Dog Events in Virginia

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

Sep 11–12

Rockbridge Festival

Buena Vista, VA

Rockbridge Festival This annual festival offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for lovers of old-time music and dancing, set beside the scenic Maury River in central Virginia. With plenty of structured activities for those who seek them, attendees can also enjoy the relaxed vibe of campground jam sessions amidst shady riverside camping spots and open field areas, making it an inclusive and enjoyable experience for guests of all ages and their pets, too. See Details

Sep 12

Pooches in the Pool at Splash Valley Water Park

Roanoke, VA

Pooches in the Pool at Splash Valley Water Park Dogs are welcome to splash in the pool! Tennis balls will be provided, dog agility, costume contest, photo ops, and more. Register in advance online. Your pooch's vaccinations must be up to date and a liability waiver will be completed on site prior to entry. See Details

Sep 12

AKC Fit Dog Club Walk

Alexandria, VA

AKC Fit Dog Club Walk Lace up your sneakers and grab Fido's leash to participate in a walk with your furry friend. All skill levels are welcome; there will be light refreshments and social time with others afterward. See Details

Sep 12

Fall Festival at Shipgarten

McLean, VA

Fall Festival at Shipgarten Don your flannel with Fido and enjoy crisp air, cozy vibes, and a full day of autumn fun with pumpkin-themed specials, seasonal beers, and festive cocktails. Groove to live music and DJ entertainment, join family-friendly games and activities, and capture memories with fall photo ops and cozy décor. See Details

Sep 12

The Hope Hustle

Fredericksburg, VA

The Hope Hustle Leashed pets are welcome to join participants at this untimed community fun run supporting Adult and Teen Challenge Virginia. Open to all ages, the event includes a finisher’s medal and event T-shirt for each participant, plus prizes, giveaways, and an after-party featuring inspiring testimonials from program residents and graduates. See Details

Sep 12

Dog Paddle at Dogwood Pool

Reston, VA

Dog Paddle at Dogwood Pool This dog-friendly pool event gives pups a chance to cool off with a swim in pools that have closed for the season. All sizes of dogs are welcome, but handlers must be 18 or older, dogs must have a current license or rabies vaccination, and puppies under four months and female dogs in heat aren't permitted. Space is limited and registration is required for each dog. See Details

Sep 12

Dog Paddle at North Hills Pool

Reston, VA

Dog Paddle at North Hills Pool This dog-friendly pool event gives pups a chance to cool off with a swim in pools that have closed for the season. All sizes of dogs are welcome, but handlers must be 18 or older, dogs must have a current license or rabies vaccination, and puppies under four months and female dogs in heat aren't permitted. Space is limited and registration is required for each dog. See Details

Sep 13

Summer's End Puppy Pool Party

New Market, VA

Summer's End Puppy Pool Party Bring Fido out to swim, play and socialize! All dogs must be current in their rabies vaccinations and proof presented. Handlers must be age 18 and older, and dogs must be leashed while entering and exiting pool area. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. See Details

Sep 12–13

FXBG Pet Palooza

Fredericksburg, VA

FXBG Pet Palooza Explore the latest in pet merchandise, tasty treats, exciting toys, and more, while your furry friends enjoy meet-and-greet areas and a thrilling lure course to stretch their legs. Don’t miss the epic costume contest! Thinking about adding a new family member? Meet local rescue organizations and discover adorable pets ready for their forever homes. See Details

Sep 12–13

Colonial K9 Classic

Williamsburg, VA

Colonial K9 Classic Enjoy a weekend of canine excitement featuring DockDogs® diving competitions, local vendors, food, wine, and a pet-friendly beer and wine garden. Guests can relax with their dogs while watching dock diving events and supporting Lab Rescue LCRP, with a portion of beer and wine sales benefiting the organization. See Details

Sep 19

Oktoberfest German Kickoff at Shipgarten

McLean, VA

Oktoberfest German Kickoff at Shipgarten Leashed dogs are welcome at this vibrant celebration combining spirited competition with festive fun. There's even an on-site dog park! Attendees can participate in a variety of games, enjoy authentic German beer selections, classic festival eats, and live music and a DJ. See Details

