It’s the last full month of summer, and while the temperatures are high, it’s the right time to fill Fido’s calendar with cool events. Ride the waves, make a splash, and maybe catch a foul ball at these pet-friendly events during the dog days of August!
Dog Surf Championship and Other Upcoming August Events
Posted by Jessica Roberts
World Dog Surfing Championship
The annual World Dog Surfing Championship on Linda Mar Beach outside of San Francisco is one of August's signature dog events. This unforgettable competition brings together top competitors and happy amateurs alike to surf for the grand prize in a tandem or solo competition. If riding the waves isn’t his thing, Fido can try his paw at the Dog Disc or Ball-Fetch-in-Water Competitions instead. The event also features a costume contest, sponsor tents, and a wellness fair for pup checkups and doggy massages by Happy Hounds Massage. Be sure to stop by the mobile adoption center to meet new friends and maybe a new family member. After the event, stay for Yappy Hour at Pedro Point Brewing.
This year’s World Dog Surfing Championship will be held on August 6. Admission is free, but there are entry fees for dogs participating in the competitions. Staypineapple, An Elegant Hotel, Union Square is located in nearby San Francisco and welcomes dogs for no additional fee with dog beds, bowls, and treats.
Dog Mountain Summer Dog Party
August is the month for the Dog Mountain Summer Dog Party, an annual canine-centric celebration held at one of the most epic dog parks in the country. Bring Fido to the 150-acre off-leash farm to run, play, and swim with friends on two legs and four. There will be live music by The Barnyard Incident, delicious fare from local food trucks, and a bounce house, scavenger hunt, and lawn games for families. Your pup can participate in the Doggie Walk of Fame with Pup-arazzi, and four-legged athletes can test their skills on the agility course, or enter contests. Of course, don’t leave without visiting the famous Dog Chapel.
The Dog Mountain Summer Dog Party in 2022 will be held August 6 and is free to attend. If you’re visiting from out of town, check in at The Wildflower Inn. Located in Lyndonville, less than 30 minutes from Dog Mountain, this quaint, pet-friendly bed-and-breakfast is situated on 570 acres of Vermont farmland filled with nature trails for you and Fido to explore.
Tails of the Mountain Pet Festival
Mark your calendars for Tails of the Mountain Pet Festival, South Georgian Bay's premiere pet event located on 100 acres of the Niagara Escarpment in the Grey Highlands. The event will include pet vendors, shelters, adoption agencies and rescues, along with fun games and contests. The festival will also feature Dock Diving with Canine Watersports Canada on August 6, and on its own on August 7. The competition will be fierce and exciting to watch. If you’re wondering if Fido has what it takes to jump, first timers and non-competitors can take advantage of the try-it jumps offered throughout the day.
The festival will take place on August 6 and 7. Stay nearby in beautiful Owen Sound at the pet-friendly Best Western Inn on the Bay, which features beautiful views and is centrally located right in the heart of this gorgeous region.
Outer Banks Pirate Festival
Ahoy Mateys! Get ready for a swashbucklin’ good time as Kitty Hawk Kites hosts the Outer Banks Pirate Festival. Pirates of Blackbeard's Crew and first mates on two legs and four will be camped out at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the vast history of pirates on the OBX and pay homage to the region known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” and “Blackbeard’s Backyard.” Come a week early and you and Fido can also attend the Outerbanks Watermelon Festival, a romping good time with tons of fresh watermelon to enjoy.
The 2022 Outer Banks Pirate Festival will be held on August 10 and 11, and admission is free. The Watermelon Festival is August 4. For a budget-friendly option to stay the week with plenty of local flavor, reserve a room at the See Sea Motel in Kill Devil Hills.
Tomato Art Fest
The Tomato Art Fest invites you and your pup to join in a wacky day of art, music, food, contests, shopping, and fun activities in Music City. Bring that “tomato spirit” for a weekend full of events celebrating this beloved veg ... er, fruit. Food vendors and local artists line the streets throughout the weekend, and a free concert will kick things off on Friday evening. Don’t miss the “Push Pull & Wear Parade” on Saturday morning where Tomato Lovers line the streets of Five Points to see the quirky and original parade entries march proudly through East Nashville in their best tomato themes. Live music will continue throughout the day along with other fun activities like bobbing for tomatoes and the Biggest, Littlest, Ugliest Tomato Contest. Water bowls and wading pools are available to keep canines cool.
Tomato Art Fest will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 12 and 13. Lodge at Virgin Hotels Nashville, one of the most dog-friendly hotels in America. Four-legged guests receive treats and pets at check-in, dog beds and feeding bowls to use during their stay, and Virgin Hotels bandanas to take home to commemorate their trip. Pups are also welcome to join their humans in the hotel bar and on the rooftop deck.
Pup Night at PNC Park
Take Fido out to the ballgame to cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates as they take on the Atlanta Braves at Pup Night at PNC Park. Whether you are a Pirates superfan or just want to enjoy America’s favorite pastime with your pooch, this event is for you. Each ticket will include a rooftop seat at the game for you and your pup, and a portion of every ticket sold benefits local animal shelters. Be aware that fireworks may be shot off, so if Fido is easily panicked by loud noises, we suggest you watch the game at home.
The 2022 Pup Night at PNC Park will be held August 23. Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore is a pet-friendly hotel within walking distance of both PNC Park and numerous pet-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy a meal before the game.
WAG! A Dog Friendly Festival
Fido is sure to have a doggone good time at WAG! A Dog Friendly Festival, an event aimed at providing fun and entertainment to all pups and the people who love them. Head to the Darby Bend Lakes area of Prairie Oaks Metro Park in Hilliard for pet-centric games, contests, and exhibits. Don’t worry about the heat, as the beloved ice pile for pooches to chill out is kept fresh and cold throughout the event. There are trails to wander and lakes to splash in, and the route to activities leads past booths for shopping from some of the area's best dog-related product and service providers. The event is free and family-friendly, so be sure to bring the entire family …, especially Fido!
The WAG! Festival will be held on August 27. The Graduate Columbus is the perfect place to stay with your pup during the weekend, as he will receive even more treats from the staff at the front desk.
Have you ever tried surfing with your dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!
Banner photo by Facebook.com/SurfCityDog.