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.
Have fun with your pup all year at one of these dog bars in Charlotte!
Reindog Parade
December 17th, 2022
4 p.m.
Camp North End
1701 N Graham Street
Charlotte, North Carolina
Free
Put a Christmas sweater or a costume on your pooch and walk them in a parade all through North End. If you sign up in advance you’ll be eligible for prizes. Mistletoe Market will be taking place too, so you’ll have the chance to shop in a festive marketplace.
Spoil your pooch with treats from a dog bakery in Charlotte!
Dog Days of Winter
February 11th, 2023
Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28214
Free admission (parking is $6 and there’s a charge for some of the activities)
Dogs love the Whitewater Center, and this is a festival just for them. It includes a Dog Jog 5K Trail Race and a 1 Mile Walk (there’s a charge for the trail race.) Dogs and their owners can go out on the ice rink. There are separate sessions for large and small dogs. It costs $5, and you can rent ice cleats for $2. The festival also features Doga (Dog yoga) and dog-focused vendors.
Paws in the Park
Saturday, April 1st, 2023
Pineville Lake Park
1000 Johnson Drive, Pineville, NC
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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
April 1st, 2023
Humane Society of Charlotte’s Animal Resource Center
1348 Parker Drive, Charlotte, NC
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free
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)
May 6th, 2023
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Crooked Creek Park
5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail, NC
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free
Bring your dog to this fun event, which include vendors, demonstrations, contests, off-leash play areas, giveaways and more.
Dog Days of Summer (Whitewater Center)
August 19th, 2023
Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28214
Free admission (parking is $6 and there’s a charge for some of the activities)
Check back soon for announcements about this new festival!
More information
Dog Days of Summer (Humane Society)
Summer, 2023
Humane Society of Charlotte’s Animal Resource Center
1348 Parker Drive, Charlotte
Free
The event in 2022 was the Humane Society of Charlotte’s first Dog Days of Summer. It featured live music, trivia, food trucks and adoptable pets to meet.
Dogs’ Day Out Festival
October, 2023 (Check back for date)
Les Myers Community Park
338 Lawndale Avenue SE, Concord, NC
Free
2022 marked the 19th Annual Dogs’ Day Out Festival. This festival includes costume contests for dogs, as well as vendors and the chance to meet veterinarians and other pet professionals.
Charlotte Weenie Walk
October, 2023
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
October, 2023
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
November, 2023 (Check back for date)
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road Huntersville, NC
Adult one-day tickets were $14 in 2022
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.)
More information about Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival.
Santa Paws in the Park
November, 2023 (Check back for date)
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.
Humane Society of Charlotte’s Animal Resource Center
1348 Parker Drive
Charlotte, NC 28208