Wondering what dog-friendly events are coming up this spring and into summer? For the 13th year in a row, DogTrekker’s seasonal event section has you covered. The months ahead feature a range of dog-friendly, family-friendly things to do, including adoptathons, fundraisers, walks, costume contests, and opportunities for tasting and sipping.
Here are DogTrekker’s top picks from now through mid-summer. And remember, these events offer fun for you and your pup while also supporting life-saving services for our furry friends throughout the year.
Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash
April 20, Sacramento
Join thousands of people and their pups at William Land Park as they lace up their shoes and leash up their dogs for the 31st annual Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash. The start of the dog walk and the Bark in the Park Festival is located on the corner of Sutterville Road and Freeport Boulevard in the ‘Village Green’ area of the park.
Rocket Dog Rescue Pop-up Adaptation
April 21, San Francisco
Rocket Dog Rescue is partnering with Hawk Creek Farm and Golden Bridges Aftercare for a Pop-Up Adoption and Fundraiser! Not only will Rocket Dog have dogs available to adopt and foster, but there will be a plant sale to benefit the rescue. The Dog Adoption Event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and the fundraiser Plant Sale is from noon – 3 p.m.
DogFest 2024
April 27, San Francisco
DogFest is a celebration of dogs, families, community and spring. It’s also a charitable event that raises funds for McKinley Elementary – a small public school in the neighborhood. Starting 15 years ago as a small, grassroots event, DogFest has grown into a beloved San Francisco tradition with thousands of supporters and hundreds of businesses participating.
Dog Days at Oracle Park
April 27, San Francisco
All dog lovers and pup parents are invited to Oracle Park for a PAW-SOME day. Cheer on the Giants as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates—but before you do, suit up your furry friends in costume for a chance to snag a contest crown. Join San Francisco SPCA for a pregame on-field parade. Partial proceeds from each special event ticket will benefit the SF SPCA.
Growl, Meow & Wine
May 5, Oakland
The East Bay SPCA will celebrate their 150th Anniversary at their annual Growl, Meow & Wine this year. More than a shelter, the organization enriches the human-animal bond through accessible and respected expertise. The event will be held at their Oakland headquarters from 4-7 p.m. Please leave your pets at home for this fundraiser.
Animals on Broadway
(Joybound Around Town) May 19, Walnut Creek
Joybound People & Pets (formerly Animal Rescue Foundation) has announced that their beloved Animals on Broadway will be back for its 23rd year!
The free event attracts hundreds of animal lovers and their furry friends each year in celebration of the human-animal bond, all while raising funds for Joybound People & Pets lifesaving and life-enriching programs. You can also register as a team for their fundraising walk.
The Fur Ball
May 11, San Jose
Join the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) for The Fur Ball at PayPal Park. The fundraiser supports the work of HSSV in building a world where all animals can thrive, all people experience the magic of the human-animal bond, and all families are able to care for their pets. Canine companions encouraged to attend.
Woofstock
May 19, Novato
Grab your leash, furry friends, and family to join Marin Humane for Woofstock, the Bay Area’s grooviest dog (and animal) lover’s event! Enjoy music by a premier cover band at the Marin Humane campus in Novato. Food trucks, beer, and wine will be available, and the ever-popular free Kid’s Zone will be back with awesome activities for kids of all ages.
Pints for Paws
June 1, Berkeley
The Official Pints for Paws®, voted the Best Fundraising Event in the East Bay for multiple years, returns in 2024 for its 10th Anniversary! Have a great time while benefiting Berkeley Humane’s life-saving programs.
Meet local craft brewers and sample an unlimited number of special unique beers. Enjoy live music, games, and hundreds of crowd-friendly dogs! Every dollar raised will save the lives of shelter pets.
Wild Blue Dogs Summer Camp
June 3 – 9, South Lake Tahoe
Get ready for the time of your life at Wild Blue Dogs Summer Camp at beautiful Lake Tahoe! Camp activities include agility, guided hikes along some of Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful scenic trails, kayak and paddle boarding, nose work and more.
Enjoy beautiful weather, beachfront facilities, fresh water, and no ticks! All profits benefit canine cancer treatment and research. There are still a few spots left!
Bark ‘n’ Brewfest
June 22, Burlingame
Raise a glass and give shelter animals hope at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Bark ‘n’ Brewfest fundraising event. Four-legged friends are welcome to join you as you taste local craft breweries and cider makers.
All proceeds go straight to their Hope programs that allows Peninsula Humane Society to find homes for even the neediest animals that find their way through their doors.
Puptopia Big Bear
July 27, Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Southern California, and it was just announced that they are inviting all dog lovers and pet parents to come to their inaugural Big Bear Puptopia Festival on July 27.
Experience larger-than-life photo opportunities, live stunt dog performances, a dog day spa, vendors, a K9 Lounge and more!
