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.

Pet Friendly Norfolk Botanical Gardens' Sunday Dog Days
Norfolk Botanical Gardens' Sunday Dog Days Enjoy the grounds of the Norfolk Botanical Garden with your furry friend! There are multiple spigots for freshwater throughout the garden, but bring your own bowl to keep Fido hydrated. Dogs need to remain leashed. Please note that Fido isn't permitted in the Children’s Garden, Butterfly House, or on trams or boats. See Details
Pet Friendly Pups on The Patio
Dec 25, 2023 – Nov 4, 2024

Pups on The Patio

Pups on The Patio Tails will be wagging at this pup-centered event! Mingle with other dogs and dog owners while you sip on your favorite drinks and savor delicious bites. Fido will even be able to enjoy his own treats and doggie refreshments. See Details
The Washington Pug Meetup Bring your Pug, Puggle or pug-loving four-legged sibling out for a play date! The meetup will be in front of the puppy area at Shirlington Park. Fido can run and play with his friends in the fenced area. See Details
Comedy Open Mic Night Furry friends may unwind beside their owners at this monthly event, where comedians show off their skills during a five-minute set. Whether you're a comic hoping to make people laugh or someone who enjoys good humor looking for something fun to do on a Thursday night, this event is a great option to check out with Fido. See Details
Frolick Small Puppy Playgroup Bring your puppy out for an evening of fun! There will be staff on-hand to help ensure positive play and demonstrate the low agility obstacles. Pups must have completed all vaccinations as well as be under two years old and 30 lbs or less. The playgroups will be on January 19, February 23, March 22 and May 3. See Details
All Dogs Frolick After Dark Bring your pup to have some fun indoor exercise and tire them out before the weekend. All dogs are welcome and no reservation required. A staff member will be on-hand to demonstrate the agility and exercise equipment. This event will be held on January 26, March 1, April 5 and May 10. See Details
Frolick Small Dog Playgroup Bring your small dog out for an evening of fun! There will be staff on-hand to work with your dog over the agility course as well as demonstrate the dog treadmills and balance equipment. All pups must be under 35 lbs. The playgroups will be on February 2, March 8, April 12 and May 17. See Details
Frolick Large Puppy Playgroup Bring your pup out for an evening of fun! There will be staff on-hand to work with your dog over the agility course as well as demonstrate the dog treadmills and balance equipment. All pups must be over 30 lbs. The playgroups will be on February 9, March 15 and April 19. See Details
All Dogs Frolick After Dark! Bring Fido for some fun indoor exercise with other pups. No reservations required, just drop in with your canine pal. Staff members will be on hand to show you how to use the agility and exercise equipment. See Details
Saturday Night Trivia Bring Fido to sit beside you while you participate in this game of knowledge hosted twice a month. Each night, the theme will change, giving participants a chance to show off their comprehension of a variety of genres with five rounds of questions. Note that teams need to be signed up at the 7:00 PM start time. See Details
Mini Family/Pet Photo Sessions Bring Fido for a mini photo session of 25 minutes of you and your furry friend posing for photos. See Details
Dog Days at Ferry Farm Bring Fido for a day of fun at the farm! Explore the nature trails that lead around the fields and along the Rappahannock River during this discounted admission day for you and your pup. Dogs must be leashed on the property grounds. This event will take place on April 13 an October 12. See Details
Anything's PAWSible Festival and 5K Fun Run You and your pup are welcome to register for this non-competitive 5K run with a route that leads you through the quaint historic district. A festival will follow that will feature food trucks, vendors, live music and fun activities for all ages! See Details
5k Beer Run x Sinistral Brewing Co Run, jog or just take a stroll with your canine friend at this 5K event! Register online in advance and check in before the race. Once you cross the finish line, you'll receive a free craft beer from Sinistral 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. Pups must remain leashed. After the race you and your pup can hang out on the pet-friendly patio at Sinistral Brewing Co. See Details
ALX Dog Walk Bring Fido for a 2-mile walk through Old Town Alexandria with other adorable dogs with people who love to care for the environment! Participants will receive a goodie bag with treats for humans pups, as well as coffee before the walk begins. After the walk you can enjoy the Dog Contest, with awards including Funniest Personality and Best Groomed, as well as live music, a silent auction, a photo booth, a dog obstacle course, and more. See Details
Salty Dog Beach Walk This event draws over 300 residents and includes family-friendly activities, crafts and merchandise for both kids and pets. Following the 1-mile walk at noon, an after-party at Bold Mariner from 2:00 PM offers food and drink specials and opportunities to adopt animals from the Norfolk SPCA. See Details
5k Beer Run x The Virginia Beer Company Run, jog or just take a stroll with your canine friend at this 5K event! Register online in advance and check in before the race. Once you cross the finish line, you'll receive a free craft beer from The Virginia Beer Company, 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 The Virginia Beer Company. See Details
Paint w/ Your Pup @ Pups & Pints Unleash your and your pup's inner artists! They'll guide you step-by-step to paint a "Mess-Free" PAW-casso with your furry friend, creating an abstract "Lick" painting. Try to arrive 10-15 min early and be sure to register your dog before their first visit. See Details
Community School's Annual Strawberry Festival Well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed to join their owners at this yearly fundraising event. Visitors will enjoy delicious treats like homemade strawberry shortcakes, strawberry sundaes and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Attendees will also be able to peruse vendors, partake in activities and enjoy musical entertainment. See Details
Dog Days on Main This fun event features the Gordonsville Dog Show, plus a pet-focused vendor market, dog demonstrations and other activities for Fido and the family to enjoy. See Details
Virginia