Charlotte is a city that loves its dogs and celebrates them…a lot.
Many festivals welcome dogs, but there are some that are all about dogs! Here are some that take place throughout the year. Make sure to follow the links for exact date and more details. Sometimes the details aren’t updated until closer to the date of the festival, so keep checking back. Also, it’s possible that the location might change from year to year. We’ll keep this list updated as we hear the details.
To see which dog festivals are coming up on the calendar, just scroll down, or jump to the Dog Festival Calendar.
Looking for more dog-friendly events? Check out the pet event calendar.
Dog Days of Winter
Dog Days of Winter
Saturday, February 17, 2024
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Free admission. $12 for parking. $7 per person to take dogs onto the ice.
Dog Days of Winter features a Dog Jog 5K and 1 mile walk, “dogs on ice,” a vendor village, a dog agility demo and more.
Paws in the Park (Pineville)
Paws in the Park
Saturday, April 13, 2024
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pineville Lake Park
1000 Johnson Drive, Pineville, NC
Free
This annual event is free to attend but is a fundraiser for Charlotte Black Dogs, an organization that promotes awareness about Black Dog Syndrome, the tendency for black dogs to be the last to be adopted. The festival features live music, demonstrations, dog contests, arts and crafts, food trucks and more.
Pet Palooza Walk and Festival
Pet Palooza Walk and Festival
April 6, 2024
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Humane Society of Charlotte’s Animal Resource Center
1348 Parker Drive, Charlotte, NC
$5 or a donation of pet supplies.
This annual event has been a Charlotte favorite for over 20 years. It features live music, food trucks, pet costume contest, pet-focused vendors and fun for the whole family. The quarter-mile Pet Palooza Fundraising Walk raises money for the Humane Society.
Paws in the Park (Indian Trail)
Paws in the Park (Indian Trail)
Saturday, May 4, 2024
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Crooked Creek Park
5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail, NC
Free
Bring your dog to this fun event, which include vendors, demonstrations, contests, off-leash play areas, giveaways and more.
Dogs’ Day Out Festival
Dogs’ Day Out.
Check back soon for date. Usually in October
Les Myers Community Park
338 Lawndale Avenue SE, Concord, NC
Free
This festival includes costume contests for dogs, as well as vendors and the chance to meet veterinarians and other pet professionals.
Charlotte Weenie Walk
Charlotte Weenie Walk.
October, 2024
Freedom Park
1908 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
Free
All breeds are welcome to this event, which raises money for local Charlotte animal rescues. The festival includes a Halloween costume for dogs, a group walk the pond and the King and Queen (Weiner dog) Crowning Ceremony.
All American Dog Show
All American Dog Show
October, 2024
Robbins Park
17738 W Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC
Free (fee to compete in contests)
The festival features tons of contests, including best dressed, best paw shaker, best pooch smooth, best “puppy eyes” and more.
Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival
Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival
November, 2024
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road Huntersville, NC
Check back soon for ticket price
Watch sheepdogs and their handlers herd sheep and compete for top prizes. In addition, there are hayrides, a nature trail, living history demonstrations, pumpkin chunkin’ and more. You can bring your dog out for the fun (but not to participate in the sheepdog trials.)
Santa Paws in the Park in Cornelius
Santa Paws in the Park
December, 2024
Robbins Park
17738 W Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC
Free
This is a chance to get a picture of your dog with Santa. There will also be fun dog-related activities and vendors selling gifts for dogs and dog owners.
Reindog Parade
Reindog Parade
December, 2024
Camp North End
1701 N Graham Street, Charlotte, NC
Free
Put a Christmas sweater or a costume on your pooch and walk them in a parade all through Camp North End. Mistletoe Market will be taking place too, so you’ll have the chance to shop in a festive marketplace.
Dog Festival Calendar
Looking for more dog-friendly events? Check out the pet event calendar.
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