Kicking off with a parade of lights, Sandpoint Idaho's Annual Winter Carnival celebrates all the things we love about the chilly season. Eichardt’s Annual K9 Keg Pull is one of its signature events. Held in the Granary District, this intense battle through the snow draws large crowds every year. Dogs of all sizes take turns running full-pelt down the snow-packed course, dragging a keg or can of beer in their wake. Sandpoint Idaho’s Annual Winter Carnival will be held on February 17-26 and Eichardt’s Annual K9 Keg Pull event will take place at Cedar Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 26. Admission is free.

Bundle up your pup and celebrate the power of light and community at the Portland Winter Light Festival in Oregon. This free, pet-friendly event was founded by The Willamette Light Brigade to propel its mission of connecting people and enriching the public through artful lighting. PDXWLF is truly a sight to behold with your leashed dog. The festival takes place at Pioneer Courthouse Square and throughout Portland from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. February 3-11.

Better keep this event on the down low. As soon as Fido hears that bacon is involved, he’ll be panting to go. The St. Pete Beer, Bacon & BBQ Festival welcomes leashed dogs to join their owners for this annual event. Humans can sample craft beer and cocktails while playing cornhole. There will also be delicious barbecue from more than 25 food vendors that your pup will be happy to taste test for you. Drifting Roots and other live bands will be performing throughout the day, and you’ll have a chance to play games and take home awesome prizes. St. Pete Beer, Bacon & BBQ Festival will be held from noon to 7 p.m. on January 14 and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on January 15 at Vinoy Park. Admission is $15-$39.

Enjoy a day playing on the frozen pond with Fido and sign him up to participate in the Dog Keg Pull race at Winterpaloozah! Additional events at this winter festival in Rangeley, ME, include wagon rides, a cardboard sled race, a firewood toss competition, pond hockey, curling, snowkiting demos, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snow castle building, and a campfire & marshmallow roast. This dog-friendly event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 19 at Haley Pond Park. Admission is free, but participation in the Dog Keg Pull Race is $10.

If your pooch has a special talent or just wants to show off that he’s top dog, he could be the perfect contender for the LGWC Dog’s Got Talent contest. Held annually during the month-long Lake George Winter Carnival, this event is an absolute fan favorite. Prizes are awarded by the esteemed judges to the favorite “pawticipants.” LGWC Dog’s Got Talent will be held every Sunday in February at 2 p.m. at Shepard’s Park Beach. Admission is free.

Bring Fido to the Annual Doggie Street Festival Phoenix for yummy treats, great music, contests and auction prizes, a kid's art area and more. There will be a VIP lounge, and awesome pet products and services will be available. Many rescues will also be in attendance, so if you’re looking for a new best friend, this could be the “pawfect” opportunity to meet one. This day of furry fun is also an informative experience for current and potential pet owners, with speakers and experts covering a variety of topics concerning pet care, health, training and well-being, and ending pet homelessness. The Annual Doggie Street Festival Phoenix will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 28 at Steele Indian School Park. Admission is free.

Each year, the City of Santee, CA, hosts Fido Fest, an event designed especially for dogs and dog lovers. The festival draws over 2,000 attendees and their pets, and features a wide variety of exhibitors, giveaways, entertainment, pet product vendors and more. Be sure to check out the Fly Ball demonstrations and maybe introduce Fido to a new hobby. There will also be discounted vaccinations and microchipping onsite and even the chance to bring home a new four-legged family member from one of the local rescue organizations. Fido Fest is free to attend and will be held on February 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East.