Dog Friendly Summer Events 2016
Posted by Jennifer Joyce on 29th June 2016
Being outdoors with your pup is the best part of summer! In addition to hiking, biking, and camping, we love all of the outdoor festivals and events. However, a lot of times our dogs aren’t welcome. Here we have put together some great events that welcome your and Fido. Do you know of a fun dog-friendly event? If so, post it in the comments or on the Kurgo Facebook page.
Outdoor Concerts
Outdoor concerts are a great place to bring a dog with a picnic and a bottle of wine. Look on your local newspaper’s website for free concerts in your area. BringFido.com also has a huge list of events around the country.
Fillmore Jazz Festival in San Francisco on July 2 & 3 is the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast and they welcome dogs. In addition to jazz performances on multiple stages, there are over 12 blocks of food, arts, and crafts to browse. (If you love jazz, you can bring your pup also to the
LL Bean holds its Summer in the Park events all summer in its hometown of Freeport, ME, which include free outdoor concerts with some notable folk and Indie bands. Taking place in Discovery Park, bring your dog, a lawn chair and a picnic basket.
Throughout the summer, there are a series of outdoor concerts all over Orange County that welcome dogs -- Fullerton to Newport Beach. Check out the OCDogFriendly.com website for the schedule.
Over Labor Day Weekend on September 3, Newburyport, MA welcomes dogs to its annual RiverFest which features 4 up-and-coming bands and a popular headliner. This year's lineup includes Big Head Todd & the Monsters, the Revivalists, and Air Traffic Controller. Stroll through the super dog-friendly town and shop any one of the pet stores there. There's also a Black Dog store location for things for you.
While you can't bring your dog into the concert area, you can bring your pup along for these country music festivals into the campground area: Country Fest (Cadott, WI) & Country USA (Oshkosh, WI).
Balboa Park in San Diego, CA has its Twilight in the Park Series and you are more than welcome to bring your dog.
Major League Baseball
Most Major League Baseball teams have at least one, if not more, games where pets are given a warm welcome. Take your pooch along to enjoy a hot dog and cheer on your favorite team. For schedules, see GoPetFriendly.com.
Food & Outdoor Festivals
Awarded Best Festival in Chicagoland by the Chicago Tribune, West Fest (July 8-10) is a street party in the hip neighborhood of West Town. For only $5, you can see lots of music and sample delicious food vendors. Your pup is welcome, plus there is also a Pet Fest area with activities for dogs.
In Los Angeles, Street Food Cinema is a weekly outdoor event on Saturdays where you can watch a movie, hear live music and sample the numerous food trucks all with your dog. Check the schedule to pick your favorite movie and food trucks.
Eat | See | Hear is also a weekly event in Los Angeles where you can watch a movie, hear live music and eat great food. Plus bring your pup!
From August 3-7, you and your pet are welcome at the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, ME. The event includes an art show, live music on several stages, and of course lots and lots of lobster!
The Portland International Beer Fest (Portland, OR) is a high-end beer festival featuring over 200 beers from 16 countries. It runs from June 24-26 in Holladay Park on the Willamette River. Bring your pup and his dog travel bowl to enjoy the
beautiful park and run through the fountains.
Also in Portland, OR, on August 6, The Rogue Ales & Spirits (Distillery & Public House) has its Bones & Brew event, which features BBQ, craft brews, and live music. Kids, dogs, and adults welcome!
Arts & Crafts Festivals
Dogs are welcome at the New England Open Markets taking place every Saturday in Boston on the Rose Kennedy Greenway and every Sunday in the South End of Boston at the InkBlock. Find treasures made by local artists as well as sample fresh, artisanal food and the many varied food trucks.
First Sundays Arts in Annapolis, MD is a free monthly arts & crafts show featuring
local and regional artists with live music, dance, street performers, food and more. Pets are welcome!
