Dog Events in Illinois

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.

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.

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.

Shop with Fido from local crafters and check off your gift list while enjoying photos with Santa, a caricature artist, food and drinks from the bar, and more.

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.

On select Sundays this holiday season, bring Fido and watch him strike adorable poses with Santa. The event will be held in the Lower Level Grand Court. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event. Reservations are recommended but not required.

Experience the magic of the holidays with Fido by bringing him to the mall to meet Santa for a photo! Pet Photos will be located Lower Level East Wing below Bath & Body Works. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event. Reservations are recommended but not required.

On select Monday nights, capture paw-some memories with Fido for the holiday season! Each pet will receive a holiday goodie bag featuring a treat, festive bandana and toy, while supplies last. Pets must be leashed or in a carrier. Please use Entrance #1 near Macy’s and remain in the Macy’s court with your pet. Reservations are recommended but not required.

Celebrate the holidays with photos featuring your pets and family! The bar is open to the public and Live Like Roo Foundation will be set up near the front. Book a time slot on their event page.

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.

Bring your furry friends, big or small, and watch them strike adorable poses with Santa! Pet Photos will be located in the lower level H+M wing. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event. Reservations are recommended but not required.

Celebrate the holiday season with your pup and the Live Like Roo Foundation at this dog-friendly Holiday Pet Market featuring local vendors, holiday cocktails and coffee, photos with Santa, caricatures, and festive photo opportunities. Bring your pup to shop, socialize and enjoy a day of seasonal fun with fellow pet lovers.

Get ready to capture paw-some memories with Fido on select Monday nights this holiday season! All pets must be safely secured in a carrier or on a leash, and please enter through the Southwest entrance closest to Maggiano's. Animals will journey straight to Santa's set on the lower level of H&M Court.

On select Monday nights this holiday season, capture a festive keepsake with your pet during at this special seasonal photo experience! All pets must be leashed or secured in a pet carrier. Santa will be located on level one near the Food Court. Reservations are available online.

Bring Fido to this outdoor holiday market featuring vendors from around the world who display hand-crafted ornaments, toys and unique holiday gifts as well as traditional German, local and international foods, sweets and beverages. The event includes special events, performers and activities. Leashed dogs are allowed in the outside area of the market, but aren't permitted in the indoor areas or tents. Admission times vary; check their website for current hours of operation.

Bring Fido to an authentic German-Style holiday market featuring vendors selling traditional German, local and international food and beverages as well as hand-crafted artisan merchandise. Leashed dogs are welcome to the outdoor areas of the market, but aren't permitted in the indoor areas or tents. Admission times vary; check their website for current hours of operation.

Dogs are welcome to join the festive fun on select dates during Illumination Dog Admission Nights. Enjoy a stroll along the trail to admire dazzling light displays throughout the gardens. A separate dog admission ticket is required for each pup, in addition to a standard Illumination ticket. Daytime general admission does not include access to the evening event. The event is held on Wednesday, December 2, 9, and 16, and Friday, January 1.

Leashed pups are welcome to join you in browsing these mesmerizing exhibitions, featuring immersive, large-scale installations that bring the wonder of flight to life. This interactive experience showcases inflatable artworks, light projections, and floating sculptures designed by international artists. Please note that as per Balloon Museum policies: dogs must be leashed at all times and aren't permitted in the ball pit.; medium-large sized dogs must be muzzled; the interactive space may be overwhelming for your pet, as it includes strobe lights, sounds, vibrations, and balloons popping as part of the experience. Make sure your pet will feel comfortable in this environment before bringing him along.

This dog-friendly 5K run/walk features a scenic, paved and generally flat course while supporting Animal House Shelter. Registration includes a T-shirt, finisher medal, dog medal, chip-timed race bib, live results and finish-line treats for humans and dogs.

Puppy Hour is a fun, free weekly playtime for puppies and their owners at Central Bark.