Must-Do Dog Events 2020

New Year’s Eve has come and gone, and we are well into the start not only of a new year, but of a new decade. One way to increase the quality time you get to spend with your dog this year is to resolve to include him in more of your adventures. Planning dog-friendly trips so Fido doesn’t have to stay home while you explore is a good place to start, but here at Everyday Dog, we’re taking dog-friendly travel to a whole new level: dog-centric. We’ve scoured the calendar and the country for some of the best dog events of the year, so you and your furry friend can experience the fun together. Plan your travel itinerary around your dog and make 2020 the decade of the dog!

Winter Dog Events

The cold weather doesn’t have to dampen you and your dog’s enthusiasm. Plenty of indoor dog events occur across the country all year round, even when it’s cold outside.

Lincoln, Nebraska: I Love my Dog Expo, February 22-23

The annual I Love my Dog Expo in Lincoln, Nebraska, raises funds for Domesti-PUPS, a 501c3 that includes programs that assist people with acquiring adoptable pets, service dogs, and therapy dogs. Your dog is welcome to attend this event with you, and the two of you can peruse the various dog-related vendors, which include veterinarians, rescue groups, grooming and boarding facilities, and retailers. Two rescue dogs, Berlin and Fowler, will perform tricks and agility. Together, the two dogs know over 60 tricks! Other features include games, entertainment, and training demonstrations.

Columbus, Ohio: All-American Columbus Pet Expo, March 13-15

The All-American Columbus Pet Expo is 170,000 square feet of fun! Not only is it dog-friendly, but it is also bunny-, cat-, hermit crab-, and any-other-pet-you-might-have-friendly! This event truly offers something to everyone! Your dog, however, will probably be most interested in the dog park, the lap dog race, the Running of the Wieners event, the Mutts Gone Nuts performance, and dock diving. There will even be open auditions for dogs who dream of the silver screen and an opportunity to win free pet food for a year.

Spring Dog Events

From the southwest to the midwest, spring offers dog-centered events to help shake off the shivers and get outside. Whether you and your dog like to run, hike, SUP, swim, herd, or dock jump, you can find it all–and then some–in these milder months.

Richmond, Virginia: Dominion Energy Riverrock, May 15-17

Dominion Energy Riverrock in Richmond, Virginia, is a weekend-long celebration of life on the river. Highly canine-inclusive, every facet of the festival welcomes dogs, from the live music to the BMX biking events to the slacklining. Organizers pride themselves on the fact that “Dominion Energy Riverrock is arguably the most dog-friendly event in RVA!”

But dogs don’t have to be just observers at Riverrock; this festival offers four different events that include dogs as participants! Dogs are invited to compete in the Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs events, a dock-jumping competition that occurs throughout the weekend. They are also invited to run with their humans in the Dog Wave of the Filthy 5k-ish Mud Run, and they’re allowed to hike with their humans on any of the various group hikes offered. Dogs are even allowed to participate in the SUP enduro race in the canal with their paddling people!

Frankenmuth, Michigan: Dog Bowl and Balloons over Bavarian Inn, May 22-25

Memorial Day weekend in Frankenmuth, Michigan, has really gone to the dogs! At the Dog Bowl and Balloons over Bavarian Inn, which organizers describe as “the world’s largest Olympic-style festival for dogs,” your dog can compete in dock and disc competitions, a costume parade, and agility competitions. Multiple races allow both small breeds and large breeds to run with dogs their own size, and AKC pet testing will be conducted on-site as well. For a full list of events, including sheep herding and a pet parade, visit DogFunFest.com.  With free admission, you and your dog really can’t afford to miss this!

Summer Dog Events

The arrival of summer will no doubt have you and your dog dreaming of surf, sand, and sun. From coast to coast, we’ve got you covered, with events from sunny California to the shores of Cape Cod.

Pacifica, California: World Dog Surfing Championships, August 1

The World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica, California, include more than just canine surfing competitions (thought those abound!). In addition to hanging ten, your dog can compete in a beach frisbee-catching competition and ball-fetch-in-water competition.

Those who would rather stay dry can participate in the costume contest, visit the Surf Dog Village, and peruse the Pet Wellness Fair, where you can learn about properly caring for your dog’s teeth and nails, engage in a Q&A session with a veterinarian, and learn about your dog’s optimal weight. Your dog can even get a massage while you learn about maintaining her fitness levels!

Mobile pet adoptions will also be available, and according to the event website, “A portion of the proceeds of this event go to dog related non-profits.”

Yarmouth, Massachusetts: Paw Palooza, August 1-2

Organized by the Agway of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation is Cape Cod Paw Palooza in Yarmouth, Massachusetts. They raise money for various animal welfare organizations on the Cape. This “two-day extravaganza” features a “Doggie University.” Experts will be available to answer your deepest doggy questions. There are also performances and demonstrations by police dogs, agility trainers, and stunt dogs. You can participate in the lure course, the radar run, and dock-jumping. Then your dog can enjoy a canine facial, a PupCasso art-making session, and a doggy massage. Artists will be available to paint your pet’s portrait. The food tents include frozen treats for your dog. There’s even a puppy pool pavilion where your dog can take a break from the summer heat.

Fall Dog Events

As the heat of summer cools to the crisper days of fall, don’t worry! You and your dog can continue to enjoy events across the country.

Royal Oak, Michigan: Bark Bash, October 18

For the second year in a row, four Detroit-area animal welfare groups will gather in Memorial Park in Royal Oak, Michigan, for Bark Bash on October 18. The event aims to raise money for all four groups, as well as help find forever homes for adoptable dogs. Donations of food, treats, crates, beds, etc. will also be accepted. You and your dog can enjoy a costume contest and kissing booth. For humans only: cider and a beer tent! There will also be raffles, craft tents, and face-painting for human children. The whole family can come out and enjoy the event!

As you can see, dogs really are people, too, in events across the country! Hit the road with your best furry friend for some dog-friendly fun dog events.