Dog Events in Maryland

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

Oct 3

Dog Swim at Merritt Clubs Fort Avenue

Baltimore, MD

Dog Swim at Merritt Clubs Fort Avenue

Bring Fido to a dog-only pool party featuring swimming, fetching and playtime! The event also includes vendors and adoption information. Dogs must be friendly, sociable, and current on vaccinations, and owners are asked to clean up after their pets. Children under 16 aren't permitted unless closely supervised, and humans aren't allowed in the pool.

See Details

Oct 3

Dog Swim at Merritt Clubs White Marsh

Nottingham, MD

Dog Swim at Merritt Clubs White Marsh

Bring your four-legged friend for a splashing good time and a chance to mingle with fellow canine companions. A special session is offered for senior dogs from 12 PM to 1 PM to enjoy a gentler pace. Please note that pups must be friendly towards other dogs and up to date on vaccinations. No humans allowed in the pool.

See Details

Oct 4

BRSM Beagle Bash

Crownsville, MD

BRSM Beagle Bash

Support Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland at this dog-friendly fundraiser featuring food, raffles, a bake sale, a photo booth with Snoopy, and an annual dog costume contest. Guests can enjoy a fun day with fellow dog lovers while helping raise funds for beagles in need.

See Details

Apr 7–Oct 6

Yappy Hour at The Urban Winery of Silver Spring

Silver Spring, MD

Yappy Hour at The Urban Winery of Silver Spring

Each Tuesday, spend an evening on the outdoor patio with your four-legged friend! Guests can enjoy extended happy hour specials while dogs receive complimentary water and treats in a shaded outdoor setting.

See Details

Oct 11

Blessing of the Animals - A Community Celebration

Mount Airy, MD

Blessing of the Animals - A Community Celebration

Bring Fido for a blessing and stay for a community celebration with pet adoptions, vendors, and live K9 demonstrations. You'll also have a chance to register your furry friend in the Dachshund races, costume contests and the parade.

See Details

Oct 16

Teddy’s Pup Parade

College Park, MD

Teddy’s Pup Parade

A cheerful, dog-centric homecoming parade hosted by the University of Maryland Police Department features the department's comfort dog, Teddy, leading Terps and their canine companions in a celebratory lap around the mall. Registration is required.

See Details

May 16, Jun 20, Jul 18, Aug 15, Sep 19, Oct 17

Whiskey on the Waterfront

Baltimore, MD

Whiskey on the Waterfront

Fido's invited to this monthly outdoor gathering featuring live music, food trucks, and whiskey cocktails! Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for the waterfront lawn.

See Details

Oct 17

Bark & Boos

Reisterstown, MD

Bark & Boos

Dogs are welcome to join this fall fundraiser featuring a walk, run, or hike through scenic trails. The walk will be followed by a festival with a costume contest, pumpkin painting, live music, food trucks, vendors, games, and more! Rain date is October 31.

See Details

Oct 17

Baltimore Humane Society's Annual Barks & Boos

Reisterstown, MD

Baltimore Humane Society's Annual Barks & Boos

This dog-friendly fall festival and fundraiser features a walk, run or hike through the shelter’s scenic trails. Afterward, enjoy a costume contest, pumpkin painting, live music, food trucks, vendors, games and more, with plenty of activities for the whole family and their pups.

See Details

Oct 18

Paws & Pistons 4 Animal Support Car Show

Hagerstown, MD

Paws & Pistons 4 Animal Support Car Show

Bring Fido to compete in a tail-wagging Doggy Costume Contest at the car show! This fun-filled event will feature prizes and goodies for both pups and their people. Matching pet-and-owner costume sets are highly encouraged!

See Details

Oct 18

St. Michaels Jack Russell Races

St. Michaels, MD

St. Michaels Jack Russell Races

Watch some of the fastest little Terriers around compete at the Jack Russell Races! This annual event brings together Jack Russell enthusiasts, dog lovers, and spectators for exciting races, food, drinks, and community fun. Dogs don't need to compete to attend, and all well-behaved pups are welcome to join the celebration. Check-in starts at 9 AM and races begin at 11 AM.

See Details

Oct 24

BARCStoberfest

Baltimore, MD

BARCStoberfest

Bring Fido out for a fun-filled day to help raise funds for animals in need! This popular annual event includes the annual "Ready, Set, SNIFF!" 5K Run/Half-Mile Pet Parade, Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest, Barkin' Beer Garden, vendors, kids’ activities, and more!

See Details

Oct 24

Barks & Brews Fall Festival

North Bethesda, MD

Barks & Brews Fall Festival

Enjoy a day filled with great food, local flavors, and community spirit at this family- and dog-friendly event. There will be a costume parade and contest for both dogs and people! Savor mouthwatering bites from Bruster's and Hardy’s BBQ, sip craft brews from Lone Oak, or enjoy Maryland-grown wines from Mazzaroth Vineyard while your pup indulges in special treats. As the evening winds down, grab a blanket and settle in for a movie screening under the stars.

See Details

Oct 24

Canines on the Creek

Frederick, MD

Canines on the Creek

A Halloween-themed dog parade and costume contest with vendors, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities along Carroll Creek. The event welcomes leashed dogs and raises funds for Lions Club charities while awarding prizes in multiple costume categories.

See Details

Oct 24

Porchfest Annapolis

Annapolis, MD

Porchfest Annapolis

This community music festival transforms neighborhood porches and outdoor spaces into live performance stages, creating a walkable celebration of local music, art, and connection. Guests and leashed pups can stroll through the area enjoying performances from a variety of musicians and bands while exploring local vendors, food, and neighborhood gathering spots along the way. The rain date is October 25th.

See Details

Oct 25

Tails on the Rails

Baltimore, MD

Tails on the Rails

Come dressed in your best Pups & Pals costumes to the B&O for the biggest puppy playdate of the year! Enjoy an afternoon of amazing vendors and activities under the pavilion, a train excursion to Carroll Park, a costume contest, and a “Yappy Hour” for adults. BARCS and the Maryland SPCA will also be on site. Owners must pre-register their dogs with proof of a rabies vaccine and sign a hold harmless waiver.

See Details

Oct 25

Animal Appreciation Day & Pet Parade

Pasadena, MD

Animal Appreciation Day & Pet Parade

Dress up your furry friend for the costumed pet parade. Judges will be awarding prizes for creativity and charm, plus there will be door prizes and contest awards. Enjoy a scenic walk in the park with your pet, tour the historic house and blooming gardens, and discover the local wildlife that calls Hancock’s Resolution home.

See Details

Oct 22–25

Sunfest

Ocean City, MD

Sunfest

A four-day arts, crafts, music and food festival on Ocean City’s south-end boardwalk. Guests can browse hundreds of handcrafted goods, enjoy free entertainment across multiple stages, and take part in interactive activities for all ages—including pet-friendly events.

See Details

Oct 25

Howl-O-Ween

Ocean City, MD

Howl-O-Ween

This dog-friendly Halloween fundraiser invites guests to enjoy an afternoon of fun while meeting adorable, adoptable pets from the Worcester County Humane Society. Activities include a pet costume contest, silent auction and 50/50 raffle, along with food, prizes and opportunities to find a new best friend. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society and support its efforts to help animals in need.

See Details

May 3, Jun 7, Jul 5, Aug 2, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1

First Sunday Arts Festival

Annapolis, MD

First Sunday Arts Festival

Leashed dogs are welcome at this monthly outdoor arts market that closes West Street and Calvert Street in downtown Annapolis for local artists, live music, food, and vendors. The festival runs May through November.

See Details

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