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.

Nov 8

AKC Fit Dog Club Walk

Alexandria, VA

AKC Fit Dog Club Walk

Lace up your sneakers and grab Fido's leash to participate in a walk with your furry friend. All skill levels are welcome; there will be light refreshments and social time with others afterward.

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Nov 14

Yarn Ball at James River Cellars

Glen Allen, VA

Yarn Ball at James River Cellars

Leashed dogs are welcome at this cozy outdoor fiber festival filled with creativity, community and fall fun! Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the first floor and throughout the outdoor spaces. Celebrate your love of knitting, crocheting, and all things fiber while shopping from local vendors offering beautiful yarns, tools, and handmade treasures. Relax with wine, beer, wine slushies and charcuterie from Vineyard Fare.

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Nov 15

Santa Paws at Elation Brewing - Pet Photos with Santa & Vendor Market

Norfolk, VA

Santa Paws at Elation Brewing - Pet Photos with Santa & Vendor Market

Enjoy pet photos with Santa by When Skies Are Grey Photography. Browse local pet-loving vendors for gifts, treats, and surprises, and join in a holiday-themed pet activity. Humans can relax too, sipping Elation craft beer while soaking in all the festive, paw-sitive vibes.

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Nov 21

Friendsgiving at the Farm

Amissville, VA

Friendsgiving at the Farm

Gather with friends, family, neighbors and your pup at this cozy fall celebration featuring fire pits, comfort food, seasonal drinks, craft beer, gratitude activities, family-friendly fun, and beautiful late-fall farm views. Enjoy a relaxing day on the farm with photo opportunities, a community Thankful Wall, and plenty of space to connect before the holiday season begins.

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Nov 21

Pet Photos with Santa at the Carrollton Branch Library

Carrollton, VA

Pet Photos with Santa at the Carrollton Branch Library

Bring Fido for a photo with Santa! Please have your own camera ready, and a donation for The Isle of Wight County Humane Society.

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Nov 21

Santa Photos at Bedford Humane Society

Bedford, VA

Santa Photos at Bedford Humane Society

Bring your furry friends and watch them strike adorable poses with Santa! You'll receive a printed copy of your professional photo to take home and an edited copy sent digitally after the event.

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Nov 26

Fairfax Turkey Trot

Fairfax, VA

Fairfax Turkey Trot

The Mantua community is the perfect setting for this annual Thanksgiving dash. You and Fido will wind along the 4-mile course through pretty neighborhoods and tree-lined pathways displaying the beautiful colors of fall. All participants will receive a custom Fairfax Turkey Trot T-shirt. Please note dogs and their owners should start in the back of the pack.

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Nov 27

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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Nov 28

FredVegas Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, & 1M

Fredericksburg, VA

FredVegas Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, & 1M

Hosted by Bishop’s Events, this family- and pet-friendly race features a 1-mile fun run, a 5K, and a 10K. Walkers, strollers and leashed dogs are welcome to join in the festivities. Participants receive a finisher’s medal, a technical event shirt, and chip timing.

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Dec 4

Santa Paws Yappy Hour

Arlington, VA

Santa Paws Yappy Hour

Get ready to capture paw-some memories this holiday season by bringing your furry friend to see Santa for a complimentary photo. The event will also have treats and specialty drinks to enjoy with other pet parents.

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Dec 4

Dickens of a Christmas: The City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting

Roanoke, VA

Dickens of a Christmas: The City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting

Celebrate the holiday season with Fido at this festive Christmas Tree Lighting! The event begins at 5:30 PM, with live performances leading up to the tree lighting at 6:20 PM.

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Dec 5

Festival of Lights and Carols

Fairfax, VA

Festival of Lights and Carols

It's time to ring in the holiday season! There will be live holiday music, s'mores, hot cider, activities, local vendors and more! The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 5:30 PM. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

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Dec 5

Pet Photos with Santa

Lake Ridge, VA

Pet Photos with Santa

Get ready to capture paw-some memories this holiday season! Bring your furry friend, big or small, and watch him strike adorable poses with Santa.

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Dec 5

Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

Alexandria, VA

Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

Well-behaved dogs on non-retractable leashes are welcome to attend this annual tradition. Please note that a high volume of attendees is expected. This festive 1-mile parade features Scottish clans, bagpipers, dancers, and Terrier dog groups parading through historic streets, bringing a touch of Scotland to the holiday season. Enjoy the rich cultural heritage, vibrant tartans and holiday cheer as part of Alexandria’s holiday festivities.

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Dec 5

Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Alexandria, VA

Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Well-behaved dogs on non-retractable leashes are welcome at this annual parade that features beautifully decorated boats decked out in festive lights and creative holiday themes. Watch as dozens of vessels parade by, competing for awards like "Best in Show" and "Most Holiday Cheer." The parade route stretches for one mile along the waterfront.

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Dec 5

Anne’s 5K Canicross

North Garden, VA

Anne’s 5K Canicross

Bring your pup along for a fun 5K Canicross event! Enjoy an easy trail with a mix of gravel, grass, dirt and rocks. Water stations and first aid will be available along the course. In case of extreme weather, the event will be rescheduled to Sunday, December 6.

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Select dates, Nov–Dec

Pet Photos with Santa at Spotsylvania Towne Centre

Fredericksburg, VA

Pet Photos with Santa at Spotsylvania Towne Centre

Well-behaved, leashed pets are invited to meet Santa and capture a holiday photo together during this event! Please enter through the main entrance near Dick’s Sporting Goods. All pets must be on a leash or safely secured in a carrier.

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Dec 11

Dickens of a Christmas: The City of Roanoke Christmas Parade

Roanoke, VA

Dickens of a Christmas: The City of Roanoke Christmas Parade

The City of Roanoke Christmas Parade begins on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue, turning onto Campbell Avenue, going past Market Square, and ending at Williamson Road. The parade is rain or shine and starts at 6:30 PM.

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Dec 12

Jingle in the Burg and the Jingle Paws Parade

Middleburg, VA

Jingle in the Burg and the Jingle Paws Parade

Step into a Hallmark Christmas movie as Middleburg transforms into a winter wonderland! Enjoy enchanting performances featuring carolers, dancers and actors. Dress up your pup and join the Jingle Paws Parade down Washington Street from the National Sporting Library and Museum, throughout town and end the stroll with Yappy Hour!

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Nov 29 & Dec 13

Pet Photos with Santa at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Arlington, VA

Pet Photos with Santa at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

On two select Sundays this holiday season, bring your furry friends to strike adorable poses with Santa! Pet Photos will be located in Nordstrom Court, First Level. Best Entrance: P1 in the garage, Nordstrom side. Use the mall entrance from the garage, between Lacoste and Bath & Body Works. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event. Reservations aren't required.

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