Event Calendar
From paw-some pool parties to vineyard yappy hours and coastal dog parades that make Mardi Gras look tame, California knows how to throw a party for your pup. These aren’t just leash-optional affairs—they’re full-blown celebrations where four-legged guests get VIP treatment, complete with splash zones, costume contests, dog beer (yes, really), and plenty of butt-sniffing diplomacy. Whether you’re chilling under the redwoods with live music and gourmet food trucks or watching your floof surf waves in Santa Cruz, dog-friendly events in California aren’t an afterthought—they’re a lifestyle. You bring the treats. Your dog brings the vibe. California does the rest.
Days of the Week
Time of Day
Venues
List
Grid
Plain
Festival of Lights
Big Bear Lake
December 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
The Festival of Lights is bringing Holiday Cheer to the Valley! Proudly presented by Visit Big Bear & Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. As the holiday season approaches in Big Bear Lake, the community is gearing up for the Second Annual Festival of Lights Competition, presented by Visit Big Bear in partnership with the Big … Continued
Santa Paws with Pet Project Foundation
Dana Point
at – 
Bring your favorite furry friend to the beautiful Dana Point Harbor on Saturday December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, and have his/her picture taken with Santa. The cost is only $15 for a picture and you’ll receive the photo immediately. Additional photos can be purchased for $10. Start a family tradition with these keepsake photos of your … Continued
Sacramento SPCA’s Jingle Bell Pup Crawl
Sacramento
at –
The Sacramento SPCA’s Jingle Bell Pup Crawl is back! Join the Sacramento SPCA and partnering Midtown businesses to celebrate the Pawlidays by giving back to the animals while you sip, savor and shop this holiday season! On Saturday, December 13th, from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. check in at Truitt Bark Park for your map, jingle … Continued
San Diego Santa Run Dog 1 Mile
San Diego
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Santa’s Little Helper Mile (Dog Run) – Santa’s Little Helper wave is dedicated to your furry best friend. Dress up with your pup and take to parading down Garnet Ave! Our beloved dog wave is limited to only 125 spots and sells out quickly, so be sure to register early! Dog 1 Mile FAQ What … Continued
MCHS Hair Ball at Little River Inn
Little River
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Dance the night away, show off your best outfits and hair, and help raise funds for non-profit Mendocino Coast Humane Society (MDHS) at the MDHS Hair Ball. All proceeds from this event benefit MCHS’s ongoing mission of providing essential care to Mendocino Coast animals, pets, and their owners. LET’S ROCK! $25 advance tickets / $30 … Continued
Santa Paws with Pet Project Foundation
Dana Point
at –
Bring your favorite furry friend to the beautiful Dana Point Harbor on Saturday December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, and have his/her picture taken with Santa. The cost is only $15 for a picture and you’ll receive the photo immediately. Additional photos can be purchased for $10. Start a family tradition with these keepsake photos of your … Continued
Butte Humane Photos with Santa Paws
Chico
at –
Looking for the paw-fect photo for your holiday card? Pose with Santa alongside your pet and get the purrfect snapshot. No appointment necessary. You’ll receive a professional-quality digital image that’s perfect for printing and sharing with friends and family for just $10! This event is hosted at Meriam Park at Thrive Real Estate Company. Enjoy … Continued
Tails on Tap Pet Paint Night
Scotts Valley
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Steel Bonnet Brewing Company hosts “Tails on Tap”! Paint your pet with Suzy Rad on Sunday, October 26, November 16 & December 14th. Your $75 buy-in includes a canvas with a custom pencil outline of your pet, ready to paint & take home to enjoy with all the supplies & tutorial provided by Suzy Rad! … Continued
Furry Friends Rescue Christmas Dog Showcase
Campbell
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Tis the Season for Christmas spirit! Enjoy Christmas music, dog & people snacks, and meet Furry Friends Rescue’s home fostered puppies and dogs! A Christmas backdrop for photo selfies will be available or a photographer can take your photo with a donation to FFR. A digital download will be provided. Ugly /Funny Dog Christmas Sweater. … Continued
Tinsel & Tails: TAP’s Holiday Extravaganza
San Diego
at –
Get ready for the biggest event of the year, The Animal Pad’s 5th Annual Tinsel & Tails Holiday Extravaganza, a festive celebration filled with holiday cheer, paws, and fun! This family and dog-friendly event is free to enter and open to the public. Whether you’re looking for a fun outing with the family or just want to celebrate the … Continued
Grand Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration
Big Bear Lake
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The Grand Menorah in The Village sits side by side with the Christmas Tree and each year, Chabad of Lake Arrowhead & Big Bear host the Grand Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration during the week of Chanukah. Attendees are welcome to enjoy hot latkes and drinks, free Chanukah swag, entertainment, kids’ crafts and balloon artist, … Continued
