Dog-Friendly Events
Discover meetups, festivals, yappy hours, and more happening near you.
Bingo Night with Coco's Heart Dog Rescue
Mingle with adoptable Coco's Heart dogs, then play bingo starting at 6 PM to support the rescue.
Breed Night: Terriers at Unleashed Hounds and Hops
Calling all terriers! Bring your scrappy pup to Unleashed Hounds and Hops for a terrier-themed Breed Night at Minneapolis's indoor off-leash dog park and bar. Meet other terrier parents while the dogs play off-leash.
5K Fun Run x Forgotten Star Brew Co
Run, walk, or jog a scenic 5K-ish course along the Mississippi River with your leashed pup, then celebrate at the finish line at Forgotten Star Brewing. Part of the 2026 MN Brewery Running Series.
Coco's Heart Dog Rescue Adoption Event at Pet Evolution
Meet adoptable dogs and puppies from Coco's Heart Dog Rescue, chat with volunteers, and shop the local pet store.
Safe Hands Rescue Meet & Greet @ Nautical Bowls
Meet adoptable puppies and adult dogs from Safe Hands Rescue at Nautical Bowls.
Dog Days of Summer at Surly Brewing – Aug 8
Surly's beer garden hosts Dog Days of Summer on Saturday afternoons, opening the stage to a local animal shelter for a weekend adoption event. Bring the family and your leashed pup, meet adoptable dogs, and enjoy beers in the garden.
One Tail at a Time Adoption Event @ Urban Pooch
One Tail at a Time hosts an afternoon adoption event at Urban Pooch Training & Fitness Center in Lincoln Square. Meet adoptable rescue dogs, talk with the OTAT team about fostering and adopting, and explore one of the North Side's favorite dog-friendly facilities.
Chicago Dachshund Lovers: 2026 Dachshund Derby
The wiener dogs are back! Chicago Dachshund Lovers hosts its annual Dachshund Derby at Midwest Coast Brewing — an afternoon of dachshund (and wiener-mix) races and activities benefiting Dachshund World Charities. Watch heats of low-riders sprint for glory, shop local vendors, and grab a beer on the patio. Free for spectators; racers register in advance.
Dog Days of Summer
A dog-loving neighborhood street festival in Logan Square. Shop local artists and vendors, join artist-led activities and workshops, and enter your pup in the playful dog show competitions. The day wraps with an outdoor screening of 'Best in Show.'
5K Fun Run x Mana Brewing – Shakopee
Part of the 2026 MN Brewery Running Series: run, walk, or jog an untimed, dog-friendly 5K-ish course with your leashed pup, starting and ending at Mana Brewing in Shakopee. Celebrate at the finish with craft beer and stone-fired Neapolitan pizza. All ages and fitness levels welcome, and a portion of every registration supports local nonprofits.
Pacifico Yappy Hour at Stolen Saddle
Bring your pup to Wrigleyville's country bar for a Pacifico Yappy Hour on the patio — free custom engraved dog tags plus a dog market with pet vendors. A laid-back afternoon to sip, shop, and socialize with fellow dog owners.
Healing Hearts Adoption Event at Spikes & Houles – Stillwater
Meet adoptable dogs and puppies from Healing Hearts Rescue at Spikes & Houles Feed, Seed & Pet Supply in Stillwater. Stop by to say hello to the pups and learn about adopting or fostering.
Pub 42's Woofstock
Pub 42's Woofstock returns — a dog-friendly patio party with food, craft beer, Tito's, live music by Mark Stary, giveaways, samples, a charity raffle, and adoptable dogs. Free Pub 42 dog bandanas while supplies last.
Stillwater Lift Bridge Yappy Hour
Adoptable dogs from Coco's Heart Dog Rescue join the taproom for a yappy hour with an outdoor bar, food trucks, and specialty dog treats — beverage proceeds benefit the rescue.
Yappy Hour at Pedro Park
St. Paul Parks' free downtown Yappy Hour returns with doggie yoga ($20, registration required), music, lawn games, an off-leash dog run, and drinks for purchase. All are welcome.
Bark to School Bash
Pup Social celebrates the last days of summer with a school-themed bash: class photos, an obstacle course, friendly games, and off-leash social time. Every pup goes home with a swag bag of treats, toys, and special partner offers.
Breed Night: Doodles at Unleashed Hounds and Hops
Curly coats, happy hearts, and endless fun — it's Doodle night at Unleashed Hounds and Hops! Bring your doodle (or your doodle-lover) to the indoor off-leash dog park and taproom for a themed Breed Night celebrating all things Doodle. Grab a pint while the pups play.
Can Do Canines Open House
Can Do Canines will host an open house on Tuesday, August 18, from 6-8 p.m., at its Can Do Canines campus. Potential clients, volunteers, or anyone who might be interested in supporting the organization is invited to attend to learn how an assistance dog changes the life of a person with a disability. Through a self-guided tour, attendees will be able to watch a trainer working with an assistance dog, hear from a dog host volunteer, talk with representatives from the volunteer department, pose questions to client services coordinators, and meet graduate teams from five types that Can Do Canines trains dogs: hearing, mobility, seizure, diabetes, and childhood autism. Also, the first 75 people in attendance will receive a frozen treat! There is no pre-registration for this event, though attendees will be asked to share some contact information when arriving. Can Do Canines strives to provide accessibility for all attendees. Please email [email protected] if you need an accommodation to attend this event.
Goldzilla
RAGOM’s annual Fun Fair and Walk for Rescue—and one of the BIGGEST Golden Retriever events in America! All money raised supports our mission of rescuing and rehoming Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes of all ages.
Ruff Start Rescue's 16th Anniversary Celebration & Open House
Join Ruff Start Rescue as we celebrate an incredible milestone: 16 years of lifesaving work and more than 33,000 animals rescued! Join us on Saturday, September 19th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm to celebrate Ruff Start Rescue's 16th Anniversary! This open house-style event is a chance to celebrate our history, impact, and future vision while connecting with our supporters. It is our way of thanking the fosters, volunteers, donors, adopters, and community members who made it possible. What to Expect Meet adoptable animals Food & Beverages Games & Activities Shop local vendors RSR merchandise for sale Silent Auction supporting Ruff Start Rescue programs Take a tour of our new expansion Donation Drive- collecting new and gently used pet supplies and food Admission is FREE, family-friendly, and open to all (donations welcome!). Whether you’re a long-time foster, first-time adopter, or passionate animal supporter, this event is for you. **Pet Policy: We kindly ask that you leave your resident pets at home, since we'll have adoptable animals on site. This helps create a safe, low-stress environment for the foster animals attending the event. Visit the Facebook Event for more details, as well as vendor and activity highlights. By attending this event, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken for Ruff Start Rescue marketing purposes.