Dog Events in Fontana Dam, NC

This free, dog-friendly festival celebrates DuPont State Recreational Forest with a variety of outdoor activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy drop-in activities, demonstrations, guided tours and hikes while learning about the forest’s hiking and biking trails, equestrian areas, wildlife and local history from expert volunteers and partner organizations.

This dog-friendly fall festival features hot apple cider, apple cider donuts, pumpkin painting, free hayrides, a corn box for kids and local vendors. Guests can also enjoy $2 off Banana Bread Cider and stick around after dark for an outdoor showing of a Halloween movie.

Hailed as one of the “10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the Nation," this annual festival is a celebration of the autumn harvest and Haywood County’s agricultural heritage. Visit the famous town of Waynesville, nestled in the NC Smoky Mountains. The downtown streets are filled with almost 200 arts and craft booths, food concessions, music, cloggers, and more. Local apple growers set up on the street to sell delicious mountain grown apples of a vast variety. In addition, many vendors offer apple cider, cake, pies, and other delectable apple goodies! Dogs must be leashed at all times.

Runners and their pups will take on wide, easy-to-navigate trails featuring rolling, flowy terrain for the first three miles, followed by a one-mile climb back to the finish. Traditional leashes and canicross setups are welcome, but please note flexi-leashes or face collars are not permitted. Fido can join the 4-mile dog-friendly race, or watch from the sidelines as the regular 4-mile race begins 30 minutes later.

This dog-friendly arts and crafts festival brings together artisans from across the Southeast offering handmade treasures, including seasonal items, yard art, paintings, photography, pottery, furniture, jewelry and more. Please ensure Fido is kept on a leash and bring water and waste bags for him. Guests can browse unique creations while enjoying a variety of festival food.

Hosted by AthensPets and presented by Phil Hughes Honda, this annual event features a costume contest beginning at 3:00 PM, with the parade starting at 4:30 PM. Categories include Best Theme Costume, Best Pet/Handler Combo, and Best General. Participants can enjoy live music from Historic Athens' Porchfest and local vendors. All dogs on the parade route must be registered. Registration of dog(s) must be completed prior to parade. Registration closes once 150 dogs are registered. Please see additional rules on the event's website.

Leashed dogs are welcome along to this calming workshop where participants will explore stress-reducing techniques and guided drawing prompts designed to encourage creative flow and self-expression, with no prior art experience necessary. Featuring locally made crafts and details about real estate in the mountains.

This dog-friendly fall festival features food and dessert vendors, shopping with more than 30 local vendors each day, live music and wine by the glass, bottle or flight. Guests can enjoy seasonal specials, browse unique finds and celebrate the fall season with their pups.

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration transforms the ballpark into a spooky family festival! Dogs can enjoy a dedicated area on the concourse, while guests can also explore family activities. Dogs aren't permitted on the field, and admission is free for pups.

Your leashed canine companion is invited for a fun outing. The event will feature live music, raffles, pet contests, vendors, food, pet adoptions and much more!

This family- and dog-friendly Halloween event is packed with festive activities for all ages. Highlights include a costume contest and parade, pet costume contest, trick-or-treating downtown, live music performances, a beer garden, vendors and more.

Leashed dogs are welcome outside and inside the Trailside Brewing area at this Halloween celebration! Guests can shop from 35+ local artisans, makers and small businesses, join in a spooky scavenger hunt, and participate in the costume contest.

Bring Fido to this annual event celebrating Appalachian heritage with live traditional and folk music, artisan vendors, regional food, and community spirit. The two‑day event kicks off Friday evening with performances under the stars and continues Saturday with a full slate of music and cultural experiences. Attendees can bring chairs, enjoy the scenic historic grounds, and even camp on site for a complete festival weekend.

This dog-friendly Halloween event features a judged costume parade for dogs, along with an expo showcasing educational booths, pet businesses and rescue groups. Guests can also enjoy food trucks and support the Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee through a pet food drive. The event takes place rain or shine.

This dog-friendly Halloween festival features a scavenger hunt, pet-focused vendors, a virtual costume contest and more paw-some activities for dogs and their people.

Dogs are welcome to join a moonlit paddle on Saluda Lake, with kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and paddle boats available to rent. Enjoy lakeside music, sunset views, dinner, glow gear, and a post-paddle s’mores fire for a memorable evening on the water. Note that a waiver is required for every participant. Check in begins at 7:30 PM

Dogs are welcome to join their owners for a week-long educational camping gathering focused on ancestral and heritage skills. Participants can explore classes in foraging, friction fire making, basketry, wood carving, stone tools, and more while connecting with nature and the community. Dogs require their own registration ticket.

This Halloween event is open to all pups and spectators, with judging by people’s choice! Come watch, vote and cheer on the adorable (and creative) canine costumes. A portion of taproom proceeds will benefit Almost Home Dog Rescue NC.

Bring your Corgi out to the hockey game and enjoy the annual Wiener Corgi Races! The race takes place during the first intermission. Register your pup in advance to participate in the race. Only Corgis participating in the race are permitted at the game.

This dog-friendly Halloween event features small-business vendors, food and drink vendors, trick-or-treating and an outdoor DJ. Guests can bring the whole family to enjoy an evening of Halloween fun, shopping, treats and entertainment.