It's finally fall in Minnesota, and I am firmly on team 'Fall is the best season' -- you can't convince me otherwise! Let this be your ultimate guide to Twin Cities pet events this fall to truly get the most out of the crisp air, autumn leaves, pumpkin-flavored everything, and so much more! From September to November, there's something for you and your pup to enjoy this fall.
The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Fall
Categories:
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals
Dog Sports & Activities
Pet-Focused Events:
Saturday, September 7 - Sunday, September 8, 2024
Panoway on Wayzata Bay Plaza, Wayzata, MN
Organized by: James J. Hill Days
"The Dachshund Races are BACK! Join us on Saturday, September 7th from 12:00 - 2:00 pm to see three comPETitive events including Sprints, Hurdles, and a Costume Contest. The cost for entry for each event is $25. Have a little pup looking to compete? Looking for a great way to burn off some energy and have fun with your pup? Join the Doggy Olympics on Sunday, September 8th from 11:00 - 2:00 pm. Take on the challenge of the Wine Glass Walk, the ever-popular Musical Beach Chairs game, and the ultimate test of focus: our Longest Sit-Stay contest. Compete for fabulous prizes!"
Saturday, September 7 - Sunday, September 8, 2024
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Shakopee, MN
Organized by: The Minnesota Renaissance Festival
"Enjoy your favorite fido friend at the Woofstock weekend. It will be a pooch pal party with contests, races, treats, and more! Experience a Howlin’ Hurrah!"
Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 11 am - 3 pm
Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: Grand Avenue Business Association
"Enjoy all Grand Avenue has to offer...with your dog! No dog? No problem. PAWS on Grand partners with dozens of pet rescue organizations so you can adopt a range of pets. You can also shop our pet marketplace, get pet portraits, and cheer on the wiener dog races."
Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 5 - 7 pm
Brookside Bar & Grill, Marine on St. Croix, MN
Organized by: Brookside Bar & Grill
"Bring your furry friends for a paws-itively fun time - it's a happy hour for dogs and their people!
Enjoy Tito’s cocktails and Leinenkugel’s specials, plus fun treats for the pups on the patio! You may make another four-legged friend! See you and your pup there!"
Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10 am to 1:30 pm
Riverview Park, Coon Rapids, MN
Organized by: City of Coon Rapids Recreation Division
"This is an annual event featuring fur-tastic events such as a pet/owner costume contest, kids games and more! Event goers browse dozens of vendor booths offering pet-related products, services and resources. There's even a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest to show off your creativity! Demonstrations, entertainment and more! Come to the pet fair with your well-behaved, leashed furry friend and have a great time meeting other pet owners!"
Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, 2024
Pinehaven Farm, Wyoming, MN
Organized by: Pinehaven Farm
"For one weekend only, bring your family and your beloved pet dog to the farm! Leashed and friendly dogs are welcome. This 2-day event will have all of our Fall Festival attractions, PLUS activities for your pups! Take photos at the many photo op locations around the farm, shop our dog-related crafters and vendors, take a Trolley Ride to the Pumpkin Patch, and so much more!"
Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 3 - 7 pm
Unleashed Hounds & Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Unleashed Hounds & Hops
More information is coming soon!
Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 11 am - 3 pm
Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Inbound BrewCo
"You and your pup wait all year for Barktoberfest and the wait is almost over… Barktoberfest has everything you need for a dog-gone good day: doggie costume contest with prizes for the best three costumes, fall-themed photo booth, live music to get you in the Barktoberfest spirit, and a local vendor market! The best part is that Barktoberfest is free to attend!"
Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 1 - 5 pm
The Commons, 425 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Minneapolis Downtown Parks
"Calling all pet parents and animal lovers! Event Highlights: pet-themed market, Halloween costume contest, outdoor screening of Frankenweenie at 6:30 pm. Bring your pets, dress them up in their best costumes, and enjoy a day of shopping, contests, and community! Whether you're looking for treats, toys, or just some fun in the sun, PAWS in the Park has something for everyone."
Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 3 - 7 pm
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Organized by: Wildlife Science Center
"Fall has arrived, and that means it's time for WSC's annual Oktoberfest celebration! Join us to see the wolves against the backdrop of falling leaves, try your hand at Hammerschlagen, challenge your friends to a game of corn hole, sip brews from Bent Brewstillery while munching on the irresistible eats from Mamas Taco Truck. We are excited to have The Workin’ Dogs Band Join us! The bears will still be awake, so don't miss a chance to see our chunky bruins before they hit the sack for winter. Remember to bring your dog(s) and a friend or two and come on out for the fun!"
Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 12 - 2 pm
Alimagnet Park, Burnsville, MN
Organized by: City of Burnsville
"Bring on fall with pumpkins and puppy costumes! In partnership with People of Alimagnet Caring for K9s (PACK), this event will include a puppy parade through a Haunted Forest, a “Trick for Treats” station, pet-themed vendors, food trucks and a costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed in multiple categories for both dogs and humans."
Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 11 am - 4 pm
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Organized by: Wildlife Science Center
"It's that time of year again when ghosts visit the wolves at the Wildlife Science Center! Join us for our annual Howl-O-Ween celebration! Come in costume to trick the animals! We also encourage grown-ups to dress up and bring the family dog(s) in costume too! Kids can paint pumpkins, collect candy, and take part in a scavenger hunt, all while being surrounded by cougars and bears and wolves--OH MY! We are so excited to have KMC Eggrolls providing food! All proceeds benefit the Wildlife Science Center."
