Dog Events in Virginia

When you want to really spoil your dog, or just meet other dog owners in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 4

Bark-Tober Fest at Starkey Park South

Roanoke, VA

Bark-Tober Fest at Starkey Park South

Bring your pup for a fun-filled day featuring free professional pet photos, bark bags for the first 50 attendees, a raffle basket and treats from Get Glazed Donuts. Guests are encouraged to bring dog food donations benefiting the Regional Center for Animal Care & Protection and helping local pets in need.

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Oct 10

Oktoberfest Fondue Festival at Shipgarten

McLean, VA

Oktoberfest Fondue Festival at Shipgarten

Celebrate fall at this melty, shareable twist on Bavarian tradition! Enjoy classic Swiss and German-style cheese fondue with endless dippables like bread, pretzels, and veggies, all paired with Oktoberfest beer specials, seasonal cocktails, and wine. There's an on-site dog park for Fido to play! Dirndls and lederhosen encouraged.

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Oct 11

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Annual Paws in the Park

Alexandria, VA

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Annual Paws in the Park

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are invited to this fun-filled day for the whole family, featuring live entertainment, activities, animal-themed vendors, a silent auction, a pet costume contest, and a whole lot of adorable adoptables! There will also be a variety of food and drinks available for purchase, as well as a beer garden. This event celebrates the love the community has for animals, with a ton of fun on the side. Please note that retractable and flexi leashes aren't permitted.

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Oct 17

Annual Oktoberfest at Fables & Feathers Winery

Goodview, VA

Annual Oktoberfest at Fables & Feathers Winery

Celebrate the season and harvest with Fido at this annual party, featuring live music all day and food trucks. Leashed dogs are welcome both inside and outside!

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Oct 17

Oktoberfest Renaissance Festival at Shipgarten

McLean, VA

Oktoberfest Renaissance Festival at Shipgarten

Bring your dog to enjoy German food, Renaissance games, themed contests, live music and more. There's also an off-leash area for your dog on site!

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Oct 17

Vines & Views at Breaux Vineyards

Purcellville, VA

Vines & Views at Breaux Vineyards

This guided wine hike invites guests 21+ and their leashed dogs to explore scenic vineyard trails while enjoying curated wine tastings at stops throughout the property. The hike is moderate+ and takes approximately one hour. Hiking or tennis shoes are required. Please bring water along for you and your pup.

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Oct 17

Howl-o-ween Dog Festival

Reston, VA

Howl-o-ween Dog Festival

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration features costume contests, live entertainment, food, local pet-focused vendors, adoption agencies and activities for dogs and their people. Guests can dress up their pups and enjoy an afternoon of festive fall fun!

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Oct 16–18

Anthem GO Outside Festival

Roanoke, VA

Anthem GO Outside Festival

Wander through downtown Roanoke with Fido for three days and try your hand at endless outdoor activities. Test drive a bike, demo a stand-up paddleboard, learn to fly cast, join a race, and sample craft beer all in one afternoon. Not all activities are dog friendly, so be sure to double-check before participating.

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Oct 16–18

Fall Farm Fest at Screaming Goats Farm & Brewery

Amissville, VA

Fall Farm Fest at Screaming Goats Farm & Brewery

Enjoy a classic fall day with Fido at this festival featuring seasonal beer releases, local vendors, pumpkin decorating, costume contests, family activities, caramel apples, hay bale displays, and more. A dog costume contest adds extra excitement for four-legged guests!

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Oct 24

Growl-O-Ween at Center of the Universe Brewing

Ashland, VA

Growl-O-Ween at Center of the Universe Brewing

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration benefits the Hanover Humane Society and features a dog costume contest, trick competitions, live music, local vendors, food and drinks. Guests can also take advantage of nail clipping and microchipping services, shop a variety of pet-related offerings and participate in a silent auction, all while supporting animals in need.

