Fun

Summer Public Events You And Your Dog Can Enjoy Together

Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

July 2, 2015

We all know the feeling of heading out to a favorite summer event, sad to be leaving our pups at home when we know how much they would enjoy the outdoor activity. Alas, many events don’t allow dogs or just aren’t suitable for dogs to attend. But this is no reason to fret! With just a tiny bit of research, you can easily find dog-friendly events in your area this summer (and beyond). Even better, not only are some events dog friendly, some are dedicated solely to dogs, all across the USofA!

Check out our roundup below and be sure to tell us about your favorite furry friend-approved summer events in the comments below. Extra points for sharing photos of your pup at past events!

Bow Wow Film Fest
Location: Telluride, CO
Dates: August 20th

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Bow Wow Film Fest features some of the years’ best pooch-themed short films all wrapped up in one beautiful, fun-loving package! Bow Wow presents an opportunity for local animal welfare groups to host an event that generates awareness while offering a unique and delightful way to raise funds.

Eat See Hear
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Dates: Now through September

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This outdoor movie event is dog-friendly and dogs are welcomed with free biscuits at the door at every Eat|See|Hear outdoor movie event! Pillows, cushions and blankets are preferred, though low chairs do fit and shouldn’t block the view of the person behind you. Live music and food trucks each weekend!

Dog Days of Summer at Bok Tower Gardens
Location: Lake Wells, FL
Dates: September 5th

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On this oh-so special day once a year, Bok Tower Gardens becomes completely dog-friendly for a good cause! Leashed and friendly dogs are invited to visit for a $5 admission fee to help support the Humane Society of Polk County, which receives 50% of the event’s proceeds. Dog admission includes a doggie gift bag. Regular human admission rates apply, and all activities (including dog contents and a K-9 demonstration) are included. Tips on dog health, safety, grooming, and adoption information will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as some special friends who need a good home. “Ask a Vet” and “Ask a Trainer” experts will be on hand to answer questions, doggie boutique items will be for sale and those already thinking about Christmas can even have your pet’s photo taken with Santa Claus!

Dog Days of Summer
Location: Libertyville, IL
Dates: July 9th – 12th

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Take a stroll with your dogs down Main Street (always dog friendly but especially so during this fest) during this yearly event, featuring DockDogs Big Air Dog Jumping event. This years lineup of events has yet to be released, but last year featured Lake County Sheriff’s K-9’s demonstrating how they capture and hold a suspect, family/dog participation games such as musical (chairs) sits, stupid pet tricks, frisbee dogs, exercise with your pup, a pet parade and Fine’s Dog Pie Hurl. There was also a Save-A-Pets Petathalon followed by a Multi-Faith dog blessing ceremony. Stay tuned to see what’s in store for this year!

Dog Days of Summer Block Party
Location: Anchorage, AK
Dates: August 16th

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Celebrate man’s best friend at Peratrovich Park and E street from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can enjoy canine-related products and service exhibits, rescue organizations demonstrations, demos, a pet parade, pet trick contest and more!

Dog Days of Summer at the Tucson Botanical Gardens
Location: Tucson, AZ
Dates: Now thru August 31st

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Back by popular demand, Dog Days of Summer has been expanded to allow leashed canine visitors every day of the week from 7 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., as well as from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Twilight Thursdays and Sunset Saturdays during the months of June, July and August! Admission is $3 per visit, or human members of the Gardens may purchase a dog membership for only $20 to allow your furry family member unlimited summer admission. Extra adorable? Dog portraits in the gardens are available Tuesday, August 4th from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. with professional photographers taking shots of your pup in the lush landscape. The cost is $10 for one pose, which includes both a print and digital copy.

Seqium Lavender Festival
Location: Sequim, WA
Dates: July 17th – 19th

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Bring Fido to the Sequim Lavender Festival to enjoy more than 150 crafts and lavender booths, food, live music and more in downtown Sequim. Admission is free and there is free parking throughout downtown.

Pooch Scooch 5k and BBQ
Location: Mason City, IA
Dates: July 17th

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Join in for the first annual Pooch Scooch 5k and BBQ at the Humane Society North Iowa! This fun family event will include: 5k walk or run BBQ Dinner (provided by Mark Kemmerer of “Rub My Butt” BBQ) and live music by “Island Fever.” The 5k will feature two heats: one timed competive (no dogs allowed) and one fun run where participants can include their dog! Tickets for the 5k are $30 and include all event activities and an event t-shirt. Children and family tickets options are also available. Meal only tickets are available for $8 each for those who not wish to participate in the 5k run.

Furrever Friends 1 Year Anniversary
Location: Liverpool, NY
Dates: July 18th

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Stop out and enjoy refreshments for you and your pup, face painting and animal balloons for the kids, a free groom raffle with proceeds going to the HumaneCNY and $5 nail clips.

Niles Dog Show
Location: Fremont, CA
Dates: July 18th

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Head down for food trucks, several dog contests, raffle prizes, demonstrations from an obstacle course, police k9, frisbee and sheep herding. If you pay and register you get a goodie bag! Bring a lawn chair and or picnic basket. Food trucks, and vendors too!

Rescue Rendezvous
Location: Denver, CO
Dates: July 18th

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A fun afternoon for dogs and dog lovers! Dog play yard and pool with lunch and silent auction. Win gift baskets and gift certificates. Bring your own chair to hang out.

18th Annual Pooch Parade Dog Walk & Pet Expo
Location: Ventura, CA
Dates: July 19th

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On Sunday, July 19th, Canine Adoption and Rescue League will host its 18th Annual Pooch Parade Dog Walk & Pet Expo at the San Buenaventura State Beach Park in Ventura, CA. The theme this year is “Seniors Need Second Chances Too.” They chose this theme to focus on all of the senior dogs that may have had a rough start but deserve the very best of the rest of their lives and highlight the wonderful aspects of adopting a senior pet. Please join in for a fun filled day starting off with a charity dog walk (“Pooch Parade”) followed by pet contests, demonstrations, silent auction, raffle, adoptions through local rescue groups, and exciting pet related vendors.

Paws 4 Art
Location: San Diego, CA
Dates: July 23rd

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Join 98 Bottles for an evening of art and wine to save homeless dogs and cats! The event is organized by a member of Team PAWS, a team of runners all over the world who dedicate their running to raising money for homeless dogs and cats. The event will include the fun experience of painting on canvas led by a local San Diego artist. No experience necessary! At the end of the night she will raffle off one of her art pieces.

Bark in the Park
Location: New York, NY
Dates: July 24th

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The Mets would like to welcome you to Bark At The Park at Citi Field. Support the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world.

BarkFest
Location: NYC
Dates: July 19th

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BarkFest, a four-legged film festival focused on our favorite furry friends – is back this summer in July! Pup-lovin’ cinephiles in the city will love this curated evening of canine cinema. Read all about last year’s event here.

Not seeing any listings for your hometown? Don’t worry, this is only the beginning! Check out BarkLive for pupdates on when great events for you and your pup hit your area! You can also search on Bring Fido and see what you can find near you.

Featured image via Boston Magazine

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Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

July 2, 2015

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