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.

Sep 26

Daughters of Penelope | Thalia's Steps of Strength 5K Walk

Oak Brook, IL

Daughters of Penelope | Thalia's Steps of Strength 5K Walk

Leashed dogs are welcome to join this family-friendly 5K walk and charity run! Participants can enjoy a morning of movement and community with live music, food trucks, sweet treats, balloon twisting, and an animal artist. Strollers are also welcome, making this a fun event for the whole family.

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Saturdays in Sep

Puppy Basics Class at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Puppy Basics Class at Pup Social

This puppy training workshop teaches the foundational skills young dogs need to become confident, well-mannered companions. Participants will learn essential commands, positive reinforcement techniques, puppy socialization guidance and strategies for addressing common behaviors, with hands-on practice and a Q&A led by a Pup Social trainer. Attendees also receive 15% off future training packages purchased the day of the workshop.

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Sep 27

Live Like Roo Foundation Roo Fest

Winthrop Harbor, IL

Live Like Roo Foundation 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 much more!

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Sep 27

Dog Content Creator Meet-Up at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Dog Content Creator Meet-Up at Pup Social

This dog-friendly meetup brings together pet influencers, aspiring creators, photographers and dog lovers for an afternoon of networking, content creation and supervised off-leash play. Attendees can connect with other dog accounts, exchange ideas, capture photos and videos and explore collaboration opportunities. All experience levels are welcome.

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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.

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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.

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Oct 3

Yappy Howl-O-Ween

Antioch, IL

Yappy Howl-O-Ween

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.

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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.

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Oct 3

Barktoberfest at Canine Crews

Chicago, IL

Barktoberfest at Canine Crews

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.

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Oct 3

Givin’ A Crap: Veterinary Appreciation Social at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Givin’ A Crap: Veterinary Appreciation Social at Pup Social

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.

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Weekends, Sep–Oct

Oktoberfest at The Northman Beer & Cider Garden

Chicago, IL

Oktoberfest at The Northman Beer & Cider Garden

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

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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.

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Oct 4

Dog Races + Fall Fest at Hideaway Brew Garden

Hoffman Estates, IL

Dog Races + Fall Fest at Hideaway Brew Garden

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.

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Oct 6

Dog Admission Day at Morton Arboretum

Lisle, IL

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, dogs aren't permitted off the marked trails. Please clean up after your pet; bags are available at the Visitor Center.

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Oct 9

Tiny Dog Meet-Up at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Tiny Dog Meet-Up at Pup Social

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.

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Oct 10

Boo Bark: AT APL

Springfield, IL

Boo Bark: AT APL

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration features a pet costume contest with prizes, a trick-or-treat path, pumpkin painting, paw painting, dog games and an agility course. Dogs must be leashed, at least 6 months old, healthy and current on vaccinations, including rabies. There's a limit of two dogs per person.

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Oct 10–11

Annual Burgoo Festival

Utica, IL

Annual Burgoo Festival

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.

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Oct 16

Howl-o-ween Extravaganza at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Howl-o-ween Extravaganza at Pup Social

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.

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Oct 17

Woofstock

Glen Carbon, IL

Woofstock

Celebrate peace, love, and pets at a family-friendly festival featuring live music, local vendors, caricature artists, and adoptable dogs. Attendees can enjoy a lively, community-focused atmosphere with activities for all ages, making it a fun day out for families and pet lovers alike.

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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.

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