Dog Events in Virginia

When you want to really spoil your dog, or just meet other dog owners in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 3

RVA DachtoberFest

Richmond, VA

RVA DachtoberFest

Fido's invited to this annual fundraiser that will feature Wiener dog racing, costume contests, guest speakers, demonstrations, vendors, raffles and more!

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Oct 3

Compact Canine Rescue's Annual Howl-O-Ween Fest

Norfolk, VA

Compact Canine Rescue's Annual Howl-O-Ween Fest

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at this festive event, where pups can strut their stuff in the Canine Costume Contest! Enjoy live music, cold beer, dog-friendly activities, exciting raffles, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow dog lovers.

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Oct 3

Barktoberfest

Lake Ridge, VA

Barktoberfest

Enjoy a day dedicated to pets and their people with animal adoptions, a pet-friendly photo booth, giveaways, and plenty of resources for pet owners. You can also grab a bite from Dave’s Dogs and learn how to support local animal welfare efforts in Prince William County.

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Oct 3

The Rehab Rover Canicross and Trail Race

Gordonsville, VA

The Rehab Rover Canicross and Trail Race

Grab your sneakers and Fido's leash to join the race or enjoy the festival hosted by Veterinary Rehabilitation Services of Virginia and Harness Canicular, LLC. The event features The Dog House Biergarten, food trucks, live music, and a vendor village showcasing local artisans and dog-related products.

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Oct 3

Wine Over Waynesboro

Waynesboro, VA

Wine Over Waynesboro

Spend a perfect autumn evening with your pup by enjoying live music, delicious food, wine tastings, and scenic sunset views. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket for the lawn or lawn chairs. There will be a food truck on site and guests are also welcome to bring a picnic.

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Oct 3

Howlin' Coyote Canicross 10K Trail Race

King George, VA

Howlin' Coyote Canicross 10K Trail Race

Join this nonprofit trail race featuring challenging, varied terrain where leashed dogs (6-foot maximum) can run alongside their owners. The race is disposable cup–free, with runners receiving a SpeedCup or using their own hydration. Proceeds support park improvements and educational programming, with potential swag for both humans and pups.

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Oct 4

Bark-Tober Fest at Starkey Park South

Roanoke, VA

Bark-Tober Fest at Starkey Park South

Bring your pup for a fun-filled day featuring free professional pet photos, bark bags for the first 50 attendees, a raffle basket and treats from Get Glazed Donuts. Guests are encouraged to bring dog food donations benefiting the Regional Center for Animal Care & Protection and helping local pets in need.

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Oct 10

Oktoberfest Fondue Festival at Shipgarten

McLean, VA

Oktoberfest Fondue Festival at Shipgarten

Celebrate fall at this melty, shareable twist on Bavarian tradition! Enjoy classic Swiss and German-style cheese fondue with endless dippables like bread, pretzels, and veggies, all paired with Oktoberfest beer specials, seasonal cocktails, and wine. There's an on-site dog park for Fido to play! Dirndls and lederhosen encouraged.

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Oct 11

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Annual Paws in the Park

Alexandria, VA

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Annual Paws in the Park

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are invited to this fun-filled day for the whole family, featuring live entertainment, activities, animal-themed vendors, a silent auction, a pet costume contest, and a whole lot of adorable adoptables! There will also be a variety of food and drinks available for purchase, as well as a beer garden. This event celebrates the love the community has for animals, with a ton of fun on the side. Please note that retractable and flexi leashes aren't permitted.

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Oct 17

Annual Oktoberfest at Fables & Feathers Winery

Goodview, VA

Annual Oktoberfest at Fables & Feathers Winery

Celebrate the season and harvest with Fido at this annual party, featuring live music all day and food trucks. Leashed dogs are welcome both inside and outside!

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Oct 17

Oktoberfest Renaissance Festival at Shipgarten

McLean, VA

Oktoberfest Renaissance Festival at Shipgarten

Bring your dog to enjoy German food, Renaissance games, themed contests, live music and more. There's also an off-leash area for your dog on site!

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Oct 17

Vines & Views at Breaux Vineyards

Purcellville, VA

Vines & Views at Breaux Vineyards

This guided wine hike invites guests 21+ and their leashed dogs to explore scenic vineyard trails while enjoying curated wine tastings at stops throughout the property. The hike is moderate+ and takes approximately one hour. Hiking or tennis shoes are required. Please bring water along for you and your pup.

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Oct 17

Howl-o-ween Dog Festival

Reston, VA

Howl-o-ween Dog Festival

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration features costume contests, live entertainment, food, local pet-focused vendors, adoption agencies and activities for dogs and their people. Guests can dress up their pups and enjoy an afternoon of festive fall fun!

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Oct 16–18

Anthem GO Outside Festival

Roanoke, VA

Anthem GO Outside Festival

Wander through downtown Roanoke with Fido for three days and try your hand at endless outdoor activities. Test drive a bike, demo a stand-up paddleboard, learn to fly cast, join a race, and sample craft beer all in one afternoon. Not all activities are dog friendly, so be sure to double-check before participating.

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Oct 16–18

Fall Farm Fest at Screaming Goats Farm & Brewery

Amissville, VA

Fall Farm Fest at Screaming Goats Farm & Brewery

Enjoy a classic fall day with Fido at this festival featuring seasonal beer releases, local vendors, pumpkin decorating, costume contests, family activities, caramel apples, hay bale displays, and more. A dog costume contest adds extra excitement for four-legged guests!

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Oct 24

Growl-O-Ween at Center of the Universe Brewing

Ashland, VA

Growl-O-Ween at Center of the Universe Brewing

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration benefits the Hanover Humane Society and features a dog costume contest, trick competitions, live music, local vendors, food and drinks. Guests can also take advantage of nail clipping and microchipping services, shop a variety of pet-related offerings and participate in a silent auction, all while supporting animals in need.

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Oct 24

Dr Pepper Day Festival

Roanoke, VA

Dr Pepper Day Festival

Leashed dogs are welcome at this community celebration honoring a historic soda brand with live music, local vendors, food trucks, family activities, and a kids area, along with complimentary product samples, limited-edition shirts, and other giveaways while supplies last.

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Jun 4–Oct 24

Summer Concerts at Dr Pepper Park

Roanoke, VA

Summer Concerts at Dr Pepper Park

Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome in the general admission area of live music concerts and festivals throughout the summer in a unique setting by the Roanoke River at the base of Mill Mountain. Food and beverages are cash only and there's an ATM on site. Bring your own lawn chair and blankets or rent a chair at the event. All events are rain or shine and subject to change. See website for a complete listing.

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Oct 24

Dog-O-Ween at Shipgarten

McLean, VA

Dog-O-Ween at Shipgarten

Two- and four-legged friends are invited to celebrate Halloween in this annual event! Dress Fido in his best costume and head over for a fun-filled afternoon featuring trick-or-treating, vendors, live music, food, dog competitions, and more!

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Oct 24

Howl-O-Ween with Beagles & Bentleys

Richmond, VA

Howl-O-Ween with Beagles & Bentleys

Bring your pups dressed in their best costumes and enjoy a fun-filled day with face painting, balloon art, and pet and people caricatures. Snap photos at Halloween-themed backdrops, do crafts with the Richmond Public Library, watch magic shows and enjoy treats for furry friends.

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