Dog Events in New Jersey

When you want to really spoil your dog, or just meet other dog owners in New Jersey who are as crazy about their pets as you, there’s no better place to bring Fido than a dog event. Attend any of the dog shows, agility competitions, costume parades, festivals or fundraisers in New Jersey on our Dog Events Calendar and you’ll meet hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dog lovers. And since 70% of the events listed benefit humane societies, attending one is a great way to help homeless pets too.

Apr 10–Oct 30

Friday Night Bites - FREE BYOB Yappy Hour

Farmingdale, NJ

Friday Night Bites - FREE BYOB Yappy Hour

Bring Fido to a party just for pups and pup-parents! Have a good time with your best furry one, and meet new friends both two- and four-legged. There will be free snacks, soft drinks, and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer. Head to this double-gated dog park plenty of fun! You're welcome to BYOB.

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Oct 31

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Pasta Grill Mansfield

Hackettstown, NJ

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Pasta Grill Mansfield

Pasta Grill Mansfield hosts a Halloween dog costume contest where pups can show off their cutest, funniest, or spookiest looks. Entry is $10 per dog, with half the proceeds benefiting the local Pet Adoption League and half going to the winner. A special menu for dogs and food and drink specials for their humans will also be available.

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Oct 28–Nov 1

Halloween Week & Sunday Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade at Old York Cellars

Ringoes, NJ

Halloween Week & Sunday Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade at Old York Cellars

This Halloween celebration at the winery features wine and candy pairings, costume specials, Halloween-themed wine and trivia, and more. Fido is welcome to join the Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade on Sunday, where pups in costume can strut through the vineyard and compete for prizes!

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Nov 1

Isolation Fitness: 8th Annual Dog Hike for Charity

Metuchen, NJ

Isolation Fitness: 8th Annual Dog Hike for Charity

This dog-friendly charity event features two guided hike opportunities, local vendors, demonstrations and plenty of activities for dogs and their families. A $20 donation is requested to participate in the dog hike, while general admission is a $5 donation. All proceeds benefit People for Animals in Hillside, New Jersey.

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Nov 20

Pupsgiving Celebration at The Hungry Puppy

Farmingdale, NJ

Pupsgiving Celebration at The Hungry Puppy

Enjoy a tail-wagging evening of Thanksgiving-themed fun featuring turkey-based dog food and treats, complimentary snacks for pet parents, and a paw-print painting station where dogs and their people can create a special holiday keepsake.

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Nov 28

Doggy Paddle Polar Plunge

Belmar, NJ

Doggy Paddle Polar Plunge

Stop by the Saturday after Thanksgiving with your furry friend to enjoy food, live entertainment, costume prizes, a dog zone and more! Please note that Fido isn't permitted in the ocean, and you must have a designated registrant hold your dog while you plunge.

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Nov 29

Duck Donut Holiday 5K and 2K Pup Strut

Parsippany, NJ

Duck Donut Holiday 5K and 2K Pup Strut

Bring Fido along to this fun-filled morning to walk or jog! Pups participating in the 2K pet walk will receive a special doggie treat at the finish line from Tater Bear Treats. Please bring an unwrapped toy to help spread holiday cheer for the Toys for Tots program.

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Dec 5

Pet Photos with Santa at SAVE - A Friend to Homeless Animals

Montgomery, NJ

Pet Photos with Santa at SAVE - A Friend to Homeless Animals

SAVE Animal Shelter hosts its annual pet photos with Santa event, featuring professional photography, coffee, cocoa, treats, and holiday caroling. Visitors can capture festive memories with their pets while supporting the shelter’s animals. Pets must be leashed or inside a carrier.

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Dec 5

Twilight Holiday Parade

Ventnor City, NJ

Twilight Holiday Parade

A community holiday parade that invites residents to bring well‑behaved, leashed dogs to watch. The city asks that all dogs be leashed and under control during the event and provides a family-friendly, community atmosphere.

