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 *, 2024 – 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 *, 2024 – 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 2, 2024 – 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 3, 2024 – 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

CONNECTICUT

FLORIDA

January 6, 2024 – 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 21, 2024 – 4^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, 2024 – 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.

GEORGIA

March 8 to 10, 2024 – 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 *, 2024 – 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

September 14, 2024 – 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

January 19 to 21, 2024 – Great American Dog Show, Schaumburg, IL

• Location: Renaissances Schaumburg, Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg, 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 purebreed 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.

TBA, 2024 – PETCON 2024 – 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 26 -28, 2024 – 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

TBA, 2024 – Boston Family Pet Expo 2024 – 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

TBA, 2024 – 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 24 to 27, 2024 – 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.

May 31 to June 2, 2024 –  Bark on Biddle, Wyandotte, MI

• Location: Bishop Park, Downtown Wyandotte, Wyandotte, MI
• Time: Friday 4 to 9 pm; Saturday 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.
• 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 *, 2024 – 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.

December *, 2024 – 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

March 1 to 3, 2024 – 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

January 27 to 28, 2024 – 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.

January 6 and 19: Feb. 2 and 23, 2024 – 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.

March 2 to 3, 2024 – 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

October 4 to 6, 2024 – 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 8 to 10, 2024 – 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.

PENNSYLVANIA

February 2 to 4, 2024 – 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 8 to 10, 2024 –  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.

TBA, 2024 – 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.

November *, 2024 – National Dog Show, Philadelphia (Oaks), PA

• Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, Oaks, Pennsylvania
• Cost: $16 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 purebreed dog show and competition aires 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.

TEXAS

April *, 2024 – 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 *, 2024 – 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 *, 2024 and January *, 2025.  All dogs must be leashed and current on rabies vaccinations.

March 15 to 17, 2024 – 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 *, 2024 – 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 3, 2024 – Pet Expo MKE – 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 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:

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