Dog Events in California

When you want to really spoil your dog, or just meet other dog owners in California who are as crazy about their pets as you, there’s no better place to bring Fido than a dog event. Attend any of the dog shows, agility competitions, costume parades, festivals or fundraisers in California on our Dog Events Calendar and you’ll meet hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dog lovers. And since 70% of the events listed benefit humane societies, attending one is a great way to help homeless pets too.

Sep 19

Bark In the Park San Jose

San Jose, CA

Bark In the Park San Jose

This is one of the largest dog festivals in the United States, with more than 6,000 dog lovers and 2,000 dogs. Event highlights include the HSSV Wellness Clinic, the Veterinary Emergency Group TOP DOG Main Stage Contests, including the popular Dog-Costume Contest, Dog/Owner Look-Alike Contest and Tail-Wagging Contest, demonstrations, vendors, delicious food and drink, and the San Jose Water Company Misting Tent.

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Sep 13–19

Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at camp with Fido! Participate in a range of activities including agility, guided hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, and nose work amidst idyllic weather and tick-free surroundings. As the sole nonprofit dog camp in the nation, Wild Blue Dogs is committed to enriching the lives of dogs with cancer through fundraising events like this week-long camp and various engaging activities.

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Sep 19

Tails by Twilight

Novato, CA

Tails by Twilight

This elegant celebration honors animals and the people who care for them. Enjoy inspiring stories, gourmet plant-based meals, and signature cocktails, all while browsing exciting live and silent auctions.

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Sep 19

Yappy Hour at Wild Hare Bar Garden at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego, CA

Yappy Hour at Wild Hare Bar Garden at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Once a month, the Wild Hare Bar Garden hosts a fun themed Yappy Hour event for pets and their people! Guests will find fun surprises each month like photo booths, complimentary treats and a dog menu, drink specials, happy hour bites, giveaways, music, and more. Guests are encouraged to dress their pups and themselves in the month's special theme. Make a night of it and book a dog-friendly room on site at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter!

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Sep 18–19

Springline Oktoberfest

Menlo Park, CA

Springline Oktoberfest

This dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration features festive German food and drinks, live music, stein-holding competitions, games, photo opportunities and classic Oktoberfest décor. The open-air Plaza offers family-style seating and plenty of Bavarian-inspired fun, with beer, wine and cider available for purchase.

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Sep 19–20

Lafayette Art & Wine Festival

Lafayette, CA

Lafayette Art & Wine Festival

This annual event is among the largest in Contra Costa County, drawing over 85,000 attendees. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome, especially during the cooler morning hours when sidewalks are less crowded. Dog owners are encouraged to ensure their pets are comfortable in crowds, stay hydrated, and take advantage of the dog cooling station located at 30 Lafayette Circle. Festival-goers can explore more than 200 booths featuring arts, crafts, and fine art, enjoy a variety of foods from local restaurants and food trucks, and sample quality wines and microbrews. Live music will be performed continuously across four stages.

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Sep 20

Blues, Brews & BBQ

Alameda, CA

Blues, Brews & BBQ

Visitors can enjoy the annual celebration of world-class blues musicians, local craft breweries and smoky BBQ vendors. Headliners include Chris Cain, Terrie Odabi and Aki Kumar Blues Jam. Set in a scenic community park with bay views, the family-friendly festival welcomes well-behaved dogs on a leash, and a dog park is available in lower Washington Park.

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Sep 19–20

Pasadena ARTWalk

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena ARTWalk

Pasadena ARTWalk showcases over 180 hand-selected artisans with a focus on fine art and indie design. Shoppers can explore visual art, photography, fashion, jewelry, paper goods, home decor, housewares, and specialty foods in a curated open-air market experience.

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Sep 26

Corgi Con

Pleasanton, CA

Corgi Con

Known as the largest corgi gathering in “Corgifornia” (and possibly the world) this festive event draws thousands of Corgis and their humans for a day full of fun, races, costume contests, group photos, and corgi-themed games and vendors.

