Top Dog Events Worldwide

When you want to really spoil your dog, or just meet other dog owners who are as crazy about their pets as you, there’s no better place to bring Fido than a dog event. Attend any of the dog shows, agility competitions, costume parades, festivals or fundraisers on our Dog Events Calendar and you’ll meet, hundreds maybe even thousands, of dog lovers. And since 70% of the events listed benefit humane societies, attending one is a great way to help homeless pets too.

Oct 4

BRSM Beagle Bash

Crownsville, MD

BRSM Beagle Bash

Support Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland at this dog-friendly fundraiser featuring food, raffles, a bake sale, a photo booth with Snoopy, and an annual dog costume contest. Guests can enjoy a fun day with fellow dog lovers while helping raise funds for beagles in need.

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Oct 4

Baypath Humane Society Annual Paws & Claws 5K

Hopkinton, MA

Baypath Humane Society Annual Paws & Claws 5K

A charity 5K run/walk that welcomes runners, walkers, and their dogs to Hopkinton State Park to raise funds for the Baypath Humane Society. The event features a Doggie Division for participants running or walking with their dogs, vendor village, and community activities supporting animals in need.

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Oct 3–4

Splish Splash Doggie Bash

Atlanta, GA

Splish Splash Doggie Bash

Save the date to bring Fido out for a swim with his fellow fury friends. This event will be divided into sessions over the two days, so be sure to get tickets for the session that works best for you in advance. Please see their website for entry times and rules.

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Oct 4

Blessing of the Animals at Washington National Cathedral

Washington, DC

Blessing of the Animals at Washington National Cathedral

Celebrate the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment. Pets and their people are invited to gather at the west front of the Cathedral for a special blessing.

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Oct 1–4

Nashville Oktoberfest

Nashville, TN

Nashville Oktoberfest

Celebrate the traditions of the Oktoberfest in the heart of Music City spanning 10 city blocks! There will be delicious German foods from dozens of restaurants and vendors, world-class beer from local breweries, tons of events, arts and crafts vendors, stages of live German music, the Annual Pup Parade on Saturday, and the Dachshund Derby on Sunday. All animals must comply with city leash laws. Please be aware that almost 150,000 people attend this event, so the streets will be very crowded and busy.

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Oct 4

Annual Pet Rock Festival

Lancaster, MA

Annual Pet Rock Festival

Bring Fido for a fun afternoon of live music, vendors, food, contests, and more than 150 animal organizations broadcasting their causes. Attendees can meet adoptable pets, learn from educational exhibits, and connect with animal welfare groups working to protect and support animals. The event also hosts contests, demonstrations, and interactive activities to engage both pets and their owners.

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Oct 4

Annual Blessing of the Pets

Mills River, NC

Annual Blessing of the Pets

Mills River Presbyterian Church is partnering with Holy Family Episcopal and Bold Rock this year for their annual pet blessing. All pets are welcome to this service, which celebrates the life of both current and former pets. Pet food donations will be collected for MRPC Food Pantry.

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Oct 4

A Celebration of Pets

Verona, NJ

A Celebration of Pets

Leashed dogs are welcome at this annual event featuring rescue organizations, craft vendors, pet blessings and more. There will be music, food vendors and a Pet Parade (costume optional) at 2:30 PM with prizes in several categories. All are welcome, with or without a pet. The event will take place rain or shine.

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Oct 4

Blessing of the Animals at Burlingame United Methodist Church

Burlingame, CA

Blessing of the Animals at Burlingame United Methodist Church

This pet-friendly celebration honors St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, with blessings from Pastor Ann Duncan and SpiritCare ministers. Guests can bring their animal companions or a photograph of pets who cannot attend to receive a blessing and certificate. Attendees will also receive a St. Francis prayer card, have a chance to win a custom pet portrait and meet representatives from local animal organizations. Adoptable pets will be available for those interested in giving an animal a forever home.

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Oct 4

Woo Woo Pawlooza

Prior Lake, MN

Woo Woo Pawlooza

Participants can enjoy a scenic hike around the park, explore vendor booths, and engage in a silent auction and raffle. Proceeds from the event will go towards the medical care and placement of Huskies in loving homes.

