Dog Events in North Carolina

When you want to really spoil your dog, or just meet other dog owners in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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.

Daily, Jun–Aug

Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail

Hendersonville, NC

Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail Bring Fido, on a leash, to experience Bullington Gardens' Fairy Trail! A wonderful, imagination filled trail with fairy houses and whimsical landscapes along the way. Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding. The trail is closed on Sundays. See Details

Aug 29

WNC Bigfoot Festival

Marion, NC

WNC Bigfoot Festival Leashed dogs are welcome at this quirky, family‑friendly celebration that embraces the legend of Bigfoot with a mix of fun, entertainment, and local culture. Attendees can enjoy live music, food vendors, craft and merchandise booths, games, and activities for all ages. The festival also features unique Bigfoot‑themed attractions and contests. See Details

Every Apr 19–Aug 30

Pups in the Park Sundays with the Wilson Warbirds

Wilson, NC

Pups in the Park Sundays with the Wilson Warbirds Bring Fido out to the ball game! Dog-friendly games are held every Sunday home game throughout the season, so make sure to check the website's schedule to catch a game. See Details

Apr 14–Sep 1

Hickory Crawdads Dollar Dog Tuesday

Hickory, NC

Hickory Crawdads Dollar Dog Tuesday Enjoy a Bark in the Park event with Fido at Hickory Crawdads home games! During these games vistiors can enjoy hot dogs for $1. The dates for 2026 include April 14, May 5 & 19, June 2, 16 & 23, July 21, August 4 & 18, and September 1. See Details

Sep 5–6

Labor Day Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center

Charlotte, NC

Labor Day Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center Celebrate the holiday weekend outdoors with Fido at a lively outdoor festival featuring trail races through scenic wooded terrain, a variety of all-level yoga sessions, and ongoing recreational activities. Guests can enjoy live music performances alongside opportunities to stay active and unwind in a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere centered on nature and adventure. See Details

May 23–24, Jun 6–7, Jul 4–5, Aug 1–2, Sep 5–6

Art on the Greene

Banner Elk, NC

Art on the Greene On the first weekend each month, this popular outdoor art show welcomes leashed dogs and brings together a curated selection of local and regional artisans showcasing high-quality, handmade works across a wide range of mediums, including pottery, woodwork, glass, metal, and painting. Guests can browse one-of-a-kind pieces, from fine art to functional crafts, while enjoying food vendors and a relaxed, walkable setting surrounded by shops and restaurants. See Details

Sep 4–7

Labor Day Weekend at 4 Paws Kingdom

Rutherfordton, NC

Labor Day Weekend at 4 Paws Kingdom Wrap up summer with a laid-back Labor Day camping weekend filled with great food, outdoor fun and live music. Enjoy food truck favorites, creative paint-and-lick activities for pups, Yappy Hour socials, professional canine photography, doggy ice cream, and exciting lure coursing. You must be a camping guest of the resort to participate. See more lodging information and book your weekend HERE. See Details

Sep 4–7

Labor Day Harvest Festival at Grandad's Apples N' Such

Hendersonville, NC

Labor Day Harvest Festival at Grandad's Apples N' Such Bring Fido by the farm for some fun on Labor Day weekend! Enjoy four days of festive fall fun celebrating the best of the local harvest and community. Savor fresh-picked apples, cider donuts, and baked goods, grab a bite from food trucks, and shop a variety of small businesses. There will also be live music, a corn maze, playful attractions, and activities for kids. See Details

Select dates Apr–Sep

Bark in the Ballpark with the Charlotte Knights

Charlotte, NC

Bark in the Ballpark with the Charlotte Knights Take Fido out to the ballgame! Dog-friendly games are held on select dates throughout the season, so make sure to check the website's schedule to catch a game. Canines are welcome on the main concourse, all field box seats, all outfield seats, and the outfield berm. Pups aren't permitted in the following areas: Home Run Porch, First Base or Third Base Party Terrace, Club 93, the Luxury Lounge, Suites or the Budweiser Home Plate Club. Water bowls will be located throughout the stadium. All dogs must be current on their vaccinations and leashed at all times. See Details

