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.

Sep 17

Dog Mom’s Night Out at The Barkery

Belleville, IL

Dog Mom’s Night Out at The Barkery

Celebrate the women who love and spoil their pups at this dog-friendly evening featuring local pet businesses, makers, boutiques, food vendors, shopping, and activities. Bring your four-legged companion for a night of socializing and fun while supporting Helping Strays through event proceeds and awareness efforts benefiting animals in need.

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Sep 19

Annual Belleville Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races & Costume Contest

Belleville, IL

Annual Belleville Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races & Costume Contest

Please note that only dogs participating in the race are permitted, and in race area of Oktoberfest only. The Costume Contest begins at 2:00 PM with the races following. Don't have a Dachshund? The Wanna-Be Race is open to any breed under 25 lbs. Event will be held rain or shine. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local animal rescue. Registration is required.

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Sep 19

Paws in the Park

Highland Park, IL

Paws in the Park

This celebration invites dogs and their humans to enjoy a fun-filled day of treats, activities and tail wags. Guests can explore local vendors, indulge in doggie treats, enter a costume contest, win paw-some raffle prizes, join dog training classes, and take part in an exciting sniff & find trail. Please visit their website to register.

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Sep 19

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, enjoy live music and games, and enter a basket raffle. There will be drink specials and food trucks. This family- and dog-friendly gathering brings animal lovers together for live entertainment and fundraising!

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Sep 18–20

Peoria Oktoberfest

Peoria, IL

Peoria Oktoberfest

Your leashed pup is welcome to accompany you at this annual fall festival on the riverfront! Celebrate German traditions with Oktoberfest brews, a variety of food trucks, local vendors, live music and activities. Festival hours are Friday from 5 PM until 11 PM, Saturday from 12 PM until 11 PM, and on Sunday from 11 AM until 5 PM.

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Sep 20

Case Creek Wagging Tails on Trails Fall Festival Run/Walk

Coal Valley, IL

Case Creek Wagging Tails on Trails Fall Festival Run/Walk

Leashed dogs are welcome to run or walk with you on this scenic 5K trail through pastures and woodlands around Case Creek Valley. Participants will receive a custom T-shirt, a finisher dog tag, a custom race bib, and a delicious treat at the end. Hydration stations for people and pups will be available.

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Sep 23

Chicago River Canine Cruise

Chicago, IL

Chicago River Canine Cruise

Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join their humans aboard a scenic cruise along the Chicago River. Enjoy light snacks, easy entertainment, and beautiful views of the city while supporting the lifesaving work of Chicago Animal Care and Control and its nonprofit Friends. Boarding starts at 5:30 PM and departs at 6 PM.

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Sep 24

Ciderfest: A Seasonal Cider Celebration

Chicago, IL

Ciderfest: A Seasonal Cider Celebration

Dogs are welcome to join guests at this 21+ cider tasting event featuring a wide selection of local, regional, and national ciders. Sample seasonal and traditional styles while enjoying fall flavors and a festive atmosphere, with food available for purchase, including gluten-free options. Tickets include cider tastings and a commemorative tasting glass.

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Sep 26

Daughters of Penelope | Thalia's Steps of Strength 5K Walk

Oak Brook, IL

Daughters of Penelope | Thalia's Steps of Strength 5K Walk

Leashed dogs are welcome to join this family-friendly 5K walk and charity run! Participants can enjoy a morning of movement and community with live music, food trucks, sweet treats, balloon twisting, and an animal artist. Strollers are also welcome, making this a fun event for the whole family.

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Saturdays in Sep

Puppy Basics Class at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Puppy Basics Class at Pup Social

This puppy training workshop teaches the foundational skills young dogs need to become confident, well-mannered companions. Participants will learn essential commands, positive reinforcement techniques, puppy socialization guidance and strategies for addressing common behaviors, with hands-on practice and a Q&A led by a Pup Social trainer. Attendees also receive 15% off future training packages purchased the day of the workshop.

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Sep 27

Live Like Roo Foundation Roo Fest

Winthrop Harbor, IL

Live Like Roo Foundation Roo Fest

Bring Fido to this annual event that raises awareness and funds for Live Like Roo, a foundation that assists pets with a cancer diagnosis by providing financial and emotional support. You and your pup can shop 30+ pet-focused vendors, enjoy food and beer from the brewery, enter raffles, cool off in the pool, listen to live music, walk the 1-mile boardwalk, meet with rescues, and much more!

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Sep 27

Dog Content Creator Meet-Up at Pup Social

Chicago, IL

Dog Content Creator Meet-Up at Pup Social

This dog-friendly meetup brings together pet influencers, aspiring creators, photographers and dog lovers for an afternoon of networking, content creation and supervised off-leash play. Attendees can connect with other dog accounts, exchange ideas, capture photos and videos and explore collaboration opportunities. All experience levels are welcome.

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Oct 3

Annual Galena Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races

Galena, IL

Annual Galena Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races

As part of the Annual Galena Oktoberfest, the crowd favorite Wiener Dog Races begin with registration at 11 AM. The race will feature different divisions based on age. Each heat winner advances to the semi-finals, and winners compete in the championship race for best-of-day honors in their division. Every Dachshund needs a handler to release and another to receive, with volunteers available if needed.

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Oct 3

Pawfest

Huntley, IL

Pawfest

Bring your leashed pup for low-cost vaccines, raffles, live entertainment and food. There'll also be outdoor games and a chance to add another furry best friend to your family at their adoption booth.

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Oct 3

Yappy Howl-O-Ween

Antioch, IL

Yappy Howl-O-Ween

Bring your leashed pup in his best costume to enjoy yappy hour with other dogs and pet parents at this annual event. Activities include an adoption meet & greet, costume contest, canine demonstrations, games and prizes, as well as food and music.

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Oct 3

Annual Galena Oktoberfest

Galena, IL

Annual Galena Oktoberfest

This annual festival kicks off with a ceremonial keg tapping and cannon blast. Dachshunds are invited to compete in the crowd favorite Wiener Dog Races! There will also be a stein-hoisting competition, live music, polka dancing and lessons, pumpkin decorating, great food and beer, and giant games like Jenga and Connect-4. All dog breeds welcome, as long as they're friendly and leashed. Only Dachshunds can participate in the race.

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Oct 4

Aurora Pooch Parade

Aurora, IL

Aurora Pooch Parade

Participants are invited to walk their leashed dogs along a designated route, dressed in fun costumes or themed attire, while spectators cheer and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The event includes photo opportunities, vendor booths, and activities for all ages! The first 125 registrants are guaranteed a spot in the parade and will have the chance to compete for titles including Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Costume, Twinsies (Owner & Dog), Most Energetic, and Fan Favorite.

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Oct 4

Dog Races + Fall Fest at Hideaway Brew Garden

Hoffman Estates, IL

Dog Races + Fall Fest at Hideaway Brew Garden

This dog-friendly fall market features Corgi and Dachshund races, more than 100 crafters and small businesses, a dedicated pet vendor area, raffles and caricature artists. Bring your pup to enjoy the races, browse unique handmade goods and pet products, and take part in the many activities and entertainment throughout the event.

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