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals:
August 17th - September 29th, 2024 from 9 am - 7 pm, Rain or Shine
Open weekends (Sat. & Sun.) plus Labor Day, September 2nd & Festival Friday, September 27th, 2024
Shakopee, MN
Admission: Varies
"Bring Your Dog – The Festival Is Dog Friendly! No other pets will be allowed on Festival grounds. There is a Dog Gate at both King’s and Queen’s Gate entrances."
Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Kordiak Park, Columbia Heights, MN
Organized by: HeightsNext
"Celebrate the spooky season with your furry friend at this Halloween event! There will be a Jack-O'-Lantern Parade, a fall selfie station, s'mores, and hot apple cider. Both people and pets are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes to take a stroll through the park! Leashed pups are welcome."
Pet-Related Benefit Events:
Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 12 - 3 pm
Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Pet Haven MN
Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 11:30 am - 4 pm
White Bear Beach, White Bear Lake, MN
Benefitting: Home For Life Animal Sanctuary
Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10 am - 1:30 pm
Can Do Canines Facility, New Hope, MN
Benefitting: Can Do Canines
"Bring your friends (the furry ones too!) and help us celebrate the amazing partnerships of assistance dogs and the people who need them. This outdoor, family-fun event includes a one-mile fundraising walk, live music, a dog costume contest, an assistance dog demonstration, dog-centric vendors, and more. The event is held rain or shine at Can Do Canines facility in New Hope, MN."
Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10 am - 2 pm
Lent Town Hall, Lent, MN
Benefitting: Northwoods Humane Society
"Walk With The Animals is celebrating its 26th year! We hope that you'll help us raise funds to care for homeless animals in our community. Join us for lots of fun activities including a 1.5 mile walk, bake sale, silent auction, lunch options, microchipping and nail trims, 50/50 raffle, dog activity zone, face painting, and pet supplies and Northwoods gear for sale. Fundraise for Northwoods and earn prizes!"
Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 9 am - 2 pm
Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN
Benefitting: Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)
"Join us Sunday, September 15, 2024, for Goldzilla, RAGOM’s annual Fun Fair and Walk for Rescue—and one of the biggest Golden Retriever events in America! All money raised supports our mission of rescuing and rehoming Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes of all ages. A good cause. A great day. Goldzilla—it’s GIGANTIC!"
Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 10 am - 2 pm
Crazy Legs Farm & Pumpkins, Farmington, MN
Benefitting: Rescue Network
"Join us for our third annual Fall Pet Photo Fundraiser at Crazy Legs Farm & Pumpkins with K Schulz Photography! Bring your dogs and your family for a fun fall photo shoot where proceeds go to Rescue Network! A $25 donation via card, cash, Venmo, or PayPal will get you one digital with additional digital and physical prints that can be purchased through the online gallery starting at $10 each. All photos will be uploaded to a portal that you will have access to via email and it will be posted in the event page in order to download your digital photo. We will have a fun fall-themed photo spot with pumpkins and more! Stay tuned for updates!"
Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 8 am - 1 pm
Sturges Park, Buffalo, MN
Benefitting: Crossroads Animal Shelter and Community Veterinary Clinic
"Mark your calendars for Steps for Pets! This dog-friendly event will be held from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on September 28, 2024, at Sturges Park in Buffalo, MN, US. Admission benefits Crossroads Animal Shelter and Community Veterinary Clinic."
Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 10 am - 2 pm
Lakefront Park, Prior Lake, MN
Benefitting: Adopt a Husky Minnesota
"Our Annual Fundraising event and an opportunity for us to thank all of our adopters and supporters with a dog-friendly filled day! We start our day with a hike around beautiful Lakefront Park in Prior Lake, MN. After the hike attendees are free to check out our silent auction, raffle items, and tons of vendors! We also provide lunch for registered participants. Our day wraps up with prizes for those who raised the most and awards for a few of our outstanding volunteers!"
Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 11 am - 4 pm
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Benefitting: Wildlife Science Center
"Join us for this unique annual event featuring autumn family fun among the wolves, raptors, bears, cougars, and other resident wild animals. Enjoy educational demonstrations, shop with local artisans and vendors selling their wares, and get a great meal from PJ’s Grill food truck! Bent Brewstillery will be on-site providing adult beverages. Presentations include Remarkable Reptiles, Working Dog Pack, and Raptors of the Great Lakes Region. Dogs on a leash are welcome. All event proceeds benefit the Wildlife Science Center. Have fun and help fundraise for a great cause!"
Dog Sports & Activities:
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Twin Cities Obedience Training Club (TCOTC), Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: TCOTC
Admission: $10 for members, $15 for non-members
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Twin Cities Obedience Training Club (TCOTC), Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: TCOTC
Admission: $10 for members, $15 for non-members
Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Twin Cities Obedience Training Club (TCOTC), Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: TCOTC
Admission: $20 for members, $25 for non-members
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 7 - 8 pm
Facebook Live Event
Organized by: TCOTC
Saturday, October XX, 2024
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Location: TBD
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 9:30 am - 1 pm
Location: Lowell Park, Stillwater MN
Organized by: Home for Life Animal Sanctuary
Saturday, November XX, 2024
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Location: TBD
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Add an Event:
Am I missing a Twin Cities pet event this fall? Do you have an upcoming event you'd like to add to a future blog post?
Please submit your event here to get it added to this list! Thank you!
About Scruff Life Photography:
Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm a Minnesota-based pet photographer specializing in capturing the bond between people and their pets. I understand that pets are important family members and I am here to capture those special moments you will treasure for a lifetime. Whether you just added a pet to the family or they've been there for as long as you can remember, it's never a bad time for updated professional photos! Reach out today to schedule your pet photo session with Scruff Life Photography!
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