Dog Events in Pontiac, IL

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

Jun 26–27

Belvidere Heritage Days

Belvidere, IL

Belvidere Heritage Days Leashed dogs are welcome at this community festival celebrating local heritage with a full lineup of family-friendly activities and entertainment. Please ensure Fido is kept cool and cleaned up after. Visitors can enjoy a car show, parade, vendor fair, live music, and interactive events like a duck derby, community art experiences, and a 5K run. See Details

Jun 27

Splash Pawlooza at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Splash Pawlooza at Pup Social A summer celebration for dogs featuring water play, foam play zones, and treat-filled activities for an active, social outing. Dogs can race through bubble foam areas, enjoy frozen treats, and take part in playful enrichment activities while owners relax with food and drinks from on-site vendors. Off-leash play is available in designated areas for supervised fun! See Details

Jun 28

Indoor Pup Boho Picnic in St. Charles

St. Charles, IL

Indoor Pup Boho Picnic in St. Charles Step into a cozy indoor gathering designed for dog lovers to relax, socialize, and enjoy a boho-inspired picnic atmosphere. Guests can bring their pups along to share in the chill vibes, cute decor, and friendly community setting focused on connection and comfort. See Details

Jul 1

Red, White & Woof at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Red, White & Woof at Pup Social Celebrate Independence Day weekend with an evening of dog-friendly fun featuring supervised off-leash play, special treats for pups, and drink specials for their owners. The event offers a relaxed social atmosphere where dogs can play and people can connect with fellow pet lovers. Attendance is limited to guests 21 and older. Dogs must be at least 4 months old, provide proof of current rabies, distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations, and dogs over 8 months of age must be spayed or neutered. See Details

Jul 4

Elgin 4th of July Parade & Pet Parade

Elgin, IL

Elgin 4th of July Parade & Pet Parade Celebrate Independence Day in Elgin with a spectacular celebration welcoming leashed pups! The Pet Parade starts at 9 AM from the NENA Butterfly Garden (near Douglas Ave & Ann St), following the main parade route that begins at Douglas and Slade and ends near City Hall. After the joyful march, head to Festival Park for festive fun including food trucks, children’s activities, games, and live music. Please note that fireworks will begin after 9 PM. If your pup doesn't do well with loud noises, it's best to bring him home before the show begins. See Details

Jul 5

Dog Admission Day at Morton Arboretum

Lisle, IL

Dog Admission Day at Morton Arboretum Pups are welcome to enjoy roaming the 16 miles of hiking trails around the Arboretum several times a year on select days! Dogs must be leashed at all times and have updated vaccinations and registrations. For the safety of both your pet and the natural environment, dogs aren't permitted off the marked trails. Please clean up after your pet; bags are available at the Visitor Center. See Details

Jul 10

Golden Retriever Meet-Up at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Golden Retriever Meet-Up at Pup Social Golden Retrievers and their owners are invited to enjoy a breed-specific social event featuring supervised off-leash play, complimentary pup cups, local pet vendors, and a group photo. Designed for Goldens of all ages, the gathering provides a fun opportunity for dogs to socialize with others that share similar play styles while owners connect with fellow breed enthusiasts. The event is open to guests 21 and older. Dogs must be at least 4 months old, provide proof of current rabies, distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations, and dogs over 8 months of age must be spayed or neutered. See Details

Jul 11

Central Bark First Birthday Pawty

Aurora, IL

Central Bark First Birthday Pawty Celebrate an anniversary with a community event featuring games and activities for dogs, training demonstrations, pet photography, health consultations, raffles, and an owner-pet lookalike contest. Guests can enjoy food, meet local vendors, create keepsake paw art, and support a local animal welfare organization through donation drives. See Details

Jul 16

PAWS Chicago Beach Party

Chicago, IL

PAWS Chicago Beach Party Kick off the summer with your furry friend at this annual event! Soak up the sun and watch Lake Michigan's waves roll in as you enjoy an open bar, dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles and more. Your best friend will have the chance to enjoy pet spa services. Must be 21+ to attend the event. Dogs must be up-to-date on age-recommended vaccines and retractable leashes aren't permitted. See Details

