Dog Events in Illinois

When you want to really spoil your dog, or just meet other dog owners in Illinois 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 in Illinois 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.

Pet Friendly Dog Admission Day at Morton Arboretum
Dog Admission Day at Morton Arboretum 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, do not let dogs go off the marked trails. Please clean up after your pet; bags are available at the Visitor Center. See Details
Pet Friendly Wine on the Hill
Wine on the Hill Enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery of the Illinois Valley and your favorite August Hill & ISC wines while hanging out on the spacious hillside with your pet at this fun event. Each reservation includes adirondack chairs in the shade, a cooler stocked with drinks and snacks, and the option to order wine by the bottle or flights upon check-in. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed and remain outside. See Details
Dog Day Saturday Afternoon Bring Fido out to this monthly event in Lake View! Tito's Handmade Vodka will have fun doggy swag on hand to pass out to customers who bring their pups. There'll be drinks for humans and treats for dogs. See Details
Paws in the Park Well-behaved, leashed dogs are invited to join their owners at this local recreation area once a week! Visitors can stroll the grounds of the 500-acre park and take in the beauty of the former estate of Chicago Tribune publishers. Pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations and must remain outside buildings. Note that Monday holidays are excluded from Paws in the Park days. See Details
Mercury Cruiseline Canine Cruise Enjoy quality time with Fido each weekend while cruising Chicago's waterways. Sit back and relax while you experience a lively narration of the city's rich history and architectural marvels. Keep your dog on your lap, in a seat or on the deck. Please note that retractable leashes aren't permitted. The dog cruise boat offers plenty of safe outdoor seating, water bowls and an exclusive newspaper-lined restroom for your pet. See Details
Yappy Hour Launch Party You and your adorable companion are invited to a yappy hour featuring a live DJ. This gathering presents an ideal chance to mingle with fellow pet owners. See Details
Bolingbrook Pride Picnic and Puppies The whole family, including your four-legged member, is invited to join you at this festive celebration and dog rescue benefit! This event will feature various activities, including music, face painting, a photo booth, yard games, LGBTQ+ resources, puppy cuddles, food and more! Dogs must be leashed, well-behaved and friendly. See Details
Dancing in the Streets Immerse yourself in this West Town community event, featuring live music, dancing, food vendors, and an array of craft beer from the Chicago Brewing District. Named after the popular Grateful Dead song, the event is strategically held during the "Days Between" to honor Jerry Garcia's memory, offering a week-long celebration from August 1st to August 9th. With a lineup including local restaurants, food trucks, artisans, and retail vendors, the festival promises an eclectic blend of entertainment and community spirit. Dogs are welcome to attend on a leash. See Details
Pawfest Bring your leashed pup for low-cost vaccines, microchips, 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
Dog Days of Summer Bring Fido to explore this fun-filled afternoon event alongside his humans! Various pet-related vendors and services will be on site. Be sure to check out the adoption booth for a chance to add another furry best friend to your family. See Details
5k Distillery Run x Take Flight Spirits Run, jog or just take a stroll with your canine friend at this event! Once you cross the finish line, you'll receive one flight of three unique spirits from Take Flight Spirits, a choice of a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running Series, a chance to win sweet door prizes, and access to event festivities like live music, games, goodies and giveaways. Don't miss out! Pups must remain leashed. See Details
National Dog Day at Brookfield Farmers Market Leashed pups are welcome to celebrate National Dog Day with a morning of fun activities and treats! Urban Mutt will have a Build Your Own Pup Cup station with dog-safe whipped cream and a variety of toppings. Plus, there will be a prize wheel! See Details
Dogs & Donuts Bring your furry family member on a leash to enjoy treats and pup cups from their dog menu. During your outing, don't miss the chance to pose for a photo, and be sure to explore vendors and watch exciting dog demonstrations, too! See Details
Chicago Dogs Bark at the Ballpark Your leashed four-legged friend is welcome to join your side as you watch a baseball game! Please ensure you have vaccination records on hand. See Details
PAWS Chicago’s PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run Bring Fido to Chicago's largest dog-friendly charity event - a fun (and safe) 5K walk/run to save the lives of homeless pets. PAWS 5K raises funds to support the life-saving work of PAWS Chicago. Guests will enjoy sponsor giveaways, a dog agility course, a pet spa with dog massages, a photostation and other fun photo ops, raffles, treats, and more. Pups are free to participate, but no more than one dog per human is permitted to ensure everyone's safety. See Details
Barktoberfest Bring your furry friends on a leash to join in the fun at this event! There'll be talented local crafters, music, delicious Oktoberfest-inspired food, entertaining tricks and exciting raffles. Plus, adoptable pets and a nearby dog groomer will be on site. See Details
Cruise with Roo See the beautiful waterfront in Chicago on a guided tour with your dog! Proceeds benefit Live Like Roo Foundation to support owners and their dogs through a cancer diagnosis. Be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible as this event always sells out. Also, it's recommended to get to the dock 30 minutes early. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. See Details
Roo Fest Bring Fido to this annual event that raises awareness and funds for Live Like Roo, a foundation that assists pets with a cancer diagnosis by providing financial and emotional support. You and your pup can shop 30+ pet-focused vendors, enjoy food and beer from the brewery, enter raffles, cool off in the pool, listen to live music, walk the 1-mile boardwalk, meet with rescues, and so much more! The rain date is September 28th. See Details
5k Beer Run x Printers Row Brewing Run, jog or just take a stroll with your canine friend at this 5K event! Register online in advance and check in between 10 am to 10:45 am before the race. Once you cross the finish line, you'll receive a free craft beer from Printer's Row Brewing, a choice of a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running Series, a chance to win sweet door prizes, and access to event festivities like live music, games, goodies and giveaways. Pups must remain leashed. After the race you and your pup can hang out on the pet-friendly patio at Printer's Row Brewing. See Details
5k Beer Run x Flapjack Brewery Run, jog or just take a stroll with your canine friend at this 5K event! Register online in advance and check in between 9 am to 9:45 am before the race. Once you cross the finish line, you'll receive a free craft beer from Flapjack Brewery, a choice of a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running Series, a chance to win sweet door prizes, and access to event festivities like live music, games, goodies and giveaways. Pups must remain leashed. After the race you and your pup can hang out on the pet-friendly patio at Flapjack Brewery. See Details
Illinois