July is here, and with it comes tail-wagging excitement for our furry companions! From vibrant festivals to patriotic 4th of July celebrations, there's no shortage of dog-friendly events this month. Be sure to check out our 4th of July Safety Tips to ensure a stress-free Independence Day for you and your pup!
July’s Best Dog-Friendly Events
Posted by Kayla Mack
4th of July Pet Parade & Talent Show
Dress your pooch in patriotic attire and join the 4th of July Pet Parade & Talent Show through the scenic grounds of the American Visionary Art Museum. Trophies are up for grabs in categories like the "Yankee-Doodle Dandy Pet" and the "Best Pet Hair-Do," alongside the People's Choice accolade. Following the event will be a moment of silence to pay tribute to the cherished pets and individuals we have lost in pursuing freedom.
The 4th of July Pet Parade & Talent Show will occur at 8:30 a.m. on Independence Day in Baltimore, MD. The event is free to attend, but registering your pup is required. After the festivities, treat yourself and Fido to a meal at one of the city's dog-friendly restaurants. Need a place to stay? The nearby Kimpton Hotel welcomes pets at no extra charge. Their concierge can assist you in arranging pet massages and acupuncture services for your dog the next day.
NB PetFest
Join the 4th annual NB PetFest for endless fun for two- and four-legged family members. The day is filled with over 100 vendors, pet contests and demonstrations, grooming services, food trucks, and pet adoptions. You can beat the heat with indoor and outdoor activities while having a blast. Plus, there's an opportunity to make a difference by participating in a pet food drive for the local non-profit DaisyCares.
NB PetFest begins at 10 a.m. on July 13 and 14 at the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center. Admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child (ages 4 and up), and free for dogs. Experience the event by attending both days and staying overnight at Maven's Inn & Grill.
Cape Cod Dog Center Fest
Save the date for the upcoming Cape Cod Dog Center Fest, hosted by the Cape Cod Dog Center, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. The event will have a photo bus with a doggie theme, an ice cream station, a pool party, costume and trick contests, and educational booths. All proceeds benefit the local animal shelter, Friends of Falmouth Dogs.
The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 13 at Cape Cod Dog Center, and pet food donations are encouraged. After your pup has had a blast splashing around and enjoying the ice cream, take a break at the welcoming Breakwater Hotel. Start the next morning by reading our guide to Cape Cod, designed to help you make the most of your trip with Fido.
Doggy 4th of July Festival
Your pup is bound to have a blast running around and exploring the Doggy 4th of July Festival, proudly hosted by Shipgarten. This patriotic “pawty” has a dog park tailored to different sizes, along with thrilling contests and activities. Once Fido has had off-leash fun, you can take a seat at a table for him to refuel from the dog menu. For two-legged guests, there'll be over 40 beer and cider samples, photo booths and a kids' corner.
The Doggy 4th of July Festival at Shipgarten will run from 1 to 5 p.m. on July 13, so you can avoid the loud and scary fireworks, and admission is free. For a convenient accommodation and a grassy pet relief area, book a room at Staybridge Suites. While in the area, explore Great Falls Park, which boasts several hiking trails leading to breathtaking views.
Woofstock
Woofstock draws a crowd of hundreds of animal lovers and their pets for this one-day festival in Anchorage, AK. The event is packed with exciting activities, such as live entertainment, silent auctions, pet-centric vendors, and a doggie fashion show. Plus, the first 25 pups through the door fetch themselves a special prize!
Pre-purchase tickets tailored to your furry friend's size and join the festivities on July 13 from 2 to 9 p.m. Your admission includes two drink tickets (up to $5 each), dinner, and a T-shirt—all while supporting the noble cause of Best Friends Animal Rescue. Stay overnight at nearby La Quinta Anchorage Airport, which features grassy areas and welcomes your pup with a treat.
Dog Days at Drexel
Bring Fido to Dog Days at Drexel, a two-day event in Oak Creek, WI. From thrilling dock diving to agility showcases and lively flyball demonstrations, your pooch is in for an adventure! After all the action, treat your pup to a pet massage, capture moments in the photo booth and explore the wide range of vendors. Let your pup's personality shine with a caricature artist, and don't miss out on the costume parade.
Mark your calendar for Friday, July 19, from 5 until 9 p.m., and Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event takes place at Drexel Town Square which also provides miles of scenic trails that pass through Emerald Preserve. Afterward, unwind at nearby My Place Hotel - Mount Pleasant.
Dog Dash Barkfest
Montana is gearing up to host the Dog Dash Barkfest, with three events across different cities. Get ready to watch your pup participate in thrilling competitions like the whipped cream lick-a-line race and the doggy ice cream eating contest. But that's not all—explore a variety of vendors, engage in fun activities, and win fantastic prizes.
The event schedule kicks off in Belgrade on July 29, moves to Helena on July 31, and concludes in Great Falls on August 2. Each event takes place from 6 until 8 p.m. If you're staying in Belgrade, consider visiting the nearby Holiday Inn Express. Alternatively, for those planning to venture to the state's capital, Helena, cozy accommodations await at the Comfort Suites. And for those headed to Great Falls, book a night at Best Western Plus.
Do you plan to attend a dog-friendly event this July? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!
Banner photo by Facebook.com/VisitOakCreek.