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Dec 6

Pet Photos with Santa at Quaker Bridge Mall

Lawrenceville, NJ

Pet Photos with Santa at Quaker Bridge Mall

Bring your furry friends, big or small, and watch them strike adorable poses with Santa! Pet Photos will be located in the Lower-Level QB Court. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event. Reservations are recommended but not required.

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Select dates, Nov–Dec

Pictures with Santa at Doggie Sweets

Long Branch, NJ

Pictures with Santa at Doggie Sweets

Bring Fido to meet Jolly Old Saint Nick on select weekends and receive a photo for your holiday card! Please note making a reservation before the event is highly encouraged, although walk-ins are welcome. The last day, December 13 is reserved for Aussie's.

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Select dates, Nov–Dec

Pet Photos with Santa at Newport Centre

Jersey City, NJ

Pet Photos with Santa at Newport Centre

On select Sundays this holiday season, bring Fido and watch him strike adorable poses with Santa. Pet Photos will be located in Center Court. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event. Reservations are recommended but not required.

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Nov 15 & Dec 13

Pet Photos with Santa at Ocean County Mall

Toms River, NJ

Pet Photos with Santa at Ocean County Mall

On two select Sundays this holiday season, bring Fido and watch him strike adorable poses with Santa! Pet Photos will be located at Center Court. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event. Reservations are recommended but not required.

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Nov 22 & Dec 13

Pet Photos with Santa at Rockaway Townsquare

Rockaway, NJ

Pet Photos with Santa at Rockaway Townsquare

On select Sundays this holiday season, bring Fido and watch him strike adorable poses with Santa! Pet Photos will be located at the Santa Set in Macy's Court. Enter through the Chipotle entrance and walk downstairs; all other entrances will be locked. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event. Reservations are recommended but not required.

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Select dates, Nov–Dec

Barkfast With Santa

Long Branch, NJ

Barkfast With Santa

Kick off the holiday season with a fun-filled morning for your four-legged friend! This merry event will feature gingerbread pancakes and dog coffee for Fido. Canine companions can also have their photo taken with Kris Kringle to commemorate the jolly occasion. Note that human food won't be offered. Stuff a toy for an additional fee is being held on December 5.

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Mondays & Wednesdays, Nov–Dec

Holiday Pet Photos with Santa at Deptford Mall

Deptford, NJ

Holiday Pet Photos with Santa at Deptford Mall

On select Mondays and Wednesdays this holiday season, leashed dogs are invited to visit Santa for an unforgettable experience. Choose from various photo packages. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. You'll find Santa in Santa's Toy Shop, located at Center Court. Please have your pets on a leash, in a carrier, or appropriately restrained.

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Last Fri Nov & 3rd Sat Dec

Barkfast with the Grinch

Long Branch, NJ

Barkfast with the Grinch

Kick off the holiday season with a fun-filled morning for your four-legged friend! This cheerful event will feature waffles and dog coffee for Fido. Canine companions can also have their photo taken with The Holiday Thief to commemorate the jolly occasion. Note that human food won't be offered.

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Nov 27–Dec 20

Pictures with the Grinch at Doggie Sweets

Long Branch, NJ

Pictures with the Grinch at Doggie Sweets

Bring Fido to meet the Mean One, Mr. Grinch, on select weekends in December. You'll receive a photo for holiday cards and gifts! Please note making a reservation before the event is highly encouraged, although walk-ins are welcome.

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Wednesdays, Dec 2–23

Pictures with Santa at The Hungry Puppy

Farmingdale, NJ

Pictures with Santa at The Hungry Puppy

This dog-friendly holiday event invites pups and their owners to take festive photos with Santa. Donations are encouraged to support a different local organization each week, but giving is optional. Check the organizer’s website or social media for the featured beneficiary.

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Daily, Nov 20–Jan 3

Magic of Lights - Holmdel

Holmdel, NJ

Magic of Lights - Holmdel

Fido is invited along on this drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite scenes and characters, and using the latest LED technology and digital animations. You'll get to see everything from the comfort of your car as you wind along the path. Dogs must remain in the car at all times and aren't permitted in Holiday Village (and guests cannot leave their pup unattended).

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Do you know of a pet friendly event we've missed? Post a spot to BringFido!