With over 20 dog-friendly parks in Chicago and a plethora of shopping and dining venues that are open to dogs, it’s no wonder that there are a number of different dog-friendly festivals and events throughout the year. Check out what each new month will bring, and get in some extra socialization for you and your dog this year!
April
Doggie Egg Hunt at Horner Park
Saturday, April 13 — Horner Park
“Come join in the doggie hunt at Horner Park! All the pups will make their way through the park searching for treat-filled eggs. In addition, stylish bandanas and informational booths will be available at the park. Don’t forget to join in on the doggie parade. Photo opportunity available at additional cost.” Windy City Paws will be there, so be sure to stop by our table for some goodies!
May
The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Bark in the Park
Saturday, May 18 — Soldier Field
5K Walk/Run supporting The Anti-Cruelty Society
“Enjoy sweeping skyline views as you stroll along Chicago’s famous lakefront path surrounded by fellow animal lovers and their canine companions. The walk will be followed by a morning and afternoon of fun activities such as canine agility courses, product samples from small business sponsors, dog massages, a pawdicure spa, caricature drawings, arts and crafts, relay races, family friendly activities, souvenir photos, and a 50/50 cash raffle.”
June
PAWS Chicago’s 5K Walk/Run
Sunday, June 2 — Montrose Harbor (Grove 16)
Supports programming and events in Andersonville
“PAWS Chicago’s 5K Walk/Run welcomes athletes and animal’s lovers of all ages and experience levels. You can register as an individual, join a team or start your own team! The registration price includes your race entry, live entertainment, snacks, giveaways and much more! Walk or run for their lives and register today!”
Midsommarfest
Weekend of June 7, 8 & 9 — Andersonville (Clark & Foster)
Supports programming and events in Andersonville
“Midsommarfest is the annual street festival along Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days and three nights of music, dancing, kids’ entertainment, and delicious food.”
Pilsen Food Truck Social
Weekend of June 8 & 9 — Pilsen (18th Street & Allport)
Supports the Illinois Food Truck Owners Association, Pilsen’s Saint Procopius Church food bank and soup kitchen, and other local non-profits.
“A delicious weekend of mobile eats and live beats! Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcomed with dog treats for purchase at the dog food truck Fido To Go.”
Vegandale Fest
Saturday, June 22 (Grant Park 100 S. Lake Shore Drive)
“Vegandale is a Mecca for the ethically minded and hungry, with the best of vegan foods, goods, and services co-existing on one city block in downtown Chicago. This premier destination for the vegan and vegan curious is the only one of its kind, promoting a world where animal exploitation is a thing of the past.”
July
Pet Fest / West Fest
Weekend of July 5, 6 & 7 — Chicago Avenue (Between Damen & Wood)
Supports Local Animal Shelters
“Pet Fest is an area within West Fest featuring pet related vendors and sponsors, dog activities such as obstacle courses, bathing pools, and mobile grooming for charity.”
PAWS Chicago 17th Annual Beach Party
Thursday, July 18 — Castaways at North Avenue Beach
Supports PAWS Chicago
“Sip cool frozen cocktails and soak up the sun, as the Lake Michigan waves roll in and the summer breeze fills the air. As the sun sets, dance the night away, enjoy an open bar, dinner, live and silent auctions, pet spa services, raffles and so much more.”
August
Edge Fest
Weekend of August 3-4 — Edgewater (Broadway & Thorndale)
Supports the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.
“Engage all components of your senses, especially your eyes, ears, nose and taste buds- this is not a festival for the tired. Also, get ready to see a dog costume contest! New this year will be a Pet Parade on August 4!”
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
August 9-11— Lincoln Park (Stockton & LaSalle)
“Chicago Hot Dog Fest hits the core of our food-loving city’s love affair with the ubiquitous, multi-faceted, encased meat—the hot dog. Held just steps from, and benefitting, the Chicago History Museum, it has all the ingredients of an exceptional summer event. Leashed dogs welcome and encouraged to stop by the Museum tent to take home a souvenir, cool off with a drink and grab a treat!”
Bucktown Arts Fest
Weekend of August 24-25 — Holstein Park
“Chicago’s volunteer-run arts fest, where all proceeds go to fund arts education.”
October
Spooky Pooch Parade
Sunday, October 13 — Chicago Botanic Gardens
“Activities include the costume contest, judging, and an awards ceremony. Nonprofits and vendors from a variety of local pet supply shops will share information and sell dog-related products.”
Upside Down Tea
Sunday, October 20 — Virgin Hotels Chicago
“Head to Commons Club at Virgin Hotels Chicago on October 20 from 1p.m to 4p.m for a Pup of Tea! Commons Club is transforming its regular Upside Down Tea Party into a doggie costume contest and boozy tea for a good cause. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets in advanced here. 2-hour tea packages are 1 for $50 or 2 for $90 and include 1 boozy cocktail, tea bites and bottomless mimosas for each guest. A portion of every tea package/reservation sold will support our friends at Paws.”
The Talbott
Thursday, October 31 — The Talbott
“What better than a Halloween happy hour? A Halloween happy hour with puppies! The Talbott invites you to its HOWL’oween Happy Hour. Stop by the Talbott with your dressed up pup on October 31 from 5p.m to 7p.m for discounted spooktacular drinks and snacks from 20East. Humans will receive 15% discount of food and drinks and doggies will get trick-or-treats goodie bags. Post cocktails, enter your pup in a costume contest. The winning good boys (and girls) get even more prizes!”
Windy City Paws is a Chicago dog walker committed to offering great information for dog owners in Chicago. Whether you’re looking for an event to boost your athleticism or an event that supports a worthy cause, take advantage of these dog-friendly events Chicago has to offer!
Have a dog-friendly event coming up that you want to be included on our blog? Email us at info@windycitypaws.com!