Jul 18

Free Microchip Event - Silverstray

St. John, IN

Free Microchip Event - Silverstray Bring Fido for a free microchip, hosted by Silverstray Social. A microchip is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help reunite lost pets with their families. If you've been meaning to get your pet microchipped, this is the perfect opportunity to check it off your list. No appointment is needed. Just stop by with your pet and give yourself a little extra peace of mind. See Details

Jul 17–19

Tacos y Tamales Festival

Chicago, IL

Tacos y Tamales Festival Experience a vibrant celebration with your leashed pup, featuring authentic tacos and tamales, live music, dance performances, local artists, artisan vendors, street cantinas, and family-friendly entertainment. Inspired by traditional Mexican markets, the festival showcases a diverse selection of food and cultural experiences while supporting local community organizations. As this event tends to attract large crowds, please ensure your pup is well-mannered and comfortable in busy environments. See Details

Jul 19

Canine Confidence Course at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Canine Confidence Course at Pup Social Help your dog build confidence through a structured enrichment class designed for shy, cautious, anxious, or easily distracted pups. Participants will work through obstacle courses, explore novel objects, and practice positive reinforcement exercises while receiving guidance to improve social confidence and comfort with new experiences. The class is ideal for rescue dogs, timid puppies, and any dog that could benefit from confidence-building in a supportive environment. Space is limited, and advance registration is recommended. See Details

Jul 25

Paws on the Pier

Waukegan, IL

Paws on the Pier Enjoy a lakeside afternoon of music and community where guests can meet adoptable dogs, browse pet-focused local vendors, and enter a basket raffle. This family- and dog-friendly gathering brings animal lovers together for live entertainment and fundraising! See Details

Jul 29

Pups & Trivia Night at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Pups & Trivia Night at Pup Social Test your canine knowledge during a dog-themed trivia night where teams compete through multiple rounds of questions about breeds, famous dogs, pet care, and fun canine facts. While owners enjoy friendly competition, dogs can socialize during supervised off-leash play. Prizes are awarded to top-performing teams! See Details

Aug 1

Pet Walk Racine-Kenosha

Kenosha, WI

Pet Walk Racine-Kenosha Grab Fido's leash and join this annual family-friendly race and festival to raise funds for a great cause. The morning includes a walk through the park, and a fun festival featuring live entertainment, canine carnival games, food and merchandise vendors, a lure and agility course, face painting , photo ops, raffles, and more! See Details

Jun 9–Aug 11

Summer Concert Series at Fishel Park

Downers Grove, IL

Summer Concert Series at Fishel Park Leashed dogs (6' max leash) are welcome at this weekly outdoor concert series featuring live music performances across a variety of genres. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, and there will also be vendors starting at 6 PM. Music begins at 7 PM. See Details

Jun 2 & Aug 18

Dog Day with the Joliet Slammers

Joliet, IL

Dog Day with the Joliet Slammers Take Fido out to a ballgame! Dog-friendly games are held on select dates throughout the season, so make sure to check the website's schedule to catch a game. See Details

Select dates May 24–Aug 25

Bark in the Park with the Schaumburg Boomers

Schaumburg, IL

Bark in the Park with the Schaumburg Boomers Fans are invited to bring well-behaved, leashed dogs to enjoy the ballpark! Dog-friendly games are held on select dates throughout the season, so make sure to check the website's schedule to catch a game. The event includes themed game-day activities and benefits local community efforts. Owners are responsible for their pets and must follow stadium rules for animals. See Details

Aug 29

Annual PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run

Chicago, IL

Annual PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run Bring the whole family to participate in this annual walk, Chicago’s largest dog-friendly charity event! In addition to the race, there will be dog agility courses, raffles, entertainment, treats, a dog spa and pools, and more. Opening ceremonies include a parade of adoptable pets! See Details

Aug 30

Bark in the Park

Elk Grove Village, IL

Bark in the Park Enjoy an afternoon of activities, shopping and socializing with your favorite four-legged friends! Participate in the pooch parade, make a craft for your dog, and visit over 20 booths offering products and services to help keep your pup happy and healthy. CGC testing will be available on site for a fee. The event is presented by Elk Grove Park District and Elk Grove Veterinary Emergency. See Details