September's Best Dog-Friendly Events

Posted by Veronica Valladares

As the days grow shorter, the leaves begin to change and the air becomes crisp, one thing that remains constant is the abundance of activities for two- and four-legged friends to enjoy together. Whether you're spending the last days of the season splashing around in the water or participating in fundraising walks for animal shelters, September is filled with fun events for the whole family.

Doggy Maze Daze at Marini Farm

Ipswich, MA
“Let’s get lost!” Photo by Facebook.com/marinifarm

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated opening weekend of the corn maze at Marini Farm in Ipswich, MA, featuring the beloved Doggy Maze Daze. This annual two-day event allows owners and their pets to kick off the fall season by exploring seven acres of twisting paths and winding trails through the cornfield. A portion of the admission proceeds covers food and medical expenses for animals in the care of the Ipswich Humane Group.

Doggy Maze Daze will be held on September 7 and 8. Admission is $19 per person. Looking for a place to stay near the ocean? Check out Cape Ann Motor Inn in Gloucester, MA, which welcomes up to two dogs of any size.

Home for Life’s Beach Party

White Bear Lake, MN
Sunday Funday Photo by Facebook.com/homeforlifeorg

Celebrate the end of summer with an afternoon of fun at Home for Life’s Beach Party in White Bear Lake, MN. Sponsored by Home for Life Animal Sanctuary, this event is perfect for animal lovers looking to mingle while their pooch socializes with fellow four-legged friends. Tickets include adult beverages, lunch and dessert, a commemorative t-shirt, and of course, the chance to splash around in the water and roll in the sand.

Home for Life’s Beach Party will be held on September 8 and admission is $60 per person. Spending the day in the sun can be exhausting, so head to nearby Best Western Plus White Bear County Inn for a relaxing evening.

Happy Tails Festival

Gold Hill, OR
“This event is a tunnel of fun.” Photo by Happy Tails Festival

Bring the whole family to the Happy Tails Festival in Gold Hill, OR, a fun-filled event in the park featuring something for everyone, even your furry family. Dogs can enjoy a variety of activities, such as an obstacle course, competitions and performances. Two-legged attendees can delight in kids' activities, savor delicious bites from food trucks, browse local vendors, and enjoy live music.

Happy Tails Festival will be held on September 14 and admission is free. Keep the adventure rolling by camping out at the Medford / Gold Hill KOA, a five-minute drive from Gold Hill's Sports Park and dog park, where the event will be hosted.

Cruis’n 4 Paws

Palm Coast, FL
“This is how we roll” Photo by Facebook.com/SMARTFL

Don’t miss the second annual Cruis’n 4 Paws event, a fundraiser for the SMART - Saving Missing Animals Response Team, in Palm Coast, FL. Owners and their canine counterparts can support a great cause while enjoying all the highlights of this event in Central Park. In addition to a car show, activities include a kids' zone, food trucks, local vendors, raffles and more.

Cruis’n 4 Paws will be held on September 21 and admission is free. Finish your day comfortably at the conveniently located Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center, just minutes from the park.

Dog Days with the San Francisco Giants

San Francisco, CA
“Take me out to the ballgame!” Photo by San Francisco Giants

Bring Fido to San Francisco, CA to count one, two and three strikes at the Dog Days with the San Francisco Giants. Before watching the Giants take on the St. Louis Cardinals, your four-legged friends can participate in a canine costume parade and contest on the field. This special event, held in community partnership with the SF SCPA, features an exclusive leash that will come with your pup's ticket.

Dog Days with the San Francisco Giants will be held on September 28. Admission is $49 per person. Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown is across the street from Oracle Park and a wonderful option for out-of-towners to stay during their visit.

Margre Durham Walk & Dog Fest

Omaha, NE
Who let the dogs out? Photo by Facebook.com/NebraskaHumaneSociety

Walkers of all abilities and paces are invited to stroll down the Keystone Trail during the Margre Durham Walk & Dog Fest, Omaha, Nebraska’s largest pet-friendly event. Owners and their pups are welcome to attend this annual saunter, which benefits the homeless animals protected and supported by the Nebraska Humane Society. Attendees can peruse the vendor village, enjoy a drink in the beer garden, watch the adoption parade, partake in the silent auction and more.

Margre Durham Walk & Dog Fest will be held on September 29 and is free to attend. If you’re visiting from out of town, check out Old Mill Inn, a ten-minute drive from the event location.

What’s your favorite pet-friendly event to attend in September? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/SMARTFL.