September's Best Dog-Friendly Events

Posted by Kaitlin Stephens

As the summer season nears its end, there are still plenty of fun events in September for you and Fido to enjoy together. This month is all about Oktoberfest celebrations, vibrant local festivals, and activity-based events like running or surfing, ideal for the early autumn climate.

Dogtoberfest

Seattle, WA
“Are you gonna eat that?” Photo by Facebook.com/FremontOktoberfest

Dogtoberfest returns to the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle this year and takes place on the last day of the Oktoberfest weekend. Bring Fido with you while you enjoy beer from local & national breweries, a stein-hoisting competition, live entertainment, food vendors serving traditional German fare and more! Stop by CityMagazine’s Bowser Beer Garden where your pooch can try dog-friendly Bowser Beer, smoked sausage doggie cigars, and be entered into the Biggest Seahawks Fan Photo Contest. Dogs at Dogtoberfest will also get a free bandana, collapsible bowl and waste bags while supplies last.

Dogtoberfest is a 21+ event and will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on September 24. The Maxwell Hotel, A Staypineapple Hotel is close to the Fremont neighborhood, so you and Fido can get to and from the event safely.

Pups & Sups Dog Surfing Classic

St. Augustine, FL
Surf's up, shades on! Photo by Facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpostResorts

Bring your board and furry companion to St. Augustine’s Pups & Sups Dog Surfing Classic! This fun-filled weekend gives you and Fido the opportunity to try out surfing or paddle boarding together at the beach. You can also enter your pup into the Fashion Show and Musical Sit Competition. For pet owners, there will be a Pups on the Patio Yappy Hour with drink specials at Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach, where you’ll receive a complimentary cocktail from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, “the Vodka for Dog People.” This event benefits K9s For Warriors, a charity that obtains, trains, and provides service dogs for local veterans in need.

Pups & Sups Dog Surfing Classic will be held on September 29 and 30 and is hosted at Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach, which allows dogs of any size and is located on pet-friendly St. Augustine Beach.

Triangle Barkitecture

Cary, NC
Rebel’s Firehouse design from Kilian Engineering, Inc. Photo by AIA Triangle Barkitecture

Fido may want new digs after visiting Triangle Barkitecture. This unique event will be held at Fenton Square in Cary, part of the Triangle area of central North Carolina. He can join you while you admire and vote on unique custom-built dog houses, featuring craftsmanship from architects, engineers, designers, and creative minds. The competition will raise money for local foster pets and rescues in need with 100% of the profits going to local initiatives.

Triangle Barkitecture takes place on September 30 and Hampton Inn Raleigh Cary is a convenient hotel for you and Fido to stay nearby.

Canine Carnival

St. Louis, MO
Dressed-up dogs ready for the costume contest. Photo by Facebook.com/apaofmo

The 31st annual Canine Carnival is back again in St. Louis, MO, and this year’s theme is Puptoberfest. Fido will love this fall festival that includes dog games, canine contests, and prizes! Live music, food trucks, local vendors, and a beer garden with alcoholic drinks will also be available for pet owners.

Canine Carnival takes place on September 10 from noon to 4 p.m. Stay nearby at Drury Inn Suites Saint Louis Forest Park which gladly welcomes carnival canines.

Marshfield LobsterFest

Marshfield, MA
“Can we skip the photo session and go for a swim?” Photo by Facebook.com/MarshfieldLobsterfest

Fall is the perfect time to see the colors change in New England and attend local festivals like the Marshfield LobsterFest, right outside of Boston. Fido and the whole family can join you at this community event that celebrates amazing coastal fare. Along with locally-caught lobster delicacies, you and your pup can shop from local vendors, enjoy live music all day, and learn about marine life.

The Marshfield LobsterFest is September 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. After a day at the festival, check in to Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor and walk to dinner at Anna's Harborside Grille.

WagFest & Fair

Sedona, AZ
A pup entering the raffle at WagFest & Fair in Sedona, AZ. Photo by City of Sedona

Bring Fido to the 4th Annual WagFest & Fair, proudly hosted by the City of Sedona! It's the ultimate day out for both dogs and their two-legged companions. This event showcases booths filled with the finest dog-related products and services, providing opportunities to shop local, learn, and engage with educational vendors. Throughout the morning, enjoy interactive presentations and participate in a free raffle for even more excitement. Best of all, this community event is entirely free.

WagFest & Fair will be held on the morning of September 16. Stay nearby at Sky Rock Inn of Sedona the night before so you can get there early.

Pet-A-Palooza - The Day of the Dog

Santa Monica, CA
“Making muddy memories with Mom.” Photo by Pet-A-Palooza

Pet-A-Palooza - The Day of the Dog will be holding their dog-loving festival in Santa Monica this year! Attend this free, engaging event designed to unite animal lovers and their pets with other dogs and dog parents. Bring Fido along and enjoy an afternoon of exciting activities, such as puppy yoga, a pool party, canine cabanas, dog races, art installations, and a superhero-themed photo booth. Don't miss out on the puppuccino bar, drinks, food trucks, and lively entertainment provided by a DJ. Just remember to keep Fido leashed at all times and come prepared with waste bags and a water bowl.

Pet-A-Palooza - The Day of the Dog happens on September 9. After the event, relax with Fido at the beautiful Bayside Hotel down the street.

Annual 5K Doggie Dash

Kalamazoo, MI
“Ready, set, woof!” Photo by Facebook.com/spcaswmich

Lace up your running shoes and bring Fido to the Annual 5K Doggie Dash in Kalamazoo. You and your pup can conquer the course together on the paved trails at Spring Valley Park. Medals for the top three winners will be awarded, and after the race, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in other activities and shop from local pet-focused vendors. Participating dogs must be well-behaved and leashed.

The annual 5K Doggie Dash will be held on the morning of September 23. Spend the afternoon exploring the city with Fido then stay overnight at Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Downtown.

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

Banner photo by Pexels/Megan (Markham) Bucknall.