Dog Events in Downers Grove, IL

Leashed dogs are welcome to join this family-friendly 5K walk and charity run! Participants can enjoy a morning of movement and community with live music, food trucks, sweet treats, balloon twisting, and an animal artist. Strollers are also welcome, making this a fun event for the whole family.

This dog-friendly fall market features Corgi and Dachshund races, more than 100 crafters and small businesses, a dedicated pet vendor area, raffles and caricature artists. Bring your pup to enjoy the races, browse unique handmade goods and pet products, and take part in the many activities and entertainment throughout the event.

Pups are welcome to enjoy roaming the 16 miles of hiking trails around the Arboretum several times a year on select days! Dogs must be leashed at all times and have updated vaccinations and registrations. For the safety of both your pet and the natural environment, dogs aren't permitted off the marked trails. Please clean up after your pet; bags are available at the Visitor Center.

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.

Mondays from March through October are special days for dog lovers to explore the park’s beautiful gardens and grounds with their canine companions. Dogs must be friendly, well-socialized, and kept on a leash at all times, and owners should bring proof of up-to-date vaccinations. While pups are welcome outdoors, they aren't permitted inside buildings, and visitors are asked to clean up after their dogs using the provided sanitation stations. A $6 parking fee applies. Note that Monday holidays are excluded from Paws in the Park days.

This Thanksgiving-themed, dog-friendly 5K features a scenic course along the Danada Trail and welcomes runners and walkers of all levels and their leashed pups. Participants receive a chip-timed race entry, turkey-themed finisher medal, soft cotton T-shirt, age-group awards and free photos.

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.

Puppy Hour is a fun, free weekly playtime for puppies and their owners at Central Bark.