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 5k Beer Run x Solemn Oath Brewery
5k Beer Run x Solemn Oath Brewery Run, jog or just take a stroll with your canine friend at this event! Once you cross the finish line, you'll receive a craft brew from Solemn Oath 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. Don't miss out! Pups must remain leashed. After the race you and your pup can hang out inside or at an outdoor table at Solemn Oath Brewery. See Details
5k Beer Run x Temperance Beer Co. Run, jog or just take a stroll with your canine friend at this event! Once you cross the finish line, you'll receive a craft brew from Temperance Beer Co., 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
Mother's Day Photos for Dogs and Kids Celebrate Mother's Day with photos featuring your dog, kids or both, and even other pets like cats, lizards or fish! Each ticket includes a 15-minute session, so punctuality is key. Don't miss this opportunity for cherished memories -time slots are $40 and sell out quickly. See Details
Mutt Strut Go strut with your "Mutt" to benefit the Champaign County Humane Society. There will be dog-focused games, plenty of food and drinks, contests, and a celebration of all things dog. Keep an eye on their website to learn how you and your pet can compete to win Top Dog! See Details
The Sneaker Ball - A Live Like Roo Dog Prom This dog-friendly prom is about comfort and there will be contests for the best sneakers! The event will feature food, an open bar, caricature artists, Tito's Handmade Vodka cocktails, a photo booth, DJ, Prom Superlative Contests, dancing and more. See Details
Bark in the Park Bring your leashed pup out to this fun, dog-centric event! There will be pet-related vendors and activities to participate in. Enter Fido in the best costume and best trick contests for the chance to win prizes. Contest participates must sign up by 11:00 AM. No retractable leashes, please. See Details
Bark In Lehigh Park You and your leashed pup are invited to this fun day out to celebrate the grand opening of the Starved Rock Dog Park. Enjoy America's Best Frisbee Dogs shows at 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM. Experience a K9 Search & Rescue demonstration at noon. There will be pet vendors, a pet photographer, adoptable pets and city dog tags available for purchase with proof of rabies vaccination. Pups in need of pampering can visit the mobile grooming unit (proof of rabies vaccination is required for grooming). Head to The Dog House which will have food for purchase for humans. The first 100 attendees will recieve goodie bags. See Details
5k Beer Run x Midwest Coast Brewing Run, jog or just take a stroll with your canine friend at this event! Once you cross the finish line, you'll receive a craft brew from Midwest Coast Brewing Co., 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. After the race you and your pup can hang out inside or at an outdoor table at Midwest Coast Brewing Co. See Details
5k Beer Run x Goose Island Beer Co. Run, jog or just take a stroll with your canine friend at this event! Once you cross the finish line, you'll receive a craft brew from Goose Island Beer Co., 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. After the race you and your pup can hang out on the pet-friendly patio at Goose Island Beer Co. See Details
Bark in the Park Friendly, leashed pups can join you at a ball game! Watch The Gateway Grizzlies take on The Lake Erie Crushers. Gates open at 12:05PM and the first pitch will be thrown at 1:05 PM. Be sure to visit the several pet-related organizations that will be present on the concourse. See Details
West Fest Chicago and Pet Fest Bring Fido along to this fun event that celebrates the eclectic West Town community through local offerings and talent! There will be a variety of neighborhood restaurants, food trucks, retail vendors, corporate sponsors, local artists and more. Live music from Empty Bottle Presents and Bass By The Pound DJ Stage will also be played. Pet Fest is 12:00 PM-6:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday and features a dog obstacle course, paw painting, pet retail and service booths, plus various pet-related demonstrations throughout the day. See Details
5k Beer Run x The Perch Run, jog or just take a stroll with your canine friend at this event! Once you cross the finish line, you'll receive a craft brew from The Perch Kitchen and Tap, 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. After the race you and your pup can hang out on the pet-friendly patio at The Perch Kitchen and Tap. See Details
Canine Carnival Enjoy a fun-filled extravaganza crafted especially for your beloved canine companions! Immerse yourself in a world of excitement as you and your leashed furry friend embark on a memorable journey through thrilling activities, games, and a bustling vendor area. 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
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
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 is recommended to get to the dock 30 minutes early. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. 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
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
Illinois