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-FOCUSED OR DOG-FRIENDLY EVENTS BY U.S. STATE:
ARIZONIA
October 24, 2026 – PetaPalooza West – Scottsdale
- Location: Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 N., Pima Road, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Time: 11 am to 3 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
July 25, 2026 – Puptopia Festival 2024, Big Bear, CA
- Location: Veterans’ Park, 40870 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear, CA
- Cost: Admission is free. (Please RSVP here)
- Time: 10 am to 5 pm.
Puptopia is a festival for you and your leashed dog in Big Bear Lake Village. Enjoy vendors, a spaw (a spa for your dog), agility courses, performances, K9 lounge, and PAWground photo site.
August 1, 2026 – World Dog Surfing Championships, Pacifica, CA
- Location: Lind 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
CONNECTICUT
FLORIDA
January 10, 2026 – 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.
TBA, 2026 – The 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.
GEORGIA
March 12 to 14, 2027 – Groom’d (formally the Atlanta Pet Expo) – Atlanta, GA
- Location: Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA
- Cost: passes range from $75 to $249
- Time: 9 am to 6 pm. Trade only.
This pet expo has evolved into an industry trade and educational show for professional groomers called Groom’d. Plenty of learning opportunities for those in the grooming industry. Not a public event and no pets allowed at the show. Sponsored by the World Pet Association.
May 30, 2026 – 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
May 8, 2027 – Idaho Family Pet Expo – Boise, ID
- Location: Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenood, Boise, ID
- Cost: Admission is $5 or $20 family pass
- 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
September 4 to 6, 2026 – Great American Dog Show, Schaumburg, IL
- Location: Cantigny Park, Wheaton, Illinois
- Cost: $25
- Time: 8 am to 6 pm daily
The Great American Dog Show is an annual dog show competition run by the International Kennel Club of Chicago. The show is a purebred dog competition culminating with the crowning of Best in Show. Open to the general public, but no pet dogs permitted. Health clinics are offered for a fee, meet the breed event and vendors on site.
LOUISIANA
MARYLAND
January 29 to 31, 2027 – 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 and claims to be the largest pet expo on the East coast.
MASSACHUETTS
MICHIGAN
May 29 to 31, 2027 – 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.
July *, 2026 – 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.
October 9 to 11, 2026 – Novi Pet Expo, Novi, MI
- Vibe Credit Union 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 8 to 10, 2027 – 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.
NEW YORK
February 7 to 8, 2027 – AKC Meet the Breeds, New York City, NY
- Location: Javits Center, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY
- Time: 9 am to 4 pm
- Cost: $35 adult admission
The AKC Meet the Breeds event is a very popular activity for dog lovers and definitely was busy when it was associated with the Westminster Dog Show, which ran at the same time at Madison Square Gardens pre-pandemic. (See our coverage of the event here). More 100 dog breeds and dog breeders gather to answer questions about specific pure breed dogs and along with weekend vendors and demo ring. No pet dog permitted.
Random Fridays – Furry Fridays, 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.
September 26 to 27, 2026 – Long Island Pet Expo – Copiague, NY
- Location: Tanner Park, Copiague, 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.
January 30 to February 2, 2027 – The 151th Westminster Dog Show – New York City, NY
- Tickets Start at $32 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.
- Events start at 8 am and run all day.
- Location: Madison Square Gardens, New York City, New York
Known as the “Superbowl of Dog Shows”, the Westminster Dog Show has been running since 1877 and has returned to Madison Square Gardens for evening events. Attend the Masters Agility Championship, and The Westminster Kennel Club best in breed, best in class, and best in show dog shows. Day events are held at Javits Convention Center.
NORTH CAROLINA
October *, 2026 – Barkoween 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 12 to 14, 2027 – 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.
OREGON
June 6, 2026 – Doggie Dash (formerly WillaMutt Strutt), Salem, Oregon
Doggie Dash Salem is a celebration of our love for animals and a fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society. Show off your pup in a 5K or 1K run or walk around Riverfront Park. Enjoy a dog-friendly festival in the park filled with local vendors, food trucks, dog contests, and fun activities for the whole family. Participation supports animal shelters throughout Oregon.
- Location: Riverfront Park, 200 Water Street NE, Salem
- Cost: $35
- Time: 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
September *, 2026 – Happy Tails Festival, Medford, OR
- Location: Bear Creek Park & Dog Park, 1520 Siskiyou Blvd, Medford, Oregon
- Cost: free
- Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Happy Tails Festival celebrates this event annually, even if the venue changes. Come out and enjoy local vendors, dg contests, music, food vendors, photo props, dog pool stations and obstacle course. Leashed dogs welcome.
PENNSYLVANIA
February 5 to 7, 2027 – 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 6 to 8, 2026 – Great Philadelphia Pet Event, Philadelphia, PA
- Location: 100 Station Ave., Phoenixville, PA
- Time: Friday 4 to 9 pm; 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.
November 14 to 15, 2026 – National Dog Show, Philadelphia (Oaks), PA
- Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, Oaks, Pennsylvania
- Cost: $20 for adult tickets (available at the door)
- Time: 8 am to 6 pm
Hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, the National Dog Show is an American Thanksgiving Tradition. The pure breed dog show and competition airs on TV on US Thanksgiving Day, but you can attend in person. Breed and class competitions lead to the crowning of Best in Show the final night of the competition. Note that pet dogs not competing in the show can not attend.
TEXAS
VIRGINIA
March 19 to 21, 2026 – Super Pet Expo – Manassas, VA
- Location: Manassas Mall, 8358 Sudley Rd., Manassas, VA
- Time: Friday 3 – 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
- Cost: Admission is $15 adults
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 7, 2026 – Loudoun Pet Expo – Purcellville, VA
- Location: Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purecellville, VA
- Time: 10 am to 4 pm.
- Cost: Admission and parking are 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 6, 2027 – Pet Expo MKE – Milwaukee, WI
- Location: WI Expo Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Cost: Regular admission $7 and VIP $15.
- Time: 10 am to 5 pm.
The Pet Expo MKE showcases 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.
If you know of a great dog-friendly event in any state we haven’t listed, SEND dogtrotting.net the details:
