October’s Best Dog-Friendly Events

Posted by Emily Walker

Spooky season is in full swing with plenty of “pawsome” events for Fido and family! Two- and four-legged friends alike can strut their stuff in costume contests, sip on something doggone delicious at a pup crawl or Barktoberfest, or even snag a date for the “ulti-mutt” dog prom. Be sure to check out these October events that’ll have everyone barking for more!

Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl

Hendersonville, NC
"I’ve been framed!" Photo by @blueridgehumanesociety

Bring your Boxer for some brews and bites at the Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl. This annual event raises funds for Blue Ridge Humane Society by selling paws-ports, which include a treat and activity at each stop on the crawl. Participants tour dog-friendly food and beverage spots in the 7th Avenue District, earning stamps at each stop for a chance to win a grand prize. This year’s vendors include The Brandy Bar + Cocktails, Celtic Creamery, Guidon Brewing Co., M & T Distilling, Southern Appalachian Brewery and White Duck Taco Shop.

The Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl is happening on October 19, 2024, from noon to 5 p.m. Early bird paws-ports purchased by October 16 are $20 for one dog or $40 for two or more from the same household. Day-of prices jump by $10, so don’t wait to fetch your ticket! Once your pup's earned all his stamps, he can kick back and relax at the Econo Lodge Hendersonville.

PAWS Mutt Strutt

Philadelphia, PA
"I’m gonna strut my stuff!" Photo by PAWS Mutt Strutt

Let your mutts strut for a great cause at the 18th annual PAWS Mutt Strutt in Philadelphia, PA. This tail-wagging event helps raise funds for shelter pets in need of homes and medical care. In addition to the scenic strut, you and your pup can enjoy an all-out dog-centric fall festival with fun activities like doggy tarot reading and fortune telling, paw print painting, a pet photo booth and so much more. Local vendors and food trucks will be onsite, and Dock Street Brewery will host a beer garden.

Mark your calendars for October 5, 2024. This event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Navy Yard. During your dog-friendly trip to Pennsylvania, treat Fido to a stay at the highly-rated Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia an IHG Hotel. They don’t charge pet fees and will spoil your pup with treats, cozy bedding and food and water bowls.

Day of the Dog San Diego

San Diego, CA
"Race you there!" Photo by @thedayofthedog

It’s Fido’s favorite day of the year, Day of the Dog! North America’s largest pet festival is making its way to San Diego, and pups are in for a treat. Furry friends will love sampling tasty snacks from onsite vendors and competing against other speedy Spaniels in the dog race. Fido can practice yoga with adoptable puppies, strike a pose in a superhero-themed photo booth, splash in an 80-foot pool, and even dive into a foam party. It sure is a dog’s day!

Day of the Dog San Diego is happening on October 13, 2024, along Voltaire St, from noon until 4 p.m., and admission is free! If you’d like to check out other pet-friendly activities in San Diego, stay at the Hotel Indigo Gaslamp Quarter an IHG Hotel. They pamper pups with an abundance of amenities, including treats, beds, bowls and complimentary food.

St. Charles Paw Parade

St. Charles, MO
"Where do you get your hair done?" Photo by stcharlescitymo.gov

Pooches can prance St. Charles’ streets at the fifth annual St. Charles Paw Parade. Costumed canines will dazzle as they parade from the Historic Frenchtown Neighborhood to Clark Street and Main Street, where they’ll be greeted with a bustling pet-friendly vendor fair. This event benefits the City of Saint Charles Animal Shelter, which helps local rescues find foster and forever homes.

Join the festivities on October 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Frenchtown Historic District. Entry is $20 for kids and $25 for adults. After your pooch has had his fill of fun, parade on over to the nearby Drury Plaza Hotel St Louis St Charles, which features a grassy relief area with a pet station.

Barktoberfest

Mission, TX
"That’s me! CAN you believe it?" Photo by @5x5Brewing

Something special is brewing at Barktoberfest in Mission, TX, this year. This festival and fundraiser supports Yaqui Animal Rescue’s crucial animal care and lifesaving programs. There’ll be a variety of contests for competitive canines, such as doggie races, costume judging and a stein-holding showdown. Meanwhile, humans can munch and shop from over 40 onsite vendors. Fido will love the pup cups and Bowser Beer doggie brews, and if you donate a 10lb bag of pet food at the entrance, you’ll score a free beer!

Barktoberfest will be held at pet-friendly 5x5 Brewing Co. in Mission, TX, from 5 to 9 p.m. on October 19, 2024. For a nearby stay, check out the La Quinta by Wyndham Mission at West McAllen, just two miles from the Dog Park at Bannworth Park.

Bayside Pet Resorts' Dog Prom

Bradenton, FL
"My mom says I’m handsome!" Photo by @humanemanatee

Give Fido a night to remember at the Bayside Pet Resorts' Dog Prom in Bradenton, FL. This delightful event supports the Humane Society of Manatee County, and dogs are encouraged to dress to the “ca-nines” for an Under the Sea-themed soirée. Let your dancing Dalmatian boogie with the DJ on the dance floor, while the “puparazzi” capture every moment. There’s even a chance for your furry friend to make the cover of Suncoast Pet Magazine! With a doggie buffet, your pup will have plenty of fuel to keep dancing all night long.

The Bayside Pet Resorts' Dog Prom will be held at Caddy's, a dog-friendly eatery in Bradenton, FL, on October 19, 2024, from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30, and advance purchase is encouraged. If Fido dances until he drops, consider booking a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Bradenton Sarasota Riverfront, which is less than a mile away from the venue.

Dog Day & Howl-O-Ween Parade

Ocean City, NJ
"Just a bunch of bananas." Photo by Facebook.com/HumaneSocietyofOceanCity

This is Howl-o-ween! Dog Day & Howl-O-Ween Parade is an annual weekend bash when dogs are welcome on the boardwalk in Ocean City. On Saturday, vendors will be offering treats, collars and all things pet related, and Fido can snap a festive selfie with Santa in a lifeguard boat under the Ocean City Music Pier Loggia. Don’t miss the boardwalk parade where pups can strut their spookiest costumes, and the Humane Society of Ocean City will crown Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year.”

The Dog Day & Howl-O-Ween Parade is happening on the Ocean City Boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct 26 and 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Oct 27. Registration for the Howl-O-Ween Parade costs $10 per pet, and all proceeds go to the Humane Society of Ocean City. Make it a “pawsitively” great weekend by booking a stay at The Coral Sands Motel.

What’s your favorite pet-friendly event to attend in October? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by PAWS Mutt Strutt.