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.

Sep 19–20

Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival

Clear Brook, VA

Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival

Bring Fido to this annual event at the fairgrounds! There will be food concessions, adult beverages, live music, a pie eating contest, kid's inflatables, pony rides, a classic car show, and pet-friendly activities like a costume contest and canine obstacle courses. Dogs must be leashed and picked up after.

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Sep 19–20

Colonial Market & Fair at George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA

Colonial Market & Fair at George Washington's Mount Vernon

Step back in time at a lively, family-friendly marketplace inspired by the 18th century. Guests can browse handcrafted goods from skilled artisans, watch live demonstrations of traditional trades, and enjoy period-style music, food, and entertainment. Leashed dogs are permitted on the property with the exception of the following areas: the Mansion and all other historic buildings, the Ford Orientation Center, Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, the Shops of Mount Vernon, the Food Court and Pavilion, the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, and the Distillery & Gristmill.

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Sep 20

Dogtoberfest at New Realm Brewing Co.

Suffolk, VA

Dogtoberfest at New Realm Brewing Co.

Enjoy dog-friendly fun, Oktoberfest brews, festive food, plenty of paws, steins and more!

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Select dates, May–Sep

Fridays at the Pavilion

Glen Allen, VA

Fridays at the Pavilion

Dogs are invited to join you in kicking off your summer weekends at this weekly event! Enjoy a toe-tapping, tail-wagging good time with live music from local bands, delicious bites from a rotating lineup of food trucks, and fresh wine options. Pets must be leashed but are welcome anywhere outdoors and the first floor of the winery. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and spread out on the lawn.

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Sep 26

Richmond Animal League’s Woofstock

Glen Allen, VA

Richmond Animal League’s Woofstock

This annual festival for Richmond Animal League features pet-centric vendors, a pet parade, adoptable animals from local rescues, interactive activities, contests, and treats for both dogs and humans. Guests are welcome to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to relax on the grass.

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Sep 26

Buckroe Beach Farmers Market Pet Day

Hampton, VA

Buckroe Beach Farmers Market Pet Day

Bring Fido to celebrate a family- and pet-friendly gathering highlighting local animal rescue organizations and helping adoptable pets find their forever homes. Browse pet-focused vendors, visit informational and educational booths, meet adoptable animals, and enjoy a fun day supporting the local pet community.

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Sep 26

Dogtoberfest at Shipgarten

McLean, VA

Dogtoberfest at Shipgarten

Enjoy a full day of Oktoberfest fun for Fido! Sip on seasonal brews and Oktoberfest specials while your furry friend enjoys treats from dog-friendly vendors. Dress up in lederhosen (for you, your pup, or both), snap festive photos, cheer on the pet costume contest, and soak in live music, DJ beats, and classic German eats.

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Sep 26

Barktoberfest at Ruff Canine Club

Richmond, VA

Barktoberfest at Ruff Canine Club

Grab your canine best friend for this dog-centric Oktoberfest event! There will be live music, a Weenie Dog Race, pretzel eating contest, beer steins and more. Annual and monthly memberships, as well as daily passes are available for entry.

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Sep 26

Chesterfield Outdoor Fest

Chesterfield, VA

Chesterfield Outdoor Fest

A free, family- and dog-friendly festival celebrating outdoor recreation with a wide range of interactive activities and experiences. Attendees can enjoy adventure demos like fishing and archery, explore a pop-up market and vendor booths, and take part in hands-on fun including a kids zone and touch-a-truck. The event also features live entertainment, food options, and opportunities to connect with local organizations, all while promoting an active lifestyle and appreciation for nature.

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Sep 26

Court Street Renaissance Faire and Fantasy Book Fair

Abingdon, VA

Court Street Renaissance Faire and Fantasy Book Fair

Leashed dogs are welcome at this unique celebration featuring a mini Renaissance Faire and themed book fair. Guests can browse vendors, meet local authors, enjoy live entertainment from buskers, and sample food while exploring a festive atmosphere inspired by fantasy and medieval traditions. Costumes are highly encouraged!

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Sep 26

Bark-Toberfest at The Garden Del Ray

Alexandria, VA

Bark-Toberfest at The Garden Del Ray

Bring Fido to this annual event for an afternoon of food, drinks, raffles, and fun with adoptable animals from the AWLA. This community event offers a chance to enjoy the festivities while meeting pets looking for their forever homes!

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Sep 26

Canicross and 5K

Rapidan, VA

Canicross and 5K

Bring your dog for a fun 5K run, walk, or canicross event on a challenging off-road course. Dogs must remain on non-retractable leashes. Participants can compete in dog-friendly, human-only, or canicross divisions, with prizes awarded to top finishers.

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May 3–Sep 27

Sundays in the Shade at James River Cellars Winery

Glen Allen, VA

Sundays in the Shade at James River Cellars Winery

Well-behaved, leashed pets are invited to join their owners at this weekly event. Two- and four-legged friends can unwind outside under the pavilion while listening to live music and sipping various wine options. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for a cozy, laid-back vibe.

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Sep 26–27

Annual Alexandria Art Festival

Alexandria, VA

Annual Alexandria Art Festival

Leashed dogs are welcome at this annual fall fair that features local and national artists showcasing a diverse range of fine art, including sculptures, jewelry, woodwork, paintings wearable art and more. Visitors will have the chance to meet artists, explore their techniques, commission custom pieces, and learn about their inspirations.

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Sep 27

Oktoberfest at Ornery Beer Company Taproom

Manassas, VA

Oktoberfest at Ornery Beer Company Taproom

This dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration features live music, traditional German fare and plenty of festive fun. Guests can enjoy brats, currywurst, weisswurst and more while sipping from limited-edition Oktoberfest steins. Festive attire is encouraged, with a $50 gift card awarded to one lederhosen- or dirndl-wearing guest.

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Sep 25–27

Dock Dogs at Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend

Virginia Beach, VA

Dock Dogs at Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend

Dock Dogs is a dock‑jumping competition featuring Big Air, Speed Retrieve and Extreme Vertical divisions where teams of handlers and dogs compete on a temporary pool set up on the beach. Spectator viewing is free and the event takes place on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 14th Street as part of Neptune Festival’s Boardwalk Weekend. The event’s organizer and DockDogs both state that anyone may bring a dog to compete and that viewing is open to the public.

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