5 Best Dog Friendly Events DC Hosts: Spring 2019

3 years ago by Emily Bergquist

Warm weather, cherry blossoms, budding trees, and the need to be outside– spring has finally arrived! We know there is always an endless list of events to attend, and you never want to leave your furry loved one behind, so we have compiled a list of some pawfect dog friendly events in the DC area so both of you can have some fun this spring.

A golden retriever getting a lot of attention at a dog friendly event

Running of the Chihuahuas

District Pier at the Wharf, Washington D.C.

Saturday May 4th, 1pm-5pm

A Chihuahua in the grass wearing a blue baseball jersey

The ultimate Cinco De Mayo celebration that includes an adorable and hilarious Chihuahua costume contest and dog race, complete with a beer garden, tasty eats, live music, and even a dance pawty! What more could you ever want in an event?! Oh and did we mention it’s free admission to attend? You really will not want to miss this epic fiesta! http://www.cincodc.com/

Day of the Dog

Congressional Cemetery, Washington D.C.

Saturday May 11th, 10am-3pm

This annual dog friendly festival is held in the Historic Congressional Cemetery and is packed full of amazing events and pup fun activities. There will be several guided tours of the historic cemetery throughout the day, a weiner waddle featuring a short Dachshunds parade, a raffle, local food trucks and breweries, and so much more! Admission is free and tickets for the raffle will be available for purchase. https://hccemetery.wixsite.com/dayofthedog/about

A Labrador retriever and a Dalmatian play in the grass

Pet Fiesta

Reston Town Center, Reston, VA

Saturday May 4th, 10am-4pm

An outdoor festival that highlights local businesses and animal rescue groups to promote and celebrate pets and their owners in a festive and entertaining environment. There will be a dog walk, on-stage entertainment such as the very pupular Dog House of Style Fashion Show, face painting, caricature artists, and of course, many lovable adoptable pets looking for their forever homes. This event offers fun-filled activities for the entire family to enjoy!
https://petfiesta.org/

Mid-Atlantic Dog Expo

Patterson Park, Baltimore, MD

Saturday May 11th, 11am-6pm

A French Bulldog hangs out with his tongue out at a dog friendly venue

This event offers an array of entertainment for people and dogs from cooling stations where pups can bob for hotdogs, to a doggie/owner look-a-like contest, to even a dog talent show! It is open to the public for free admission, but donations such as dog food, toys, or accessories are greatly appreciated as they will be given to local animal shelters.

A woman lying down in the grass with her dog

Walk for the Animals:

75th Anniversary Homecoming

Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington, VA

Saturday June 8th, 5pm-9pm

Four dogs on leashes sitting outside a park with a walker

This very special Homecoming Jubilee is not only an amazing night filled with entertainment and fun, but it’s also a fundraiser to provide critical medical care, food, shelter, training, and adoption services for tens of thousands of animals. There will be live music, food vendors, a beer garden, dog tricks and training demos, tours of AWLA, and plenty of adorable pets up for adoption. Early bird tickets for $35 are available until May 1st, Advanced General Admission is $40, and same-day registration is $45

https://www.awla.org/event/walk-for-the-animals-75th-anniversary-homecoming/