Minneapolis-Saint Paul Dog-Friendly Events
Discover meetups, festivals, yappy hours, and more in Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Puptoberfest at Elm Creek Brewing
Puptoberfest at Elm Creek Brewing — a dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration with a MARS (Midwest Animal Rescue) adoption event from 10 AM to 2 PM, plus pet grooming, puppy cuddles, live music, contests, and food. Leashed dogs welcome.
Barktoberfest: The Shire-Way at Inbound BrewCo
Barktoberfest at Inbound BrewCo returns, Shire-style — this year it meets Bilbo's Birthday for a dog-friendly Oktoberfest party with beer, dogs, and Middle-earth fun. Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome inside and on the patio.
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.
Small Dog Hangout at Brew Park Plymouth – Sep 19
Brew Park Plymouth's weekly Small Dog Hangout — an indoor off-leash session for small dogs and their humans at the dog-park bar. Let your little one socialize in a safe indoor space.
Coon Rapids Pet Fair
Coon Rapids' free annual Pet Fair returns to the Civic Center grounds with a pet/owner costume contest, pet parade, K9 demonstrations, vendor booths, kids games, a ball-pit treat hunt, DIY tug-toy station, and plenty of food. Bring your leashed, vaccinated pup for a morning of fur-tastic fun.
Blessing of the Animals at St. Paul's Monastery
A joyful outdoor prayer service and individual blessings celebrating the bond we share with our animals. Pets of every kind are welcome — each receives a monastery bandana and a blessed St. Benedict medal, plus treats. Bring pet food or supply donations for Tubman's Harriet's Haven for Pets.
Healing Hearts Rescue Adoption Event at Chuck & Don's Edina
Healing Hearts Rescue brings adoptable dogs and puppies to Chuck & Don's in Edina. Meet adoptable pups, chat with volunteers, and learn about fostering and adoption.
Coco's Heart Dog Rescue Adoption Event at Angel's Pet World
Meet adorable, adoptable dogs and puppies from Coco's Heart Dog Rescue at Angel's Pet World in Hudson. Chat with volunteers about the adoption process and shop the local pet store while you visit.
Healing Hearts Rescue Adoption Event at Guardian Angels Fall Festival
Healing Hearts Rescue joins the Guardian Angels Fall Festival in Oakdale with adoptable dogs. Meet rescue pups and support the rescue while enjoying the fall festival.
Ruff Start Rescue Adoption Day at PetSmart Monticello
Meet adoptable rescue animals from Ruff Start Rescue at PetSmart Monticello. Fosters bring dogs, puppies, and cats looking for their forever homes — stop by to say hello and learn about the adoption process.
Puppy Playtime & Smol Dog Night at Unleashed Hounds and Hops
Bring your littlest companions to Unleashed Hounds and Hops, Minnesota's indoor/outdoor dog park bar in the North Loop. Puppy Playtime runs 5–6 PM followed by Smol Dog Night 6–8 PM — off-leash fun for small pups and drinks for the humans.
Drink and Dine For A Cause – Warrior Dog Rescue
An evening at Wooden Hill Brewing supporting Warrior Dog Rescue. Grab a local brew and settle in on the dog-friendly taproom patio — 10% of taproom sales during the event are donated to the rescue. A relaxed way for dog owners to drink for a good cause.
Golden Retriever Night at Saint Bark
Saint Bark hosts its Monday Meet-Up Breed Night featuring Golden Retrievers. Bring your pup for an evening of off-leash play and socializing with other Golden owners at Saint Paul's indoor dog park + bar. All breeds are welcome; first-time visitors should register their dog beforehand.
Breed Night: Senior Dogs at Unleashed Hounds and Hops
Unleashed Hounds and Hops celebrates senior dogs with a special Breed Night. Bring your gray-muzzled best friend for off-leash play, a spin of the prize wheel, and cold drinks at Minnesota's first indoor/outdoor dog park bar & eatery.
Animal Dermatology Clinic Open House
Paws for a second — you're invited! The Animal Dermatology Clinic in Eagan throws open its doors for a community open house. Tour the clinic, meet the specialty veterinary team, and learn how they help dogs (and cats) tackle stubborn allergies, ear infections, and itchy skin. A relaxed evening for pet parents curious about dermatology care for their four-legged family.
Dogtoberfest at Saint Paul Brewing
Saint Paul Brewing's Dogtoberfest — kick off the weekend with your furry friend. Enjoy a pop-up dog market, a dog costume contest at 7pm, specials on pup cups, and an on-site dog portrait artist at this dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration.
Small Dog Hangout at Brew Park Plymouth – Sep 26
A relaxed morning meetup for little pups at Plymouth's indoor off-leash dog park and bar. Small dogs can run around and make new friends in a safe, size-appropriate space while owners kick back with a drink.
2nd Annual Happy Trails Animal Walk and Celebration
Stroll, celebrate furry friends, and enjoy good vibes at the coolest animal walk around, hosted by Animal Voice Advocacy at River Siren Brewing in downtown Stillwater. The day features live music, lunch, games, prizes, and pet adoptions.
MARS Adoption Event at PetSmart Maple Grove
Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS) brings adoptable dogs and puppies to PetSmart in Maple Grove. Stop by to meet your potential new best friend and chat with the MARS team about fostering and adoption.
Healing Hearts Rescue Adoption Event at Pet Evolution Arden Hills
Meet adoptable dogs and puppies from Healing Hearts Rescue at Pet Evolution in Arden Hills. Come chat with volunteers and take the first step toward meeting your newest family member.
VIP Petcare Mobile Clinic at Pet Supplies Plus Burnsville
Low-cost pet vaccinations and preventative care come to the Burnsville Pet Supplies Plus via the VIP Petcare mobile clinic. Walk in with your dog for affordable vaccines, microchipping, and wellness services from licensed veterinary staff.
Shih Tzu Night at Saint Bark
Saint Bark's Monday Meet-Up Breed Night spotlights Shih Tzus. Join fellow owners for off-leash play, drinks, and socializing at Saint Paul's indoor dog park + bar. All breeds are welcome; first-time visitors should register their dog in advance.
Dinner for Rescue Pets at Stanley's Northeast Bar Room
Grab dinner at Stanley's Northeast Bar Room and give back — 10% of sales support rescue pets at Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS). No tickets required; well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome on Stanley's dog-friendly patio.