Dog Events in Highlands, NC

Here are the pet friendly events closest to Highlands. Use the links below to get details on each event, print directions, look at pictures, and even read reviews of last year’s event.

Pet Friendly Monster Mash Splash
Monster Mash Splash Celebrate Halloween in July with your pup at this dog-friendly event featuring costumes, splash pools for pups, vendors, treats, activities, and concessions for dogs and their people. Guests are encouraged to dress up their dogs for a summer-themed Halloween celebration while enjoying activities, shopping, and time with fellow animal lovers. See Details
Pet Friendly Apple Season Opening at Grandad's Apples N' Such
Apple Season Opening at Grandad's Apples N' Such Bring Fido along and enjoy this season's opening weekend! Grab some apple cider donuts, cider slushies, and produce straight from the orchard. See Details
May 29–Jul 31, select

Amp’d Up Fridays

Amp’d Up Fridays Join Mauldin's beloved summer concert series, featuring live music spanning various genres like beach, pop, rock and country, attracting attendees from across the Upstate for evenings of dancing, food and entertainment at the Mauldin Outdoor Amphitheater. Bring your dancing shoes, lawn chairs, blankets, and well-behaved, leashed dogs, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable Southern night under the stars. The final night will conclude with fireworks. See Details
Bark & Bolt 5k, 1 Mile, 100m Paw Pursuit & Bark in the Park Dog Fair This annual event welcomes both runners and walkers, two to four-legged! Choose from a scenic 5K course, a 1-mile or the Paw Pursuit 100 Meter Dash (a quick sprint where dogs run alongside their owners to demonstrate their speed and agility). Dogs will be divided into three weight classes: Lightweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight. See Details
Highland Games & Scottish Festival at Mills River Brewing Co. Celebrate Scottish heritage at a free community festival featuring sanctioned Highland Games competitions, traditional food and drinks, live music, cultural entertainment, and a variety of vendors. Leashed dogs are welcome inside and outside. See Details
Paws & Pencils Bring Fido along and support local students and rescue animals at this family-friendly community event featuring adoptable dogs, a school supply drive, kids' activities, photo opportunities, giveaways, refreshments, and hospital tours. See Details
Paws in the Pool Bring Fido to splash in the pool at the end of the summer. Your pup must be a good swimmer, or you'll need to bring a dog lifejacket. Large breeds (over 40 lbs) have dibs on the pool from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM. Small dogs get their chance from 11:15 AM until 12:45 PM. Your registration covers an array of treats, vendors, exciting activities and much more! The rain date with be August 9th. See Details
Sourwood Festival This annual summer celebration kicks off the sourwood honey-selling season, sourced from the native sourwood tree in the Southern Appalachian region. The festival offers a vibrant collection of bees and locally-produced sourwood honey, featuring over 150 vendors, festival delicacies, and live music. While the festival is dog friendly, please be mindful of tentative warm temperatures and hot pavement if planning to bring Fido. See Details
Collective Community Pack Walk Join a community dog walk with your leashed pup the second Sunday of each month! The group will take a leisurely loop around Main Street and ending back at Wag! A Unique Pet Boutique. Pup cups will be available. See Details
Sunflowers & Selfies at Smithgall Woods State Park Leashed dogs are welcome at this beloved annual event! Guests can enjoy hayrides, games, sunflower photo ops, a photo contest and strolls through a blooming sunflower field at their own pace. Knowledgeable guides share park history along the way, and sunflowers and handcrafted artisan vases will be available for purchase. Please note that dogs aren't permitted on the hayride. Proceeds support Smithgall’s Cabin Fever campaign to restore a historic on-site log cabin. The event is weather permitting. See Details
Doggies at the Diamond with the Asheville Tourists Take Fido out the ballgame! Bring your furry friend to the ballpark tonight to watch Asheville Tourists twice this season: June 3rd and August 12th. Presented by Patton Avenue Pet Company. Gates open at 5:30 PM. Check their website for any last minute schedule changes. See Details
Concerts in the Park at Biltmore Park Town Square On the second Friday of each month, leashed dogs are welcome at this family-friendly summer concert series featuring live music, interactive games, and activities for kids of all ages. Guests can take part in oversized versions of favorite games such as Connect 4, Tetris, and cornhole. Attendees are encouraged to bring takeout from local restaurants and enjoy dinner outdoors while listening to the music. See Details
Meet the Mountains Festival Leashed dogs are welcome at this annual festival that highlights the region’s world-class recreational opportunities. Pets must be kept on a non-retractable leashes no longer than 4'. Female animals in heat won't be permitted. The event features three immersive zones (Air, Water and Earth) where attendees can try activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, fly casting, mountain biking, rock climbing walls, and more, all designed to introduce people to Northeast Tennessee’s outdoor assets and inspire healthy, active lifestyles. See Details
Dog Daze at Village Green Shopping Center Bring Fido out for this three-day festival of canine aquatics, food, shopping, and fun, presented by Shop Farragut and the Town of Farragut in partnership with Smoky Mountain Dock Dogs and Ricki’s Pet Depot! The event features nationally-sanctioned Dock Dogs competitions, plus food trucks, pet-related vendors, shopping booths, and silent auctions benefiting local causes. See Details
Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail Bring Fido, on a leash, to experience Bullington Gardens' Fairy Trail! A wonderful, imagination filled trail with fairy houses and whimsical landscapes along the way. Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding. The trail is closed on Sundays. See Details
WNC Bigfoot Festival Leashed dogs are welcome at this quirky, family‑friendly celebration that embraces the legend of Bigfoot with a mix of fun, entertainment, and local culture. Attendees can enjoy live music, food vendors, craft and merchandise booths, games, and activities for all ages. The festival also features unique Bigfoot‑themed attractions and contests. See Details
Waggy Wednesday with the Hub City Spartanburgers Bring your furry friend and enjoy a night of baseball! Held on select Wednesdays throughout the season, these dog-friendly games invite fans to cheer on the Spartanburgers alongside their leashed pups. Dog owners will be required to fill out a waiver either online before the game, or on game night. Water bowls and other special treats will be available! In addition to Waggy Wednesdays, they're also hosting a cat-friendly night this year: SpartanPURRg Night will take place on Tuesday, April 7th. See Details
Gwinnett Stripers Wet Nose Wednesdays Four-legged friends are invited to Bark in the Park events, where they can watch the Gwinnett Stripers take on their rivals! Dogs are free with a paid owner on The Berm. The 2026 dates include May 20, June 3 & 17, July 8 & 22, August 5 & 19, and September 2. See Details
May 23–24, Jun 6–7, Jul 4–5, Aug 1–2, Sep 5–6

Art on the Greene

Art on the Greene On the first weekend each month, this popular outdoor art show welcomes leashed dogs and brings together a curated selection of local and regional artisans showcasing high-quality, handmade works across a wide range of mediums, including pottery, woodwork, glass, metal, and painting. Guests can browse one-of-a-kind pieces, from fine art to functional crafts, while enjoying food vendors and a relaxed, walkable setting surrounded by shops and restaurants. See Details
Labor Day Weekend at 4 Paws Kingdom Wrap up summer with a laid-back Labor Day camping weekend filled with great food, outdoor fun and live music. Enjoy food truck favorites, creative paint-and-lick activities for pups, Yappy Hour socials, professional canine photography, doggy ice cream, and exciting lure coursing. You must be a camping guest of the resort to participate. See more lodging information and book your weekend HERE. See Details
Highlands, NC, US