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Aug 22–Oct 4, weekends plus Oct 2

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Shakopee, MN

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Bring Fido along for a day of fun at this long-running festival! Each guest may bring one leashed dog (4 feet or shorter) and must have dated proof of vaccinations. Be sure to review the full dog policy on the festival’s official website. Enjoy 16 stages of entertainment, full-contact armored jousting, 250 artisan vendors, themed weekends - including Woofstock Weekend - and more. Dogs must enter through the Dog Gate at both the King’s and Queen’s Gate entrances.

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Oct 1–4

Cullman Oktoberfest

Cullman, AL

Cullman Oktoberfest

Bring Fido to this annual celebration of German heritage and one of North Alabama’s largest and most anticipated events each year. There's a multitude of activities, including a biergarten, an arts & crafts show, wagon rides, live German music, kids’ activities, a Wiener Dog race, and so much more! There's even a grassy play area for pups - the Wüffenplatz! The nearby Tito's Bar ensures no one get's thirsty. On Saturday, Fido can also enjoy the festivities at the OktoFURfest event!

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Aug 22–Oct 4 weekends, Sep 1, Oct 2

Michigan Renaissance Festival

Holly, MI

Michigan Renaissance Festival

The Michigan Renaissance Festival transports visitors to a lively 16th-century village filled with entertainment, shopping and medieval fun. Leashed dogs who are at least 6 months old and vaccinated are welcome to attend. Dogs must register and have proof of Rabies vaccination; only one dog per owner is permitted.

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Oct 4

Dachshund Derby at the Nashville Oktoberfest

Nashville, TN

Dachshund Derby at the Nashville Oktoberfest

This annual event pits adorable Dachshunds competing to the finish line down a 50' track. Winning Wieners in each racing category are awarded a Coveted Dachshund Derby medal. All racers need to be a Dachshund or Dachshund mix to enter, but all breeds are welcome at the Nashville Oktoberfest.

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Oct 4

Halloween Pet Parade in Volunteer Park

Seattle, WA

Halloween Pet Parade in Volunteer Park

Celebrate the spooky season with Fido at this festive Halloween event! Gather at the Amphitheater at 11:00 AM for the Pet Parade, and register your pet to participate in the Costume Competition. Food trucks and vendors will also be on site.

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Oct 4

Zoey's 5K Fun Run & 1 Mile Dog Walk

York, PA

Zoey's 5K Fun Run & 1 Mile Dog Walk

Zoey's Fun Run is a community event to raise money for Zoey's Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to enhance and preserve the quality of life of animals by providing access to necessary medical care. This annual event will feature fun for the whole family, including a pet blessing, costume contest, vendors, silent auction, and more! Registration starts at 9:00 AM, the 5K run kicks off at 10:00 AM, and the one-mile walk begins at 10:05 AM. This event is hosted rain or shine, so participants should dress accordingly.

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Oct 4

Blessing of Animals at Grace Episcopal Church

Gainesville, GA

Blessing of Animals at Grace Episcopal Church

Weather permitting, gather for the blessing on the Brenau lawn. Pets of all shapes and sizes are welcome with their owners of all faiths to participate in the service; however, appropriate restraint should be provided for all animals. Those who attend are invited to bring a donation for the Humane Society. In the event of rain, simply drive through Grace Church's covered driveway along Boulevard to receive a blessing!

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Oct 4

Annual Blessing of the Animals

Brick, NJ

Annual Blessing of the Animals

Bring Fido to this annual pet blessing. There will be additional activities to be announced.

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Oct 4

The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals

New York, NY

The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals

This pet-friendly celebration honors the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s passing with a special service celebrating creation and the debut of Gaia. Pets and their human companions are welcome inside the Cathedral for the service, followed by outdoor pet blessings beginning after the service concludes. A formal animal procession will not be part of the celebration, and passes are not required.

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Oct 4

Blessing of the Animals

Minneapolis, MN

Blessing of the Animals

Animals and humans will mingle on the lawn and plaza before entering The Basilica in a grand procession, celebrating creation. The service consists of readings from Scripture, prayers and songs and culminates in a general blessing. After the service, guests can celebrate the St. Francis Festival with food and activities on the West Lawn.

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Do you know of a pet friendly event we've missed? Post a spot to BringFido!