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Oct 24

Dr Pepper Day Festival

Roanoke, VA

Dr Pepper Day Festival

Leashed dogs are welcome at this community celebration honoring a historic soda brand with live music, local vendors, food trucks, family activities, and a kids area, along with complimentary product samples, limited-edition shirts, and other giveaways while supplies last.

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Jun 4–Oct 24

Summer Concerts at Dr Pepper Park

Roanoke, VA

Summer Concerts at Dr Pepper Park

Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome in the general admission area of live music concerts and festivals throughout the summer in a unique setting by the Roanoke River at the base of Mill Mountain. Food and beverages are cash only and there's an ATM on site. Bring your own lawn chair and blankets or rent a chair at the event. All events are rain or shine and subject to change. See website for a complete listing.

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Oct 24

Dog-O-Ween at Shipgarten

McLean, VA

Dog-O-Ween at Shipgarten

Two- and four-legged friends are invited to celebrate Halloween in this annual event! Dress Fido in his best costume and head over for a fun-filled afternoon featuring trick-or-treating, vendors, live music, food, dog competitions, and more!

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Oct 24

Howl-O-Ween with Beagles & Bentleys

Richmond, VA

Howl-O-Ween with Beagles & Bentleys

Bring your pups dressed in their best costumes and enjoy a fun-filled day with face painting, balloon art, and pet and people caricatures. Snap photos at Halloween-themed backdrops, do crafts with the Richmond Public Library, watch magic shows and enjoy treats for furry friends.

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Oct 24

Annual Doggie Costume Contest at The Bean Spot and The Vintage Pearl

Mathews, VA

Annual Doggie Costume Contest at The Bean Spot and The Vintage Pearl

This dog-friendly Halloween costume contest invites pups to dress up and visit The Bean Spot for a photo entry. A drink purchase is required to participate, and online voting will determine the first-, second- and third-place winners. Photos will be shared on Facebook, with prizes awarded to the top three costumes.

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Oct 25

Howl-O-Woof Pet Parade and Costume Contest

Hampton, VA

Howl-O-Woof Pet Parade and Costume Contest

Celebrate fall with Fido at this family-friendly event featuring trick-or-treat stations for kids and dogs, a harvest market, food truck, local rescue organizations, pet vendors, and festive activities throughout the afternoon. Highlights include a dog costume contest, pup parade, peanut butter eating contest, booth decorating competition, prizes, and plenty of seasonal fun for dogs and their people.

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Wednesdays, Feb–Oct

Pup Stroll Wednesdays at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Vienna, VA

Pup Stroll Wednesdays at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

On Wednesdays, during regular daytime hours, leashed dogs are welcome in the gardens (only service dogs are permitted on other days). Each adult may bring one dog. All attendees must sign an Assumption of Risk and Rules of Participation form before entering. Dogs must be leashed at all times with a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet. Loaner leashes are available at the Admissions Desk, and adult handlers are responsible for keeping dogs under control and out of landscape beds.

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Oct 30

Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo

Norfolk, VA

Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo

Dog lovers and their well-behaved canine companions are invited to explore the zoo together during this unique Halloween-themed night! Guests can stroll through select zoo areas with their dogs while enjoying new sights, smells, and interactive experiences designed to enrich both pets and zoo animals alike. The event also features themed activities and a costume contest. Participating dogs must be leashed, vaccinated, and comfortable around people and other animals.

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Oct 31

Scott's Addition Pumpkin Festival

Richmond, VA

Scott's Addition Pumpkin Festival

This annual festival features live bands, a diverse selection of food and drink vendors serving everything from seasonal treats to local brews. Leashed pets are welcome to join in the fun and even enter the costume contest! The event is rain or shine.

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Oct 31

Brews & Boos Festival at Screaming Goats Farm & Brewery

Amissville, VA

Brews & Boos Festival at Screaming Goats Farm & Brewery

Celebrate Halloween at this all-day festival featuring costumes, candy, food trucks, vendors, live music, craft beer, and family-friendly activities. Bring your pup to enjoy the festive atmosphere, seasonal fun, and Halloween celebration with the community.

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