Sep 11–12

Outer Banks Kite Festival

Nags Head, NC

Outer Banks Kite Festival Furry friends may join their owners to watch massive show kites flying high above the dunes at the park and participate in stunt and power kite lessons given by pros. Visitors will watch some of the nation’s most talented performers put on world-class displays of artistry and skill with kite flying set to music, synchronized shows and more. See Details

Sep 12

Pups & Pastries

Cary, NC

Pups & Pastries Fido is invited to join you in the Doggie Dash 5K and Doggie Dash 6.5 Mile races, all supporting a great cause! Please note that all dogs must be registered to race alongside you. Kids 12 and under are prohibited in the pet events. See Details

Sep 12

Annual Renaissance Festival

Mills River, NC

Annual Renaissance Festival Bring Fido out for a full day of medieval fun with Warriors of Ash showcasing full-contact combat in a tri-blade bracketed tournament. Enjoy live music, a dusk fire-spinning show, and interactive activities, and meeting the King & Queen. Browse 40+ unique vendors, from glass blowing to fairy hair, and feast on turkey legs and classic fair food. Dogs are welcome inside and outside. See Details

Sep 12

Woofstock at Deep River Brewing Company

Clayton, NC

Woofstock at Deep River Brewing Company Enjoy dog-friendly vendors, live music, raffles, a groovy pup contest, and even a pup ice cream eating contest. Meet adoptable dogs while soaking up the fun in the sun! See Details

Sep 12

Jump Off Rock Concert

Laurel Park, NC

Jump Off Rock Concert Bring Fido along with a picnic, chair, blanket, and even a cooler (beer and wine are permitted) to this outdoor concert! The rain date is September 13th. See Details

Sep 12

Hinnant Family Vineyards Harvest Festival

Pine Level, NC

Hinnant Family Vineyards Harvest Festival Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join guests for a full day of harvest-season festivities at the vineyard. Enjoy wine tastings, grape picking and stomping, vineyard tours, food offerings, and nine hours of live music in a scenic setting. Guests can relax on the patio or grassy areas while taking in the festive atmosphere and celebrating the season. See Details

Apr 21–Sep 13

High Point Rockers Baseball

High Point, NC

High Point Rockers Baseball You don't have to wait for a special Dog Night to Bring Fido out to the ballgame! Dogs are welcome at any home game throughout the season at this bark in the park-style gathering. Check their website for this year's schedule. Then, just stop by Guest Services to register your dog and enjoy the game together! See Details

Sep 13

Fenton Art Festival

Cary, NC

Fenton Art Festival Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at this vibrant celebration of fine art and creativity. Browse and shop original works in oils, watercolors, acrylics, mixed media, sculpture, and more from over 50 talented artists. Enjoy interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and opportunities to help create public art in one of the Triangle’s premier destinations. See Details

Sep 11–13

Fall Splashdown Camping and Social

Goldston, NC

Fall Splashdown Camping and Social Spend the weekend camping and socializing with fellow dog lovers at ICK9's annual Fall Splashdown celebration. Guests can enjoy a pig pickin' social and 10-year anniversary celebration while preparing their dogs for the DockDogs World Championships or simply enjoying time at this canine aquatics facility. Camping options include tent sites, dry RV spots, limited electric RV hookups, and glamping tents, with showers and portable restrooms available. See Details

Sep 13

Southern Resonance Roots Festival Presented by the CLT Blues Society

Charlotte, NC

Southern Resonance Roots Festival Presented by the CLT Blues Society Kids and pets are welcome at this outdoor blues festival featuring live music, local vendors, food, beverages, raffles, and a lively community atmosphere. Guests can relax on the lawn, enjoy performances from regional musicians, and celebrate Blues and Roots music throughout the afternoon before the evening headliner show. See Details

Jun 10–Sep 17

Arbor Evenings at The North Carolina Arboretum

Asheville, NC

Arbor Evenings at The North Carolina Arboretum Set in the lush Baker Event Lawn and surrounding gardens, guests can sip beer, wine, or soft drinks from the on-site Green Gardener’s Shed, enjoy rotating food trucks, and stroll amid live performances spanning Americana, folk, jazz, bluegrass, country, pop, and more, all while basking in the glow of the golden hour. Leashed dogs are welcome and must be cleaned up after. See Details

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