August’s Best Dog-Friendly Events

Posted by Emily Walker

Send the summer off with a tail-wagging good time! Whether he's throwing back a pup cup, socializing at a lively festival or flaunting his bark-to-school outfits, Fido is sure to have a blast at these dog-friendly events happening in August.

Daniel's Dog Days: Bark to School

McCordsville, IN
No Ruff Days is right! Photo by @danielsvineyard

Tell Fido to fetch his pencils and “pawpers”! School is back in session, and Daniel's Vineyard is celebrating with Daniel’s Dog Days: Bark to School. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you outdoors near the stage area while you sip on a glass of local red or white wine. There will be vendors, raffles, live entertainment and even a chance for pups to strike a pose for their best back-to-school photos.

Daniel's Dog Days: Bark to School takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. on August 4, 2024, at Daniel's Vineyard. Admission is $5 per person, with all proceeds going to the Humane Society for Hamilton County. Maximize your stay in the Hoosier state by spending the night at Candlewood Suites Indianapolis an IHG Hotel, which features an on-site relief area for four-legged guests.

DogFest LA/OC

Bozrah, CT
Don’t mess with the crew! Photo by @caninecompanions

The bond between humans and canines is worth celebrating, which is why the folks at Canine Companions put on their signature event, DogFest. This fundraising festival unites pet dogs, service dogs and their families to commemorate the “pawsitive” impact canines have on our lives. Set at SteelCraft, a pet-friendly container park eatery, the event promises a fetching lineup of activities including educational speakers, a vendor marketplace, a silent auction and even a dog fashion show, so Fido can strut his stuff.

Mark your calendar for August 24, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m. While the event is free, donations are encouraged to benefit Canine Companions. Registering early even secures Fido a free bandana! Be close to the action by booking a night at Sonesta Simply Suites Anaheim. As part of their Pets Are Welcome at Sonesta (PAWS) initiative, beds, bowls, waterproof mats, and treats are provided at check-in.

DogDash Barkfest Great Falls

Great Falls, MT
Bottoms up! Photo by @3kDogDash

DogDash Barkfest Great Falls is the ultimate summer’s end “pawty”! Held at West Bank Park, a prime community spot along the scenic River's Edge Trail, this festival offers a barking good time. Pups can dive into activities like the exhilarating dog agility course and enter themed contests including the Weiner Dog Race and Doggy Ice Cream Eating Contest. Fido will also love sniffing out treats and toys from local vendors.

Join this dog-centric event at West Bank Park on August 2, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission starts at $15, with tiered ticketing to secure exclusive goodie bags and gear. All ticket sales support the festival’s goal of donating $10,000 to local Montana animal shelters. For a convenient night’s stay, the Best Western Plus Riverfront Hotel and Suites is located nearby and welcomes two dogs for no additional fee.

Dogs' Day in the Park

New Freedom, PA
"Why isn’t every day dogs’ day?" Photo by @animalrescueinc

If Fido’s been begging for his own day in the park, head to Marge Goodfellow Community Park for the 20th annual Dogs' Day in the Park hosted by Animal Rescue, Inc. There’ll be vendors, a flea market, a silent auction and even opportunities to meet adoptable dogs. Your pup can compete in thrilling games or unleash his inner “Pawcasso” and make pawprint art. As part of the event, don't miss The Northern Central Railway next to the park, which offers pet-friendly train rides as part of their Tails on Rails program.

Dogs' Day in the Park will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 17, 2024, at Marge Goodfellow Community Park. Admission is free for people and pups. Finish the day with an evening at the Hampton Inn Shrewsbury, where two pets weighing up to 75 lbs are welcome.

Yappy Hour at Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

St. Louis, MO
Every hour should be Yappy Hour! Photo by @lemeridienstlclayton

Is any hour better than Yappy Hour? If Fido still hasn’t found his favorite yappy hour, perhaps Yappy Hour at Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton could be the one. Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton provides the “pawfect” place for two and four-legged friends to indulge, serving up fresh puppy mocktails and a Barkuterie board for pooches, as well as cocktails and petite plates for people. Guests can unleash their creativity with the Paint Your Pup activity, creating a unique souvenir to take home.

Yappy Hour at Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton takes place every Thursday in August from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 per dog, and humans enter free. Remember, all pups must be leashed and have proof of a current license and rabies vaccinations. Conveniently, Le Méridien St Louis Clayton is a pet-friendly hotel, so you can book a room to recharge.

Pooch Party Stroll & Splash

Nampa, ID
"Look at all my new friends!' Photo by BringFido

There’s no party like a pooch “pawty”! Nampa Parks and Recreation is hosting its annual Pooch Party Stroll & Splash, a dog swimming event at Lakeview Park. Besides making a splash at the pool, Fido can enjoy raffles, vendors, contests and a one-mile walk. Proceeds from the event support local dog parks in Nampa, like the recently opened Huckleberry Dog Park.

Join the fun anytime from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on August 24, 2024, at Lakeview Park. Dogs must be registered to attend and comply with the event rules. Admission ranges from $25 to $65 and includes an adult t-shirt, a doggie gift, and admission for one dog to participate in the walk and swim. After the festivities, treat Fido to a meal at JaKs Place Neighborhood Grill, where he’s welcome on the covered patio. Then get some rest at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nampa - Idaho Center an IHG Hotel, which provides bowls and treats at check-in.

Do you plan to attend a pet-friendly event with your dog this August? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Dog Dash BarkFest Great Falls.