
Dogs have always been valued guests at U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC, but they get their own festival, on February 11th, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn about 10 dog festivals in Charlotte!
Dog Days of Winter is a celebration of our best friends, and features a variety of activities for dogs and dog-owners, including:
- 5K trail race (fee applies)
- 1-mile dog walk (fee applies)
- Dog adoption event
- Dog-centered vendors
- Dog yoga
- Dogs on Ice
Admission is free, but there are charges for public skating, the dogs on ice sessions, the 5K trail race and the 1-mile walk.
Parking is $6.

Schedule
- 10:00 am: Public skating opens
- 10:00 am: Dog Jog 5K Trail Race & 1 Mile Walk
- 10:00 am: Vendor Village opens
- 11:00 am: Agility Demo with Happy Dogs Training
- 11:45 am: Public skating closes
- 12:00 pm: Adoption Event
- 12:00 pm: Dogs on Ice (Small dogs)
- 1:00 pm: Doga (Dog Yoga)
- 1:00 pm: Good Citizen Clinic with Happy Dogs Training
- 1:00 pm: Dogs on Ice (Large dogs)
- 2:00 pm: Dogs on Ice (Small dogs)
- 3:00 pm: Agility Demo with Happy Dogs Training
- 3:00 pm: Dogs on Ice (Large Dogs)
- 4:30 pm: Public skating opens
- 10:00 pm: Public skating closes
Dogs on Ice
Dogs on Ice costs $7 for each human. It’s a chance to get out on the ice skating rink with your dog. Humans must wear closed-toe shoes, and it’s recommended that your dog wears booties or other foot coverings.
When dogs are on the ice they must be off leash. At all other times they must be on leash.
- Session 1 – Small Dogs (<45 lbs): 12:00pm-12:45pm
- Session 2 – Large Dogs (>45 lbs): 1:00pm-1:45pm
- Session 3 – Small Dogs (<45 lbs): 2:00pm-2:45pm
- Session 4 – Large Dogs (>45 lbs): 3:00pm-3:45pm
The Whitewater Center reserves the right to limit capacity for each Dogs on Ice session.
Vendor Village
The Vendor Village will feature pet brands from Charlotte and beyond. It will be at Guest Services Hub, near the ice skating rink, and will take place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This will be a great chance to shop for dog gear, treats and more.
Doga (Dog Yoga)
Doga is a form of yoga that you and your dog can do together. It will take place at South Ridge and is free to enjoy.
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