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 23

Howl-O-Ween at Gateway Park Interim Dog Park

Arlington, VA

Howl-O-Ween at Gateway Park Interim Dog Park

Join the Rosslyn BID for a Halloween-themed evening of dog-friendly activities, treats and seasonal fun! There will be vendors, a beer and wine bar for pet parents, opportunity to mingle with fellow furry friends, and more. Dress your pup in their best costume for the annual dog costume contest!

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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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Oct 24

Annual Doggie Costume Contest at The Bean Spot and The Vintage Pearl

Mathews, VA

Annual Doggie Costume Contest at The Bean Spot and The Vintage Pearl

This dog-friendly Halloween costume contest invites pups to dress up and visit The Bean Spot for a photo entry. A drink purchase is required to participate, and online voting will determine the first-, second- and third-place winners. Photos will be shared on Facebook, with prizes awarded to the top three costumes.

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Oct 24

Wiener Dog Derby at Shenandoah Downs

Woodstock, VA

Wiener Dog Derby at Shenandoah Downs

The annual Wiener Dog Derby invites dachshunds to race on the track in front of the grandstand between harness races. Families can watch the competition for free while enjoying concession specials, including $1 hot dogs and $2 canned beer. Dachshund owners can register their dogs to compete by email.

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Oct 25

Howl-O-Woof Pet Parade and Costume Contest

Hampton, VA

Howl-O-Woof Pet Parade and Costume Contest

Celebrate fall with Fido at this family-friendly event featuring trick-or-treat stations for kids and dogs, a harvest market, food truck, local rescue organizations, pet vendors, and festive activities throughout the afternoon. Highlights include a dog costume contest, pup parade, peanut butter eating contest, booth decorating competition, prizes, and plenty of seasonal fun for dogs and their people.

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Oct 24–25

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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Wednesdays, Feb–Oct

Pup Stroll Wednesdays at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Vienna, VA

Pup Stroll Wednesdays at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

On Wednesdays, during regular daytime hours, leashed dogs are welcome in the gardens (only service dogs are permitted on other days). Each adult may bring one dog. All attendees must sign an Assumption of Risk and Rules of Participation form before entering. Dogs must be leashed at all times with a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet. Loaner leashes are available at the Admissions Desk, and adult handlers are responsible for keeping dogs under control and out of landscape beds.

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Oct 30

All Dogs Frolick After Dark

Alexandria, VA

All Dogs Frolick After Dark

Bring Fido for some fun indoor exercise with other pups. No reservations required, just drop in with your canine pal. Staff members will be on hand to show you how to use the agility and exercise equipment.

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Oct 30

Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo

Norfolk, VA

Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo

Dog lovers and their well-behaved canine companions are invited to explore the zoo together during this unique Halloween-themed night! Guests can stroll through select zoo areas with their dogs while enjoying new sights, smells, and interactive experiences designed to enrich both pets and zoo animals alike. The event also features themed activities and a costume contest. Participating dogs must be leashed, vaccinated, and comfortable around people and other animals.

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Oct 30

Paws for a Cause Halloween Market

Virginia Beach, VA

Paws for a Cause Halloween Market

This family- and dog-friendly evening will feature local vendors, food and treats, Halloween activities, and a costume contest with categories for pets, individuals, and groups. Bring your pup, dress up for the occasion, shop local, and enjoy a fun Halloween evening while supporting animals in the community. The Halloween Market is part of the VBSPCA’s Paws for a Cause peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, running October 26–November 6. Funds raised help support the animals in the VBSPCA’s care.

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Oct 30

Spooky-Oke Halloween Party at James River Cellars Winery

Glen Allen, VA

Spooky-Oke Halloween Party at James River Cellars Winery

This dog-friendly Halloween party at the winery features wine, music and plenty of laughs, with costumes highly encouraged and a costume contest offering prizes in multiple categories. Guests can enjoy an evening of spooky fun, singing along to music and celebrating the season.

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Oct 31

Scott's Addition Pumpkin Festival

Richmond, VA

Scott's Addition Pumpkin Festival

This annual festival features live bands, a diverse selection of food and drink vendors serving everything from seasonal treats to local brews. Leashed pets are welcome to join in the fun and even enter the costume contest! The event is rain or shine.

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Oct 31

Brews & Boos Festival at Screaming Goats Farm & Brewery

Amissville, VA

Brews & Boos Festival at Screaming Goats Farm & Brewery

Celebrate Halloween at this all-day festival featuring costumes, candy, food trucks, vendors, live music, craft beer, and family-friendly activities. Bring your pup to enjoy the festive atmosphere, seasonal fun, and Halloween celebration with the community.

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Oct 31

Henway Hounds: Howl at the Cider Moon

Bluemont, VA

Henway Hounds: Howl at the Cider Moon

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration features a pup costume parade, photo booth, treat bar, trick-or-treating, local pet vendors and festive photo opportunities. Guests can enjoy delicious cider while their pups show off their Halloween costumes and participate in the pet food drive. Visitors can also explore seasonal activities, farm animals and pumpkin patch adventures at Great Country Farms across the way.

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Oct 31

Director's Cut Trunk-or-Treat

Christiansburg, VA

Director's Cut Trunk-or-Treat

Dress up Fido for this fun Halloween event, featuring a costume contest, free nail trims, candy and treats!

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Oct 31

Doggie Trick-or-Treating

Arlington, VA

Doggie Trick-or-Treating

Celebrate Halloween with doggie trick-or-treating, treat stations and a costume contest benefiting Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Every donation helps save at-risk dogs and cats.

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