Dog Events in Illinois

When you want to really spoil your dog, or just meet other dog owners in Illinois 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 Illinois 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.

Oct 6

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.

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Oct 9

Tiny Dog Meet-Up at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Tiny Dog Meet-Up at Pup Social

Give your little pup a chance to play, socialize, and build confidence at this Tiny Dog Meetup, designed exclusively for dogs under 20 pounds. Pups can enjoy supervised, size-appropriate play in a safe, low-stress environment while their humans relax in the Pup Social lounge. Every participating dog receives a free pup cup, and staff are on hand to help ensure a fun and positive experience for all.

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Oct 10

Boo Bark: AT APL

Springfield, IL

Boo Bark: AT APL

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration features a pet costume contest with prizes, a trick-or-treat path, pumpkin painting, paw painting, dog games and an agility course. Dogs must be leashed, at least 6 months old, healthy and current on vaccinations, including rabies. There's a limit of two dogs per person.

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Oct 10–11

Annual Burgoo Festival

Utica, IL

Annual Burgoo Festival

This beloved fall tradition is one of northern Illinois’ largest and longest-running festivals, drawing over 85,000 visitors each year. While pets are more than welcome to attend, keep in mind that not all businesses permit dogs inside. Be sure to ask before entering with Fido. The weekend will feature over 375 vendors offering crafts, antiques and food. On Sunday, the famous Burgoo Stew is served starting at 9 AM.

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Oct 16

Howl-o-ween Extravaganza at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Howl-o-ween Extravaganza at Pup Social

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration invites pups and their people to dress in costume and enjoy interactive activities, treats, photo opportunities, prizes, local vendors and off-leash playtime. Guests can visit Fi Collar’s activations for custom tag engraving, a data-inspired game, pup cups and dog sketching, then enter a costume contest featuring Polaroid photos and voting for Best in Show. Additional activities include a trick-or-treat vendor trail, raffles and giveaways.

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Oct 17

Woofstock

Glen Carbon, IL

Woofstock

Celebrate peace, love, and pets at a family-friendly festival featuring live music, local vendors, caricature artists, and adoptable dogs. Attendees can enjoy a lively, community-focused atmosphere with activities for all ages, making it a fun day out for families and pet lovers alike.

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May 31–Oct 18

Lindenhurst Community Market

Lindenhurst, IL

Lindenhurst Community Market

This seasonal market brings together local artisans, farmers, growers, makers and food vendors for a welcoming community experience. Held on select dates from May through October, guests can shop fresh, locally made foods and treats, browse handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts, and enjoy a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. 2026 dates include May 31st, June 14th & 28th, July 12th & 26th, August 9th & 23rd, September 6th & 20th, and October 4th & 18th.

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Oct 24

Howl O' Ween Dog Parade

Geneva, IL

Howl O' Ween Dog Parade

Dress Fido in his best costume for this fun, family-friendly Halloween event complete with a canine costume contest and prizes! Pre-registration is required. The event will be held rain or shine.

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Oct 24

Howl-o-ween 5k - Schaumburg

Elk Grove Village, IL

Howl-o-ween 5k - Schaumburg

Join the festive 5k features a scenic out-and-back course through Busse Woods and is open to runners and walkers. Pre-registration includes a short-sleeve T-shirt, finisher medal, a chip-timed race bib, live race results, and finish-line treats for both humans and pups.

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Oct 24

Paws in the Park at Bond County Fairgrounds

Greenville, IL

Paws in the Park at Bond County Fairgrounds

Friendly pups are invited to a fun-filled day of activities for everyone. There will be a costume contest, a parade, family pet photos, food vendors and more.

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Oct 24

Glow-o-ween Disco Foam Pawty at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Glow-o-ween Disco Foam Pawty at Pup Social

This dog-friendly disco celebration features neon décor, themed music and lighting, special drinks, Yappy Hour deals and disco-inspired photo opportunities. Guests are encouraged to dress in neon, metallics or festive disco outfits while their pups enjoy a glowing foam party in the off-leash park. Tickets include access to the foam party, off-leash play and Pup Social’s amenities.

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Oct 24

Trunk or Treat at Manor Shops

Addison, IL

Trunk or Treat at Manor Shops

Come with your dogs and kids to trunk or treat at the businesses in Manor Shops and enjoy the decorated cars along the way! House of Paws and Plants will have a Halloween photo set up and treats for pups and kids.

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Mar 2–Oct 26, only

Paws in the Park at Cantigny Park

Wheaton, IL

Paws in the Park at Cantigny Park

Mondays from March through October are special days for dog lovers to explore the park’s beautiful gardens and grounds with their canine companions. Dogs must be friendly, well-socialized, and kept on a leash at all times, and owners should bring proof of up-to-date vaccinations. While pups are welcome outdoors, they aren't permitted inside buildings, and visitors are asked to clean up after their dogs using the provided sanitation stations. A $6 parking fee applies. Note that Monday holidays are excluded from Paws in the Park days.

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May 9–Oct 31

Wine on the Hill

Peru, IL

Wine on the Hill

Enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery of the Illinois Valley and your favorite August Hill & ISC wines while hanging out on our spacious hillside. Wine flights, wine by the bottle and a snack picnic box will all be available.

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Oct 31

Village of Bourbonnais Howl-o-ween Pet Parade

Bourbonnais, IL

Village of Bourbonnais Howl-o-ween Pet Parade

This Halloween celebration features a pet parade, puppy photo-op, costume contest and pet-friendly vendors. Guests can also enjoy refreshments for purchase and plenty of festive Halloween fun for pets and their people.

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Nov 13

PAWS Chicago Annual Fur Ball

Chicago, IL

PAWS Chicago Annual Fur Ball

Bring Fido to Chicago’s premier pet-friendly black tie gala! Set at the legendary Drake Hotel, guests and their canine companions walk the red carpet, participate in live and silent auctions, and enjoy a dinner buffet and dancing. Four-legged guests will enjoy an evening of indulgences as well, including dinner served in crystal goblets at the dog buffet. Human guests be 21+ to attend the event.

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Nov 21

Pet Photos w/ Santa, Silent Auction & Bake Sale

Greenville, IL

Pet Photos w/ Santa, Silent Auction & Bake Sale

Leashed dogs are invited to pose with the whole family alongside Santa! There'll also be silent auction items, a bake sale, merchandise for sale and more.

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Nov 26

Turkey Day 5K Naperville

Naperville, IL

Turkey Day 5K Naperville

This Thanksgiving-themed, dog-friendly 5K features a scenic course along the Danada Trail and welcomes runners and walkers of all levels and their leashed pups. Participants receive a chip-timed race entry, turkey-themed finisher medal, soft cotton T-shirt, age-group awards and free photos.

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Nov 29

Live Like Roo Holiday Market

Barrington, IL

Live Like Roo Holiday Market

This dog-friendly holiday market is the perfect place to shop small and support local businesses while getting holiday shopping done with your pup. Browse handcrafted items and pet vendors, enjoy photos with Santa, and grab a drink, coffee or food while exploring everything the market has to offer.

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Dec 12

Antioch Merry Market: Tails, Treats & Treasures

Antioch, IL

Antioch Merry Market: Tails, Treats & Treasures

This dog-friendly holiday makers market features handmade gifts, personalized keepsakes and unique finds for people and pets, including furry, scaly and feathered friends. Guests can enjoy pet- and people-friendly treats, meet Santa Paws for a festive photo and meet adoptable dogs from For Good Rescue and cats from Gutter Cat Adoption.

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Do you know of a pet friendly event we've missed? Post a spot to BringFido!