During the month-long Artown arts festival in Reno, Nevada there is an Art Paws event open to you and your pet on July 17. The event includes animal art, wine tasting, and live music.
The Tomato Arts Festival on August 12 & 13 in East Nashville, TN was originally an arts event that has expanded to an all-out street festival with a 5K fun run, parade, live music and lots and lots of tomato art. Costumes are encouraged for both people & dogs.
Enjoy an outdoor arts festival with artists, street performers, and a variety of foods at the SoNo Arts Celebration on August 5-7 in South Norwalk, CT. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome.
For the Wine Lover
More wineries are welcoming dogs on their grounds while you wine taste. A list of Napa Valley dog-friendly wineries can be found here. Sonoma County’s list is here. In addition to these pet-friendly wineries, there are several winery events this summer that welcome your dog.
The Canines Uncorked Wine Tour on August 6 is a tour of 15 wineries throughout the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Many stops have special dog events and all proceeds benefit the Oregon Humane Society.
In the heart of California Wine Country (Napa Valley), Beringer Vineyards (St. Helena, CA) welcomes dogs to its Summer Music in the Rhine House Backyard concert series every Saturday & Sunday afternoon.
In Hudson, OH, on July 15 & 16 you and your pooch can attend the 7th Annual Hudson Wine Festival. The event will have 150 wines from local, national, and international wineries as well as craft beers. All proceeds benefit local animal welfare and military support organizations.
The Grapehound Wine Tour in the Finger Lakes region of New York offers tastings & music at more than 20 wineries over 4 days from July 21-24. All proceeds benefit Greyhound rescue organizations in the Northeast. Dogs, especially Greyhounds are welcome. Check their website for certain breed restrictions.
Yappy Hours
Around the country more and more bars and hotels are hosting yappy hours on
their decks and patios during the summer and early fall.
Here are just a few we found around the country:
Boston, MA, Yappier Hour. The upscale Liberty Hotel renewed its Yappy Hour for both Mondays & Wednesdays in its own back 'Yard'. They provide treats and delicious cocktails for you & your furry friend. Plus it's a great place to meet stylish pups and their people in Boston.
San Diego, CA, Woofer Wednesday. Bring your pup along to the Wine Pub and enjoy great wine and a dinner. Many nights are benefits for different animal groups in the area.
Asbury Park, NJ, Yappy Hour at Wonder Bar. Head down to the Jersey shore with your pup and enjoy cocktails at the Wonder Bar Monday, Thursday, and Friday starting at 4 pm and Saturdays & Sundays starting at noon. There special hours for small dogs.
Dana Point, CA, Yappy Hour Season. Bring your dog into the lap of luxury at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel the third Thursday of every month. Wine and brews for you. Hand-made dog biscuits and water in a variety of flavors: bacon, chicken, cheese, beef and liver. All proceeds go to the Wounded Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence.
Charleston, SC, Yappy Hour. Enjoy live music and drinks each month at James Island County Park Dog Park. Upcoming Dates: July 7, August 4, September 15, October 13.
Arlington, VA, Yappy Hour at Amuse Terrace. The Le Meridien hosts dogs and their people on their terrace on several dates: July 1, August 5, September 9 & October 2. Enjoy drinks as well as a gourmet menu from Amuse Restaurant. DJs will spin tunes for entertainment.
Healdsburg, CA, Mutt Lynch Winery’s Yappy Hour. The second Friday of every month enjoy wine at Sonoma’s most dog-friendly winery. Every event goes to benefit a local dog charity.
Austin, TX, Yard Bar. We are not sure whether this is a dog park with a bar or a bar with a dog park, but the entire experience is oriented around your pup. With over 30,000 square feet, about 20,000 square feet is designated as a play place for dogs while pet parents enjoy a night out. They have a full bar and restaurant menu with bites you can share with your dog.
Do you have a favorite dog-friendly event that Kurgo fans should know about? Post it here in the comments and we will add it to our list!
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