Destinations

15 Events True Dog Lovers Are Flocking To This Summer

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Summer is right around the corner and there hasn’t been a better time to get outdoors and spend some quality time with your pooch!  Dog-friendly events are a wonderful way of socializing your dog and meeting other like-minded dog owners who treat their dogs as beloved members of the family. If you’re up for a road trip to a doggie event, here are some coming up! 

California

Corgi-Con, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton

Corgis
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
Corgi-Con is a celebration of dogs of older stature, bringing corgis and owners to participate in contests and races. This year Corgi-Con was held on April 20th, but watch their website for upcoming events. 

Super Pet Adoption Event and Fundraiser, Irvine

Group of puppies
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
Held on June 2nd, 2024, this annual event that helps you find new furry family members! 

World’s Ugliest Dog, Petaluma

Dog in a wig
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
The World’s Ugliest Dog contest has been around for 50 years and aims to show the importance of adoption. The contest is usually held at the end of June, but check their website to confirm that! 

World Dog Surfing Championships, North California

Dog on surfboard
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
A premier dog surfing event that helps raise money for dogs, surfing, and environmental charities. In 2024, the event will be held on August 3rd.

Ohio

AKC Rally National Championship (RNC) and National Obedience Championships (NOC), Wilmington

Dog running fast
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
This year, AKC will hold the RNC on July 18th and 19th, while the NOC will be held on July 20th and 21st. Watch how the canines navigate an obstacle course in RNC or how closely they can follow instructions in NOC. 

Texas

Houston World Series of Dog Shows, Houston

Dog smiling and pawing
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
The event showcases 30 independent breeds that will compete for a “Best in Show” title and a Meet the Breeds event with more than 100 breeds. The event will be held from July 17th to 21st this year. 

River City Cluster of Dog Shows, San Antonio

Dog happily waiting
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
The River City Cluster of Dog Shows has exhibitors from all over the world showing breeds from different clubs and associations. The event will be held from July 12th to 14th this year. 

Barking Beauty Pageant, Austin

Dog sitting
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
Barking Beauty is going to be held on August 4th this year. This is a charity event where dogs compete for beauty pageant titles such as Best Active Wear and Glamour Wear.

Michigan

Frankenmuth Dog Bowl, Michigan

Small dog
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
This is the largest Olympic-style festival for dogs, including Wiener Dog Races and Doggie Fun Runs. The event will be held from May 24th to 27th this year. 

Bark on Biddle, Wyandotte

Cute puppies and human
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
The festival is a 3-day event that provides plenty of activities for you and your dog. Dogs can compete in contests or join a puppy foam party. The event will be held from May 31st to June 2nd. 

Farmington Fido Fest, Farmington

Dog catching frisbee
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
In this fun festival, dogs can join sports contests and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Beer Tent. The festival is usually held at the end of July. 

New York

Bark at the Park with the Mets, New York City

Athletic dog
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
Enjoy MLB and join Bark at the Park with the Mets with your dogs. Available games for the next Bark in the Park are May 13th and September 17th.  

Broadway Barks, Queens

Dog in motion
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
Broadway Barks is an annual event that promotes shelter animals’ adoption with the help of volunteers and celebrities. The event is usually held in July. 

North Carolina

Coon Dog Day, Saluda

Dogs playing
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
A celebration of Coons with music, food, parade, and crowning of the Coon Day’s King and Queen. Coon Dog Day takes place every year on a Saturday in July, usually in the beginning. 

Bark and Bolt

Dog jumping
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
Get athletic and join Bark and Bolt’s 5, 1 mile, or 100-meter Paw Pursuit and support the Blue Ridge Humane Society at the same time. The event will be held on June 14th in Hendersonville, North Carolina.