Summer in much of California means bright days and warm nights – plus plenty of dog-friendly celebrations! Explore DogTrekker.com’s event section for upcoming gatherings that welcome two- and four-legged guests.
You’ll find everything from fundraisers, adoptathons and walks to costume contests, tasting opportunities and more. Here are our top event picks for this summer and fall.
Sacramento River Cats Wet Nose Wednesdays
June-Sept., Sacramento
Dog-loving ball fans will gather every Wednesday when the Sacramento River Cats are home, and pups can enter for free! When entering the stadium, lead your pack through the right-field gate – the designated doggy entrance – and head to Toyota Home Run Hill.
Dog Days of Summer Open House
June 21, July 19, August 16, Chico
Join Butte Humane Society at their Education Center from 1 to 3 p.m. for the Dog Days of Summer Open House Event! Meet and play with a mystery pup. The mystery dog deserves all the love, so no outside dogs are permitted into this event. Pet supplies will also be 50% off!
Beggin’ Fur Birdies
June 29, Boonville
The Humane Society for Inland Mendocino presents its first disc golf tournament, Beggin’ Fur Birdies, at Anderson Valley Brewing Company. The Humane Society for Inland Mendocino nurtures, educates and engages the community in the care of cats and dogs in need, giving as many animals as possible a chance to thrive in loving homes. This event is not dog-friendly.
Puptopia Big Bear
July 27, Big Bear
Dog lovers and pet parents are invited to the inaugural Big Bear Puptopia Festival. Experience larger-than-life photo opportunities, live stunt dog performances, a dog day spa, vendors, a K9 lounge and more! The Pawground will feature a gigantic, ball-filled dog bowl, an oversized fire hydrant, and lots of opportunities for dogs to make and play with new friends.
Parks 4 All Brewfest
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is excited to bring you the second Parks4All: Brewfest. Step into an afternoon of joy at the Presidio, where you and your leashed pup are invited to savor delightful brews from local breweries. It all takes place on the Civil War Parade Grounds next to the Presidio Tunnel Tops.
Art in the Gardens
Aug. 3-4, Fort Bragg
Save the date for the 31st annual Art in the Gardens at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Join this dog-friendly celebration of creative expression, gorgeous gardens, music, food and drink. Mingle with more than 50 artists and enjoy live music, entertainment, and dramatic summertime blooms. Tickets are now available.
2024 Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest
Aug. 17, Olympic Valley
The 2024 Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest is back at The Village at Palisades Tahoe! Experience a variety of flavorful beers from local and regional breweries. This year, you’ll also find multiple stages with more music, more beer, more fun! All proceeds from the event benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.
DogFest LA/OC
Aug. 24, Garden Grove
DogFest is the signature event of Canine Companions, a nonprofit with an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through the support of service dogs. This lively celebration unites pet dogs, service dogs and families, honoring the extraordinary bond we share with our four-legged friends.
Bark & Meow Around the Block
Sept. 7, Berkeley
Berkeley Humane’s annual adopt-a-thon and family-friendly street fair is an outdoor, free-to-attend event featuring hundreds of adoptable animals from shelters and rescues throughout the Bay Area. You will enjoy live music, food and beer, pet and other vendors, and so much more. This event welcomes our animal-loving community members to come together in support of shelter animals.
Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon
Sept. 8, San Diego
The annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is back for its 19th year at Del Mar Dog Beach. Watch the world’s best surfing dogs show off their skills, interact with vendors and check out the costume contest. This family-friendly event raises funds for the pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center.
Butte Humane Society’s Glitter & Gatsby Gala
Sept 14, Chico
Save the date! This jazzy event will be the cat’s meow! Butte Humane Society’s Glitter & Gatsby Gala and Fundraiser celebrates the organization’s 113th Anniversary on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in the Big Room at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. All proceeds benefit Butte Humane Society’s tireless work.
Bark in the Park
Sept. 21, San Jose
Bark in the Park returns to William Street Park. Bark is the largest dog festival in the United States, and it promises fun for the entire family – especially the pups. Enjoy contests throughout the day, vendors with dog-specific goods and services, delicious food and drink, and much more.
Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp
Sept. 16-22, South Lake Tahoe
Get ready for the time of your life during Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp at beautiful Lake Tahoe. Camp activities include agility exercises, hikes along Lake Tahoe’s beautiful scenic trails, kayaking and paddle boarding, nose work and more. Enjoy beautiful weather, beachfront facilities and fresh water. All profits from the camp benefit canine cancer treatment and research.
SoCal Corgi Beach Day
Oct. 26, Huntington Beach
Corgi Beach Day is back at Huntington Dog Beach, where the theme will be – you guessed it! – Halloween. Look for new contests and events, new vendors and sponsors, interactive pet/owner selfie stations, and other activities and fun for all. This festival event is free to the public, and all dogs and the humans who follow behind are welcome.