NYE Snow Summit Tourch Light Parade
Big Bear Lake
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Get ready for an electrifying experience at Snow Summit’s 61st annual New Year’s Eve Party and Torchlight Parade on December 31, 2025. Immerse yourself in the evening thrill as over 200 skilled skiers and snowboarders cascade down the mountain, transforming the darkness into a mesmerizing sea of light with their torches, creating a magical spectacle … Continued
Unleash the LOVE: Festival & Adopt-a-thon
Walnut Creek
at –
You’re invited to join Joybound in Walnut Creek on Saturday, February 7, for the third-annual Unleash the LOVE: Festival & Adopt-a-thon! Just a few days before Valentine’s Day, they’ll be celebrating all things LOVE. Learn about exciting new changes at Joybound, including programs to support the connection between people and pets through a lifetime partnership. … Continued
Fido Fest
Santee
at –
Enjoy a day dedicated to all things dogs at Fido Fest in Santee, California! Enjoy agility courses, costume contests, pet-focused vendors, live entertainment, and maybe even meet a new furry friend to take home. Fido Fest has it all, don’t miss out on the paw-some fun! Find the rescues attending this year on the Fido … Continued
Days of the Week
Time of Day
Venues
List
Grid
Plain
Fri
21
Garden of D'Lights
Walnut Creek
November 21, 2025 at – January 11, 2026 at
Garden of D’Lights is a dog-friendly, self-guided holiday light experience at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. See the Garden and plant collection transform into a dazzling waterwise wonderland illuminated with thousands of colorful lights, sculptures, and lasers. The Nursery will be open for evening shopping, with hot cocoa and spiced wine available to enjoy as you … Continued
Mon
01
Festival of Lights
Big Bear Lake
December 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
The Festival of Lights is bringing Holiday Cheer to the Valley! Proudly presented by Visit Big Bear & Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. As the holiday season approaches in Big Bear Lake, the community is gearing up for the Second Annual Festival of Lights Competition, presented by Visit Big Bear in partnership with the Big … Continued
Sat
13
Santa Paws Photos at The Gardens on El Paseo
Palm Desert
at –
Bring your furry family and friends to the Bridge between Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. at The Gardens on El Paseo for a special meet and greet with Santa! Fee: $25 (includes one 4×6 photo in a holiday frame) Please Note: Pets should be leashed and/or in light-weight carriers and up-to-date on all vaccines. … Continued
Sat
13
Santa Paws with Pet Project Foundation
Dana Point
at –
Bring your favorite furry friend to the beautiful Dana Point Harbor on Saturday December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, and have his/her picture taken with Santa. The cost is only $15 for a picture and you’ll receive the photo immediately. Additional photos can be purchased for $10. Start a family tradition with these keepsake photos of your … Continued
Sat
13
Sacramento SPCA’s Jingle Bell Pup Crawl
Sacramento
at –
The Sacramento SPCA’s Jingle Bell Pup Crawl is back! Join the Sacramento SPCA and partnering Midtown businesses to celebrate the Pawlidays by giving back to the animals while you sip, savor and shop this holiday season! On Saturday, December 13th, from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. check in at Truitt Bark Park for your map, jingle … Continued
Sat
13
North Park Winter Fair
San Diego
at –
Artisan marketplace with 60+ vendors, seasonal eats & drinks, a Santa photo station and holiday fun! Presented by Viridian Productions, North Park Main Street, and A Way Home For Dogs DJ & Games | Family-Friendly | Dogs Welcome In between bites, shop locally and sustainably. Discover talented San Diego-based artists and makers with unique, special and delicious gifts … Continued
Sat
13
San Diego Santa Run Dog 1 Mile
San Diego
at –
Santa’s Little Helper Mile (Dog Run) – Santa’s Little Helper wave is dedicated to your furry best friend. Dress up with your pup and take to parading down Garnet Ave! Our beloved dog wave is limited to only 125 spots and sells out quickly, so be sure to register early! Dog 1 Mile FAQ What … Continued
Sat
13
Quartz: Queer Arts Market
Oakland
at –
Building long-lasting multigenerational support structures is so important to Quartz. The US governement is currently at war with the queer community. Supporting, investing in, and being in community with LGBTQ+ artists is one vital part of how we win and secure thriving abundant futures for EVERYONE. Quartz has always been an event that features queer … Continued
Sat
13
Magic of Lights
Indio
at –
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Coachella Valley’s new holiday tradition. One carload, … Continued
Sat
13
Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade
Sausalito
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Get ready for one of the Bay Area’s most magical waterfront traditions. Each December, Sausalito’s harbor transforms into a twinkling holiday scene as dozens of boats cruise the shoreline decked in dazzling lights, festive décor, and plenty of seasonal cheer. It’s a stunning sight for humans and pups alike. Bring your dog for a shoreline … Continued