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Sep 27

Chihuahua and Small Dog Meetup at Albany Dog Park

Albany, CA

Chihuahua and Small Dog Meetup at Albany Dog Park

Bring your Chihuahua, Chi mix, or other friendly small breed dog to this fun meetup for an afternoon of off-leash play, socialization, and new friendships. Pups can enjoy treats, photo opportunities, a group photo, and goodie bags while supplies last, while owners connect with fellow small dog lovers in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

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Sep 26–27

Pasadena Chalk Festival

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena Chalk Festival

Two- and four-legged friends are welcome to enjoy this annual community festival featuring more than 500 artists creating over 200 colorful chalk murals. Visitors can stroll through impressive works of art while enjoying live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout the event.

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Sep 27

Riley & Deebo’s Project Charity Event & Vendor Fair

Buena Park, CA

Riley & Deebo’s Project Charity Event & Vendor Fair

Bring your pup for a fun day of community, shopping and giving back! Enjoy local vendors, great food and drinks, a dog cooling station, photo booth, raffles, and rescue resources. Friendly leashed dogs are welcome at this pet-friendly event supporting dogs in need.

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First monthly Apr–Oct

Market Street Pack Walk

San Francisco, CA

Market Street Pack Walk

Leash up your pup and join neighbors, community ambassadors and a local dog trainer to walk Market Street from 8th to 2nd and back! No RSVP needed to attend, but first 50 to RSVP and check-in at the walk receive a $50 Chewy gift card!

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Oct 3

Poodle Day

Carmel, CA

Poodle Day

This annual event celebrates Poodle enthusiasts and their canine companions. The day's festivities include a morning parade featuring Poodles, Poodle mixes, and their owners, followed by an afternoon of off-leash play at Carmel Beach. Evening events offer opportunities for socializing, such as cocktail parties and dinners.

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Oct 3

Emma Zen Foundation Howl-O-Ween Bark in the Park

Anaheim, CA

Emma Zen Foundation Howl-O-Ween Bark in the Park

Bring Fido to this fun event that will include a pet costume contests, group pet walk, prizes, adoptions, and lots of pet health and safety information and demos. There will also be plenty of vendors for pets and the people that love them! Please be sure to keep your pets leashed during the event.

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Oct 3

San Diego Humane Society's Annual Fur Ball

San Diego, CA

San Diego Humane Society's Annual Fur Ball

Well-mannered, leashed dogs are invited to this black-tie-optional fundraising event to celebrate helping animals in need. This event will include a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, a chef-prepared vegetarian meal and an after-party with live music.

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Oct 3

Strut Your Mutt

Idyllwild, CA

Strut Your Mutt

This dog-friendly mutt contest invites mixed-breed dogs to compete in five weight categories, from extra-small to extra-large. Winners in each category will advance to compete for Best in Show, with trophies and prizes awarded to the category winners and overall champion.

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Oct 4

Annual Blessing of the Animals at St Francis Winery & Vineyards

Santa Rosa, CA

Annual Blessing of the Animals at St Francis Winery & Vineyards

The day’s festivities include the popular “Winery Dog of the Year” dog show and contest, St. Francis wines and local fare, a silent auction, raffle prizes, and of course a blessing for every animal that attends.

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Sep 19–Oct 4, weekends only

Water Bark at Spring Lake Regional Park

Santa Rosa, CA

Water Bark at Spring Lake Regional Park

Treat your pup to a unique off-leash swimming experience during this popular end-of-the-season event! Held each weekend, dogs are invited to splash and play in a specially monitored swimming lagoon. All dogs must be current on vaccinations and at least six months old. Dogs must remain leashed outside the designated play area, may not be left unattended, and owners are limited to three dogs each.

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Oct 3–4

Pacific Airshow Viewing Experiences at Paséa Hotel & Spa

Huntington Beach, CA

Pacific Airshow Viewing Experiences at Paséa Hotel & Spa

Leashed dogs are welcome along in the ticketed general admission area to watch the spectacular Pacific Airshow from an oceanfront viewing experience at Paséa Hotel & Spa. The family-friendly event offers front-row views of world-class flight teams performing aerial stunts over the Pacific Ocean. Make a weekend of it and book at dog-friendly room on site at the Paséa Hotel & Spa!

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