Dog Events in North Carolina

When you want to really spoil your dog, or just meet other dog owners in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 21

Gobble Waddle 5K/10K

Smithfield, NC

Gobble Waddle 5K/10K

Presented by HealthQuest Fitness and Wellness Center, this festive, family-friendly event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and paces, and leashed dogs! Pups must remain on fixed leashes, and participants are asked to keep the course clean by picking up after their pets. Participants are encouraged to bring at least five canned food items to donate.

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Oct 22

Halloween at the BOOtanical Garden - DOG NIGHT

Fayetteville, NC

Halloween at the BOOtanical Garden - DOG NIGHT

Leashed dogs are welcome this night only for magical displays, candy stations, a costume contest, animations, photo ops, food, beverages, and a vendor market, all in a walk-through, immersive setting. Tickets must be bought in advance, as the event has limited capacity and often sells out.

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Oct 22

Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Contest at The Joint Next Door

Fairview, NC

Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Contest at The Joint Next Door

Dress up your pup for a fun night out! Prizes will be awarded for Best Overall Costume, Funniest Costume, and Best Owner and Dog Duo.

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Oct 24

Howl-O-Ween Bash at Birdsong Brewing Co.

Charlotte, NC

Howl-O-Ween Bash at Birdsong Brewing Co.

This dog-friendly Halloween fundraiser features gift card raffles, a festive photo area and family-friendly activities. Guests are encouraged to dress in costume with their dogs while enjoying the afternoon, with no costume contest planned. Birdsong Brewing will donate $1 from every pint sold, while raffle proceeds and event donations support North Meck Animal Rescue’s dogs and cats.

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Oct 24

HalloweenFest

Brevard, NC

HalloweenFest

This family- and dog-friendly Halloween event is packed with festive activities for all ages. Highlights include a costume contest and parade, pet costume contest, trick-or-treating downtown, live music performances, a beer garden, vendors and more.

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Oct 24

Barktoberfest at Boxyard RTP

Durham, NC

Barktoberfest at Boxyard RTP

Leashed dogs and their pet parents are welcome to join in the fun at this exciting event! This festival features dog costume contests, a photo booth, local vendors and community partners, and food and beverages available for purchase.

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Saturdays, Sep–Oct

Saturday Night Lights at TIEC

Mill Spring, NC

Saturday Night Lights at TIEC

Fido is invited along with you to this signature Saturday evening event series featuring food, fun, live music and more on select Saturdays. Grab dinner, a carnival-style treat, your beverage of choice, and enjoy top show jumping competition under the lights in Tryon Stadium.

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Oct 24

Annual Outer Banks Brewtag

Nags Head, NC

Annual Outer Banks Brewtag

A celebration of flight and beer, OBX Brewtag contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest. Dogs must be leashed and picked up after. A crafty selection of local and regional beer and food will be available for purchase that day.

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Oct 24

Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Parade and Party

Manteo, NC

Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Parade and Party

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration features Dachtoberfest pup races, a pet costume parade and contest, a pet wellness Q&A and a Puparazzi photo booth. Dachshunds and non-Dachshunds can compete in separate races, followed by awards for race and costume contest winners. Guests can also meet the owners of Kill Devil Dachshunds of the Outer Banks.

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Oct 24

Annual BarktoberFest at Wilkes Wags & Wiggles

North Wilkesboro, NC

Annual BarktoberFest at Wilkes Wags & Wiggles

This dog-friendly BarktoberFest celebrates the theme “Gotcha Day” with local rescue organizations, adoptable dogs and opportunities to learn about fostering and volunteering. Guests can enjoy local vendors, food and treats, games, bingo, raffles, Halloween activities and a pet costume contest, while supporting animal rescue efforts in the community.

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Oct 24

Halloween Ghoulfest at Lennox Station

Hendersonville, NC

Halloween Ghoulfest at Lennox Station

Leashed dogs are welcome outside and inside the Trailside Brewing area at this Halloween celebration! Guests can shop from 35+ local artisans, makers and small businesses, join in a spooky scavenger hunt, and participate in the costume contest.

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Oct 24

Neighborhood Feed Annual Howl-o-Ween Party

Matthews, NC

Neighborhood Feed Annual Howl-o-Ween Party

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration features a pet costume contest and parade, with registration beginning in the morning and prizes awarded after the parade. Guests can also enjoy a bark-cuterie board filled with homemade pet treats and special Halloween deals throughout the store.

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Oct 24

Dachtober Fest

Manteo, NC

Dachtober Fest

Bring your adorable Dachshunds (and non-Dachshund friends!) to dash for glory in a morning packed with fun, from races and costume parades to meet-and-greets and awards. Registration starts at 10:0 AM, with races beginning at 11:00 AM. Don’t forget to dress your pup in festive attire; lederhosen and hotdog costumes encouraged!

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Oct 24

Pupalooza

Durham, NC

Pupalooza

This dog-friendly fall festival celebrates pups and their people with live music, creative activities, a costume contest, local vendors and food. Dogs can socialize, show off their costumes, or simply enjoy a day out with their favorite humans.

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Oct 24

Halloween at Laurel Green Park

Laurel Park, NC

Halloween at Laurel Green Park

This Halloween event features safe trick or treating for families! The event will be held rain or shine.

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Oct 24

NoDa Halloween Freaky 5k

Charlotte, NC

NoDa Halloween Freaky 5k

Explore one of Charlotte’s most historic and spookiest neighborhoods during this Halloween-themed race. Runners and walkers of all experience levels are welcome to join with their furry best friend. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, with prizes awarded for best costumes and fastest finishers. After the race, enjoy a post-run party at Great Wagon Road.

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Oct 25

Tricks-n-Treats Dog Festival at The North Carolina Arboretum

Asheville, NC

Tricks-n-Treats Dog Festival at The North Carolina Arboretum

This dog-friendly Halloween festival features a scavenger hunt, pet-focused vendors, a virtual costume contest and more paw-some activities for dogs and their people.

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Oct 25

Annual Trunk-N-Treat for Dogs

Indian Trail, NC

Annual Trunk-N-Treat for Dogs

This spook-tacular evening invites you and your costumed pup to wander through festively decorated trunks to sniff out dog-safe treats! Highlights of the night include dog vendors, bone broth sno cones, photo ops, giveaways and more.

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Oct 25

Howl-o-ween at Greensboro Country Park

Greensboro, NC

Howl-o-ween at Greensboro Country Park

Put on your favorite costume and join Guilford County Animal Resources for a spooktacular trick-or-treat event where both dogs and their humans are invited to enjoy treats! This family- and pet-friendly celebration promises a fun-filled day of festive activities, making it the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with your furry friends.

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Oct 26

Annual Dog-stume Contest at Ecusta Brewing Company

Brevard, NC

Annual Dog-stume Contest at Ecusta Brewing Company

This Halloween event is open to all pups and spectators, with judging by people’s choice! Come watch, vote and cheer on the adorable (and creative) canine costumes. A portion of taproom proceeds will benefit Almost Home Dog Rescue NC.

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