to 5 pm
• Cost: $10 for weekend pass. $6 for one day

The Winnebago Pet Expo is Fox Valley’s largest gathering pet-focused professionals and entrepreneurs offering pet products and training tips. Funds raised support local dog parks. Strangely, no pets are allowed.

June 9 to 11, 2023 – Bark in the Park KOA Campground, Brussels, WI

Location: Door County KOA Holiday, 9245 Lovers Lane, Brussels, WI

A weekend festival focused on the dogs at the Door County KOA Holiday campground.

If you know of a great dog-friendly event in any state we haven’t listed, SEND dogtrotting.net the details:

If you are looking for pet and dog events in Canada, please check out our Dog Events Canada page on dogtrotting.net.