Dog Events in Princeton, IL

Here are the pet friendly events closest to Princeton. Use the links below to get details on each event, print directions, look at pictures, and even read reviews of last year’s event.

Jun 19–21

Great Galena Balloon Race

Galena, IL

Great Galena Balloon Race Experience a weekend of hot air balloons, live music, and classic cars, where pets are welcome to join the fun as long as they remain leashed and under control. Keep your furry friends’ comfort in mind, as crowds, heat, and balloon noises may be overwhelming for some animals. See Details

Jun 26–27

Belvidere Heritage Days

Belvidere, IL

Belvidere Heritage Days Leashed dogs are welcome at this community festival celebrating local heritage with a full lineup of family-friendly activities and entertainment. Please ensure Fido is kept cool and cleaned up after. Visitors can enjoy a car show, parade, vendor fair, live music, and interactive events like a duck derby, community art experiences, and a 5K run. See Details

Jun 28

Indoor Pup Boho Picnic in St. Charles

St. Charles, IL

Indoor Pup Boho Picnic in St. Charles Step into a cozy indoor gathering designed for dog lovers to relax, socialize, and enjoy a boho-inspired picnic atmosphere. Guests can bring their pups along to share in the chill vibes, cute decor, and friendly community setting focused on connection and comfort. See Details

Jul 4

Elgin 4th of July Parade & Pet Parade

Elgin, IL

Elgin 4th of July Parade & Pet Parade Celebrate Independence Day in Elgin with a spectacular celebration welcoming leashed pups! The Pet Parade starts at 9 AM from the NENA Butterfly Garden (near Douglas Ave & Ann St), following the main parade route that begins at Douglas and Slade and ends near City Hall. After the joyful march, head to Festival Park for festive fun including food trucks, children’s activities, games, and live music. Please note that fireworks will begin after 9 PM. If your pup doesn't do well with loud noises, it's best to bring him home before the show begins. See Details

Jul 11

Central Bark First Birthday Pawty

Aurora, IL

Central Bark First Birthday Pawty Celebrate an anniversary with a community event featuring games and activities for dogs, training demonstrations, pet photography, health consultations, raffles, and an owner-pet lookalike contest. Guests can enjoy food, meet local vendors, create keepsake paw art, and support a local animal welfare organization through donation drives. See Details

Aug 1

Donut Dash for the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin

Janesville, WI

Donut Dash for the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin Lace up for a fun, casual run or walk through scenic farm fields while supporting a great cause. Participants can choose between a 5K or 1-mile route and are encouraged to bring their dogs along for the adventure. The course winds through sunflowers, farm roads, and strawberry beds, finishing with a sweet reward. Runners receive timed bibs, admission to the sunflower field, and an apple cider donut at the finish line. See Details

Jun 9–Aug 11

Summer Concert Series at Fishel Park

Downers Grove, IL

Summer Concert Series at Fishel Park Leashed dogs (6' max leash) are welcome at this weekly outdoor concert series featuring live music performances across a variety of genres. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, and there will also be vendors starting at 6 PM. Music begins at 7 PM. See Details

Jun 2 & Aug 18

Dog Day with the Joliet Slammers

Joliet, IL

Dog Day with the Joliet Slammers Take Fido out to a ballgame! Dog-friendly games are held on select dates throughout the season, so make sure to check the website's schedule to catch a game. See Details

Select dates May 24–Aug 25

Bark in the Park with the Schaumburg Boomers

Schaumburg, IL

Bark in the Park with the Schaumburg Boomers Fans are invited to bring well-behaved, leashed dogs to enjoy the ballpark! Dog-friendly games are held on select dates throughout the season, so make sure to check the website's schedule to catch a game. The event includes themed game-day activities and benefits local community efforts. Owners are responsible for their pets and must follow stadium rules for animals. See Details

Select Apr–Aug 2026

Bark in the Park with the Quad Cities River Bandits

Davenport, IA

Bark in the Park with the Quad Cities River Bandits Take Fido out to a ballgame! Dog-friendly games are held on Thursday home games throughout the season, so make sure to check the website's schedule to catch a game. See Details

Aug 30

Bark in the Park

Elk Grove Village, IL

Bark in the Park Enjoy an afternoon of activities, shopping and socializing with your favorite four-legged friends! Participate in the pooch parade, make a craft for your dog, and visit over 20 booths offering products and services to help keep your pup happy and healthy. CGC testing will be available on site for a fee. The event is presented by Elk Grove Park District and Elk Grove Veterinary Emergency. See Details

Apr 21–Sep 1, home games

Bark in the Park with the Beloit Sky Carp

Beloit, WI

Bark in the Park with the Beloit Sky Carp Take Fido out to a ballgame! Dog-friendly games are held on select Tuesday home games throughout the season, so make sure to check the website's schedule to catch a game. Human tickets are sold for the game while well-behaved dogs enter free; the ballpark provides water stations and designated entry and relief areas for pets. See Details

Sep 5–6

Ashley Whippet Invitational — K-9 Frisbee World Championships

Naperville, IL

Ashley Whippet Invitational — K-9 Frisbee World Championships The Ashley Whippet Invitational is a two-day, public K-9 frisbee (disc-dog) competition where dozens of human-and-dog teams compete and spectators are welcome. The event traditionally runs over Labor Day weekend and features qualifying teams from across the U.S. and abroad; admission and parking are free for spectators. See Details

Sep 7

Geneva Lake Distilling Wine Run 5k

Lake Geneva, WI

Geneva Lake Distilling Wine Run 5k Grab your sneakers and Fido's leash to join this running event featuring amazing scenery. The studio offers a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet, to please every palate so that you can enjoy them afterward. All paces are welcome. Check-in starts at 10:30 AM. See Details

Oct 3

Annual Galena Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races

Galena, IL

Annual Galena Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races 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. See Details

Oct 3

Pawfest

Huntley, IL

Pawfest 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. See Details

Oct 3

Annual Galena Oktoberfest

Galena, IL

Annual Galena Oktoberfest 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. See Details

Oct 4

Aurora Pooch Parade

Aurora, IL

Aurora Pooch Parade 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. See Details

May 31–Oct 18

Lindenhurst Community Market

Lindenhurst, IL

Lindenhurst Community Market 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. See Details

Mar 2–Oct 26, only

Paws in the Park at Cantigny Park

Wheaton, IL

Paws in the Park at Cantigny Park Mondays from March through October are special days for dog lovers to explore the park’s beautiful gardens and grounds with their canine companions. Dogs must be friendly, well-socialized, and kept on a leash at all times, and owners should bring proof of up-to-date vaccinations. While pups are welcome outdoors, they aren't permitted inside buildings, and visitors are asked to clean up after their dogs using the provided sanitation stations. A $6 parking fee applies. Note that Monday holidays are excluded from Paws in the Park days. See Details