Dog Events in Cherry Valley, IL

As part of the Annual Galena Oktoberfest, the crowd favorite Wiener Dog Races begin with registration at 11 AM. The race will feature different divisions based on age. Each heat winner advances to the semi-finals, and winners compete in the championship race for best-of-day honors in their division. Every Dachshund needs a handler to release and another to receive, with volunteers available if needed.

Bring your leashed pup for low-cost vaccines, raffles, live entertainment and food. There'll also be outdoor games and a chance to add another furry best friend to your family at their adoption booth.

Bring your leashed pup in his best costume to enjoy yappy hour with other dogs and pet parents at this annual event. Activities include an adoption meet & greet, costume contest, canine demonstrations, games and prizes, as well as food and music.

This annual festival kicks off with a ceremonial keg tapping and cannon blast. Dachshunds are invited to compete in the crowd favorite Wiener Dog Races! There will also be a stein-hoisting competition, live music, polka dancing and lessons, pumpkin decorating, great food and beer, and giant games like Jenga and Connect-4. All dog breeds welcome, as long as they're friendly and leashed. Only Dachshunds can participate in the race.

Bring your pet to the Carport and Narthax areas for a special outdoor Pet Blessing!

This dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration features an indoor off-leash dog park with multiple play areas, German-style food, beer, wine, raffles and goody bags. Guests can enjoy fun dog contests, including ice cream eating, “beer” drinking, musical sits and longest sit competitions, along with pet caricatures. All proceeds benefit MCP Chicago, a local animal rescue and outreach organization. Dogs must be fully vaccinated, social and comfortable playing off leash.

This dog-friendly veterinary appreciation event begins with a yoga session for dogs and their people, followed by a morning of activities and local vendors. Guests can enjoy professional pet portraits, hand-drawn illustrations, custom dog treats, coffee, pup cups and breakfast while supporting the Veterinary Hope Foundation’s mental health and wellness initiatives for veterinary professionals. A portion of select purchases will benefit the foundation.

Bring Fido out to this weekend event for the entire family! There will be live music, activities, and, of course, Oktoberfest food and drinks.

Bring your pup for a special outdoor Pet Blessing! Dogs are welcome to join in this meaningful celebration.

Participants are invited to walk their leashed dogs along a designated route, dressed in fun costumes or themed attire, while spectators cheer and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The event includes photo opportunities, vendor booths, and activities for all ages! The first 125 registrants are guaranteed a spot in the parade and will have the chance to compete for titles including Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Costume, Twinsies (Owner & Dog), Most Energetic, and Fan Favorite.

Enjoy a dog-friendly morning featuring adoptable animals, local rescue volunteers, pet activities, and fundraising for Second Chance Animal Rescue. Guests can meet rescue representatives, learn about adoption and volunteer opportunities, and support the organization through special bakery purchases that benefit the rescue. Additional activities include dog treadmill sessions and mini photo booth sessions with professionally edited digital images available for a donation.

This dog-friendly fall market features Corgi and Dachshund races, more than 100 crafters and small businesses, a dedicated pet vendor area, raffles and caricature artists. Bring your pup to enjoy the races, browse unique handmade goods and pet products, and take part in the many activities and entertainment throughout the event.

Pups are welcome to enjoy roaming the 16 miles of hiking trails around the Arboretum several times a year on select days! Dogs must be leashed at all times and have updated vaccinations and registrations. For the safety of both your pet and the natural environment, dogs aren't permitted off the marked trails. Please clean up after your pet; bags are available at the Visitor Center.

Give your little pup a chance to play, socialize, and build confidence at this Tiny Dog Meetup, designed exclusively for dogs under 20 pounds. Pups can enjoy supervised, size-appropriate play in a safe, low-stress environment while their humans relax in the Pup Social lounge. Every participating dog receives a free pup cup, and staff are on hand to help ensure a fun and positive experience for all.

Celebrate fall with your pup at this pet-friendly event featuring local vendors, food trucks, music, raffles, and dog-focused activities like a lure course. Well-socialized, leashed dogs are welcome to attend with their humans, with all dogs required to use a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet and have a completed waiver. The event benefits Winston’s Wishes, a nonprofit supporting local dogs in need.

Enjoy a fall-themed, dog-friendly community event at the lakefront featuring vendors, food trucks, music and activities. Guests can explore shopping, enjoy entertainment, and participate in fun experiences like a lure course and raffle giveaways with pet-related prizes.

This dog-friendly Halloween parade invites pets of all kinds to show off their best costumes for a chance to win prizes. Lineup begins at noon, with the parade starting at 12:30 p.m. Leashed pets are welcome to participate, while spectators can enjoy vendors, food, drinks and other Halloween activities throughout the day. Pets with outstanding costumes will be rewarded during the judging portion after the parade.

This beloved fall tradition is one of northern Illinois’ largest and longest-running festivals, drawing over 85,000 visitors each year. While pets are more than welcome to attend, keep in mind that not all businesses permit dogs inside. Be sure to ask before entering with Fido. The weekend will feature over 375 vendors offering crafts, antiques and food. On Sunday, the famous Burgoo Stew is served starting at 9 AM.

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration invites pups and their people to dress in costume and enjoy interactive activities, treats, photo opportunities, prizes, local vendors and off-leash playtime. Guests can visit Fi Collar’s activations for custom tag engraving, a data-inspired game, pup cups and dog sketching, then enter a costume contest featuring Polaroid photos and voting for Best in Show. Additional activities include a trick-or-treat vendor trail, raffles and giveaways.

This seasonal market brings together local artisans, farmers, growers, makers and food vendors for a welcoming community experience. Held on select dates from May through October, guests can shop fresh, locally made foods and treats, browse handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts, and enjoy a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. 2026 dates include May 31st, June 14th & 28th, July 12th & 26th, August 9th & 23rd, September 6th & 20th, and October 4th & 18th.