Dog Events in Highland Park, IL

This dog-friendly meetup brings together pet influencers, aspiring creators, photographers and dog lovers for an afternoon of networking, content creation and supervised off-leash play. Attendees can connect with other dog accounts, exchange ideas, capture photos and videos and explore collaboration opportunities. All experience levels are welcome.

Bring your leashed pup in his best costume to enjoy yappy hour with other dogs and pet parents at this annual event. Activities include an adoption meet & greet, costume contest, canine demonstrations, games and prizes, as well as food and music.

This dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration features an indoor off-leash dog park with multiple play areas, German-style food, beer, wine, raffles and goody bags. Guests can enjoy fun dog contests, including ice cream eating, “beer” drinking, musical sits and longest sit competitions, along with pet caricatures. All proceeds benefit MCP Chicago, a local animal rescue and outreach organization. Dogs must be fully vaccinated, social and comfortable playing off leash.

This dog-friendly veterinary appreciation event begins with a yoga session for dogs and their people, followed by a morning of activities and local vendors. Guests can enjoy professional pet portraits, hand-drawn illustrations, custom dog treats, coffee, pup cups and breakfast while supporting the Veterinary Hope Foundation’s mental health and wellness initiatives for veterinary professionals. A portion of select purchases will benefit the foundation.

Bring Fido out to this weekend event for the entire family! There will be live music, activities, and, of course, Oktoberfest food and drinks.

Give your little pup a chance to play, socialize, and build confidence at this Tiny Dog Meetup, designed exclusively for dogs under 20 pounds. Pups can enjoy supervised, size-appropriate play in a safe, low-stress environment while their humans relax in the Pup Social lounge. Every participating dog receives a free pup cup, and staff are on hand to help ensure a fun and positive experience for all.

This dog-friendly Halloween celebration invites pups and their people to dress in costume and enjoy interactive activities, treats, photo opportunities, prizes, local vendors and off-leash playtime. Guests can visit Fi Collar’s activations for custom tag engraving, a data-inspired game, pup cups and dog sketching, then enter a costume contest featuring Polaroid photos and voting for Best in Show. Additional activities include a trick-or-treat vendor trail, raffles and giveaways.

This seasonal market brings together local artisans, farmers, growers, makers and food vendors for a welcoming community experience. Held on select dates from May through October, guests can shop fresh, locally made foods and treats, browse handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts, and enjoy a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. 2026 dates include May 31st, June 14th & 28th, July 12th & 26th, August 9th & 23rd, September 6th & 20th, and October 4th & 18th.

Join the festive 5k features a scenic out-and-back course through Busse Woods and is open to runners and walkers. Pre-registration includes a short-sleeve T-shirt, finisher medal, a chip-timed race bib, live race results, and finish-line treats for both humans and pups.

This dog-friendly Halloween 5K welcomes runners and walkers with their leashed pups to run or walk through the scenic, paved and generally flat course. Registration includes a short-sleeve T-shirt, finisher medal, chip-timed race bib, live results and finish-line treats for humans and dogs. Proceeds support Fetching Tails Foundation.

This dog-friendly disco celebration features neon décor, themed music and lighting, special drinks, Yappy Hour deals and disco-inspired photo opportunities. Guests are encouraged to dress in neon, metallics or festive disco outfits while their pups enjoy a glowing foam party in the off-leash park. Tickets include access to the foam party, off-leash play and Pup Social’s amenities.

Bring Fido to Chicago’s premier pet-friendly black tie gala! Set at the legendary Drake Hotel, guests and their canine companions walk the red carpet, participate in live and silent auctions, and enjoy a dinner buffet and dancing. Four-legged guests will enjoy an evening of indulgences as well, including dinner served in crystal goblets at the dog buffet. Human guests be 21+ to attend the event.

This dog-friendly holiday makers market features handmade gifts, personalized keepsakes and unique finds for people and pets, including furry, scaly and feathered friends. Guests can enjoy pet- and people-friendly treats, meet Santa Paws for a festive photo and meet adoptable dogs from For Good Rescue and cats from Gutter Cat Adoption.

Celebrate the holiday season with your pup and the Live Like Roo Foundation at this dog-friendly Holiday Pet Market featuring local vendors, holiday cocktails and coffee, photos with Santa, caricatures, and festive photo opportunities. Bring your pup to shop, socialize and enjoy a day of seasonal fun with fellow pet lovers.

Leashed pups are welcome to join you in browsing these mesmerizing exhibitions, featuring immersive, large-scale installations that bring the wonder of flight to life. This interactive experience showcases inflatable artworks, light projections, and floating sculptures designed by international artists. Please note that as per Balloon Museum policies: dogs must be leashed at all times and aren't permitted in the ball pit.; medium-large sized dogs must be muzzled; the interactive space may be overwhelming for your pet, as it includes strobe lights, sounds, vibrations, and balloons popping as part of the experience. Make sure your pet will feel comfortable in this environment before bringing him along.

This dog-friendly 5K run/walk features a scenic, paved and generally flat course while supporting Animal House Shelter. Registration includes a T-shirt, finisher medal, dog medal, chip-timed race bib, live results and finish-line treats for humans and dogs.