Sep 19

Pup Party at Ocean Breeze Waterpark

Virginia Beach, VA

Pup Party at Ocean Breeze Waterpark Enjoy a tail-wagging pool party featuring live music, food trucks, contests, pup swag bags, a beer garden, and a special cocktail menu for humans. Dogs can splash in designated swim areas while guests enjoy a fun day of socializing with fellow dog lovers. Participating dogs must have proof of current rabies vaccination and a signed waiver. Dogs must remain leashed outside designated swim areas, and owners are responsible for supervising their pets and cleaning up after them. One dog per person. See Details

Sep 19

Pop PUPmuseum

Roanoke, VA

Pop PUPmuseum This outdoor museum experience was created just for dogs and their humans! Held behind the Museum on Norfolk Avenue, the event will feature prints from the Museum’s permanent collection, playful photo ops, and vendors celebrating canine creativity and curiosity. With a mix of art, culture, and tail-wagging fun, it's a must-attend day for dog lovers. See Details

Sep 19

Goatober Fest at Screaming Goats Farm & Brewery

Amissville, VA

Goatober Fest at Screaming Goats Farm & Brewery Celebrate the start with your leashed pup at this Oktoberfest-inspired event featuring fall beer releases, bratwurst and pretzel specials, lawn games, live entertainment, a stein holding competition, a flannel contest, fall merch, and goat feeding. See Details

Sep 19

Pender's Annual Strut Your Mutt Angel Fund 5K

Fairfax, VA

Pender's Annual Strut Your Mutt Angel Fund 5K Bring Fido to this community event supporting the Angel Fund at Pender Veterinary Centre, which helps Northern Virginia pet owners cover unexpected veterinary expenses. Along with the 5K, attendees can enjoy local vendors, meet adoptable pets, and cheer on the fun Pie Your Doctor contest while supporting pets and families in need. See Details

Sep 19

Oktoberfest at New Realm Brewing Co.

Virginia Beach, VA

Oktoberfest at New Realm Brewing Co. This dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration features live music, cold beer, contests, games and activities for the whole family. Highlights include a dog dress-up contest, Dachshund races, kids’ games, a vendor market, bounce house, Miss Oktoberfest crowning and other festive competitions. See Details

Sep 19

Patio Pawty at Center of the Universe Brewing

Ashland, VA

Patio Pawty at Center of the Universe Brewing This dog-friendly patio party features live music, food and refreshing beverages for pups and their people to enjoy. Guests can relax with their four-legged friends while listening to the Pretty Good Band and grabbing a bite from Casa Herradura. See Details

Sep 19

Hanover Humane Society Annual Pool Paw-ty

Mechanicsville, VA

Hanover Humane Society Annual Pool Paw-ty This dog-friendly pool party gives pups unlimited swim time while raising support for the Hanover Humane Society. Dogs and their people can enjoy a fun afternoon at the pool, with registration available as a walk-up on the day of the event. See Details

Sep 19–20

Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival

Clear Brook, VA

Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival Bring Fido to this annual event at the fairgrounds! There will be food concessions, adult beverages, live music, a pie eating contest, kid's inflatables, pony rides, a classic car show, and pet-friendly activities like a costume contest and canine obstacle courses. Dogs must be leashed and picked up after. See Details

Sep 19–20

Colonial Market & Fair at George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA

Colonial Market & Fair at George Washington's Mount Vernon Step back in time at a lively, family-friendly marketplace inspired by the 18th century. Guests can browse handcrafted goods from skilled artisans, watch live demonstrations of traditional trades, and enjoy period-style music, food, and entertainment. Leashed dogs are permitted on the property with the exception of the following areas: the Mansion and all other historic buildings, the Ford Orientation Center, Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, the Shops of Mount Vernon, the Food Court and Pavilion, the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, and the Distillery & Gristmill. See Details

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