Falling for Autumn Adventures: The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Fall (2025)
- Lauren
- Aug 31
- 15 min read
Updated: Nov 12
The glorious return of cool temps and colorful leaves! Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Fall, your one-stop shop for all the new and returning events for you and your pets in the area. Fall in Minnesota means pet-friendly fall festivals, harvest activities, and outdoor events. It also means lots of group walks, hikes, and adventures. Whatever you and your pup like to do, this guide will fill you in on all the best events happening around Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the greater Twin Cities area!
The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Fall
Categories:
Pet-Focused Events:
Saturday, August 30 - Monday, September 1, 2025
Minnesota Renaissance Festival Grounds, 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!"
Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
Downtown Wayzata, MN
Organized by: Wayzata West Metro Chamber
"The races will be held on Saturday, September 6th at noon at the JJHD Dog Park (at the Panoway on Wayzata Bay Plaza) in Downtown Wayzata. The cost for entry for each event is $25. The races consist of three events: Sprints, Hurdles, and a Costume Contest. You can register for one event or all three! Entries will be accepted until the race is full. Entry fees are non-refundable."
Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 11 am - 5 pm
Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: Grand Ave Business Association
"Imagine your pup bringing you a brochure for a vacation planned just for them. Pet portraits, nail trims, dog washes, and a literal spa day all at local Grand Avenue businesses! Looking to foster or adopt? Local businesses partner with the best rescue non-profit partners to raise money and introduce their pets to those searching to foster or adopt. Visit the Pet Marketplace featuring dozens of pet-centric vendors and products to augment the hundreds of unique retail and eating establishments up and down the avenue."
Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Downtown Wayzata, MN
Organized by: Wayzata West Metro Chamber
"It’s all about the dogs in Wayzata! You and your pup are challenged to join us for the JJHD DOGGY OLYMPICS! Looking for a great way to engage, burn off some energy, and have fun with your pup? Games are the best way to do that – they are fun for you and your dog! BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) and 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. Available to all dog sizes/breeds and their humans! The Doggy Olympics games can be played by any doggo/human team – and it’s FREE to register! Don’t let your pup miss out on the fun – join us by registering today."
Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 9 am – 2 pm
Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN
Organized by: RAGOM - Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest
"Something BIG is coming… Are you ready? Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 14, 2025, and get ready for Goldzilla—RAGOM’s unforgettable Fun Fair and Walk for Rescue! Walk alongside fellow Golden lovers. Enjoy a day packed with exciting activities. Meet adorable Goldens and Golden mixes. Support a mission that saves lives. One of the biggest Golden Retriever events in America, Goldzilla is more than just a day of fun—it’s a chance to make a real difference. Every dollar raised helps rescue and rehome Golden Retrievers in need. Stay tuned for event details and registration—this is one GIGANTIC event you won’t want to miss!"
Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 am - 1:30 pm
Coon Rapids Civic Center, 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 20, 2025, from 3 - 5:30 pm
Alimagnet Park Drive, Burnsville, MN
Organized by: City of Burnsville
"No bones about it – you and your pup will be howling with joy at this dog-friendly Yappy Hour! This event will be full of dog-themed vendors, food trucks, giveaways and furry friends. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All dogs must remain leashed."
Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5 - 6:30 pm
Rivertown Dog Park, Hastings, MN
Organized by: City of Hastings
"Event highlights include dog-friendly booths, exciting giveaways, a strut your mutt” costume contest, raffles, prize baskets, a balloon arch photo opportunity, and the 437 food truck. A special thank you to our sponsor: Fluegel's Lawn, Garden and Pet Supply in Hastings!"
Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 1 - 4 pm
The Commons, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Minneapolis Parks
"Calling all pet parents and animal lovers! Join us for Howltergeist at The Commons (425 Portland Avenue South) Saturday, October 4, from 1-4 pm for a free, fun-filled day dedicated to our furry friends!"
Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 3 - 7 pm
Unleashed Hounds & Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Unleashed Hounds & Hops
"Our fall pet market is back - with perks for the first visitors! Join us for a fun afternoon of pawsome pets and vendors to cater to their every whim, along with adoptables from our fav non-profits, free tastings from local breweries/wineries, great food, and MORE. Be one of the first 250 early birds at LollaPAWLooza 2025 to receive a free swag bag sponsored by Livewell Animal Hospital. Note that pets in attendance must be on-leash and demonstrate appropriate leash manners, as this will be a majority-outdoor event taking place in our parking lot, aka the Farmer's Market Annex."
Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 2 - 5 pm
Rich Valley Athletic Complex, Inver Grove Heights, MN
Organized by: City of Inver Grove Heights
Get ready for an afternoon full of fun for pets and their people! The event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with a K9 demo and meet-and-greet with Sergeant Prail and Asher, followed by a raffle drawing at 4:30 p.m. and the always-popular costume contest from 4:30–5 p.m. with categories like most creative, cutest, owner/pup look-a-like, and top dog. Guests can also enjoy live music by Carey Langer, shop from local pet vendors, grab food from Don Papi Chulo, sip craft beer from North 20 Brewing, and join in on activities like pet caricatures, a kissing booth, and more tail-wagging fun.
Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 12 - 2:30 pm
Freedom Park, New Brighton, MN
Organized by: New Brighton Parks & Recreation
"Attention, New Brighton Pooches! Mark your human’s calendar for New Brighton Parks and Recreation's barkin' awesome and furrtastic dog event: Tails on the Trails! Take your pup for a walk on the trails of Freedom Park while you visit company and non-profit vendor booths, see special dog-related demonstrations, and let your leashed pup socialize with other neighborhood friends. No pup? No problem! There will be plenty of fun for the whole family. This event is free to attend. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet."
Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 1 - 3 pm
McRae Park, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Minneapolis Parks & Recreation
"Participants are invited to bring their pups to McRae to enjoy fun activities, including tricks-for-treating in the park and a costume contest. Treats will be available for dogs and humans at this event that is sure to be a scary good time! Off-leash areas will be available on site for dogs of all sizes. Registered participants will receive treats and will be entered to win a prize in our costume contest. Dog enthusiasts are invited to attend."
Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 5 - 7 pm
Aloft, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Aloft Minneapolis
"Join us for a tail-wagging good time on October 30th from 5–7 PM at Aloft Minneapolis! Bring your pup in their best Halloween costume to show off to the other pups in town. Enjoy spooky Yappy Hour specials, snap pics at our Pupkin Patch, and mingle with fellow dog lovers. Costumes encouraged. Treats provided. Free to attend!"
Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6:30 - 9 pm
BrewPark, Plymouth, MN
Organized by: BrewPark Plymouth
"It's that time of year again – the most enjoyable night of the year! Our Halloween Doggy Costume Contest is back! We know you've been eyeing those doggy costumes at Target, thinking, "I love this, but when will I ever use it?" Well, now's your chance! Your pup not only gets to strut around the park in their costume but also has the opportunity to win $500 in cash prizes!"
Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Bone Marché Pet Market, Saint Louis Park, MN
Organized by: Bone Marché
"Samples, giveaways, pet ornaments, and more with Skylar's Scholarships, KONG, and Packer-Mellem."
Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm
Pet Crossing Animal Hospital, Bloomington, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography
"10-minute sessions indoors at Pet Crossing with a holiday backdrop. Includes 2 digitals and the option to purchase more. Sessions happen back-to-back. If you have more than 5 (humans plus pets), I recommend booking two sessions. Sessions can include pets or pets and their people."
Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10 am - 12 pm
Indoor Zoomies, Minnetonka, MN
Organized by: Indoor Zoomies & Amanda LaRae Photography
"Book your time slot for $25. Receive 1 digital image in time for Christmas cards."
Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm
Adventure Is Barking Social Club, Hopkins, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography
"This holiday season, we will be hosting a photo shoot at AiB Social Club with K Schulz Photography! The event will consist of 10-minute sessions, from which you'll receive two digital copies of your choosing. If you have more than 5 people and or pets (combined total) in your group, we recommend you book two back-to-back time slots."
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals:
August 16th - September 28th, 2025, 9 am - 7 pm, Rain or Shine
Open weekends (Sat. & Sun.) plus Labor Day, September 2nd & Festival Friday, September 27th, 2024
Minnesota Renaissance Festival Grounds, 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."
Pet-Related Benefit Events:
Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm
Trapp Farm Park, Eagan, MN
Benefitting: Rescue Network
"Join us for Strut For Mutts 2025, Rescue Network’s premier fundraising walk/run uniting animal lovers, adopters, and advocates in support of our life-saving mission. This uplifting community event celebrates the power of second chances while raising vital funds to support our growing rescue efforts. Bring your furry companions**, your walking shoes, and your heart for rescue. Whether you're walking in memory of a beloved pet or celebrating your own adopted companion, your participation fuels hope, healing, and a future full of wagging tails. Let’s strut, step by step, toward a better world for mutts. **Dogs that are not aggressive toward people or other animals are welcome at the almost 3K event. Dogs must be current on vaccines and always leashed (retractable leashes are prohibited)."
Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9 am - 12 pm
Thomas Beach, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: The Bond Between
"Lace up your sneakers, leash up your pup, and get ready to walk or run to save lives at The Bond Between’s Fast & The Furriest 5K on Saturday, September 13th at Thomas Beach on Lake Bde Maka Ska! This event is more than just a 5K, it's a fundraising movement to help animals in need. This year, we're setting our biggest goal yet: Raise $100,000 through the power of our community- and that means you! Whether you're walking solo or forming a team, you’ll have the chance to fundraise for The Bond Between and win pawsome prizes along the way."
Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm
Chaska Veterans Park, Chaska, MN
Benefitting: Carver Scott Humane Society
"Run, Walk, Wag is a family and dog-friendly 5k for seasoned runners, leisurely walkers, and leashed companions. Cheering you on at the finish line will be a pet and local business fair, food, beverages, and the stars of the show - adoptable animals hoping to find their forever homes! More than just a day of fun, by participating, you will be contributing to the rescue, care, and rehoming of the over 1,000 dogs and cats who make their way through CSHS every year. Every step you take, every wag you share, and every dollar raised will directly support our work of connecting animals in need with people who care. So mark your calendars and get ready to run, walk, and wag our way to a brighter future for our furry friends!"
Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
Crazy Legs Farm & Pumpkins, Farmington, MN
Benefitting: Rescue Network
"Join us for our fourth 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 $30 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 ($12 for prints and $20 for digital). 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. Photos are 10-2 with a break for the photographer from 12-12:30. We will have a fun fall themed photo spot set up with pumpkins and more!"
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 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 Las Twins Mexican Cuisine! will be on-site providing adult beverages. Presentations include Remarkable Reptiles, Working Dog Pack, and Raptors of the Great Lakes Region. All event proceeds benefit the Wildlife Science Center. Have fun and help fundraise for a great cause!"
Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12 - 4 pm
Bear Cave Brewing, Hopkins, MN
Benefitting: Spot's Last Stop Canine Rescue
"Brews for Barks 2025 is here! Get ready for a tail-waggin’ good time — our biggest in-person fundraiser of the year is back, and it’s going to be better than ever! Join us and your four-legged companions on Saturday, October 4th, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Bear Cave Brewing in Hopkins for a day full of beer, bite,s and barking-good fun. Come raise a glass (or a paw) and support Spot’s Last Stop in our mission to rescue and re-home dogs in need. Dogs are welcome! Please note: Pups are only allowed on the rooftop and attached atrium (not the upstairs brew hall), and stair access is required — exterior access isn't paw-friendly."
Sunday, October 5, 2025, 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 18, 2025, from 9:45 am - 12 pm
Eden Prairie, MN
Organized by: Cadence Chiropractic
"Join us for the Motion Is Life Walk/Run! This family-friendly event includes a 1 Mile and 5K route in Eden Prairie and supports Pet Haven, a local nonprofit helping animals in need. Whether you walk, run, or just want to donate, you’re part of the movement! Pets are welcome! Water and dog treats provided. Suggested donation: $20 per person"
Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 5 - 8 pm
Boom Island Brewing Co., Minnetonka, MN
Benefitting: Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue
Organized by: Boom Island Brewing Co.
"Create a cute Halloween paw print craft with your pup! You bring the dog, we’ll provide the supplies! We’ll also have a few dog product vendors joining us to help you spruce and spoil your pup for the season! Well-behaved, leashed dogs are always welcome on our outdoor patios. Plan ahead and invite a friend to join the fun so humans can visit indoors without leaving dogs alone outside! Trained service dogs are always allowed indoors."
Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 1 - 4 pm
Forgotten Star Brewing, Fridley, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"Bring your furry friends dressed to impress for the Halloween Dog Costume Contest! Human costumes are encouraged! The event will be held outside at the Forgotten Star Brewing Co. beer garden. Judging begins promptly at 2:00 pm. Prizes for the top-dressed pups! Twin Cities Caricatures will be on site, drawing one-of-a-kind portraits, or pre-order to skip the line and just pick it up at the event. A portion of each drawing supports rescue animals. Park Pet Boulevard will be selling gourmet dog treats with a portion of the proceeds benefiting animals at Ruff Start Rescue! Tammy Taylor Photography will be hosting a fall-themed photo booth. Get a professional photo taken of you and your pup!"
Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9:30 - 10:30 am
Nine Mile Brewing, Bloomington, MN
Benefitting: Coco's Heart Dog Rescue
"Stretch, sip, and snuggle your stress away at the most pawsome yoga class around! Bring a new dog toy, dog treats, or a new dog blanket/bed to donate to the class and get your name entered into a drawing for to win a free puppy/dog yoga class in December. The winner will be contacted at the end of November."
Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1 - 3 pm
Esox House, St. Paul, MN
Benefitting: The Bond Between
"Esox House is excited to partner with The Bond Between to bring you our very first Fur Friend Festival! Come meet adoptable dogs and cats, explore local pet businesses, and enjoy a day full of fun for you and your furry friends. Plus, take a tour of Esox House, a pet-friendly community with no breed or size restrictions, where we welcome up to 3 pets per home! Bring your furry friends and family for a day of fun, food, and furry companionship. We can’t wait to see you there!"
Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 12 - 3 pm
Nine Mile Brewing, Bloomington, MN
Benefitting: Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)
"Come join us and get your photo taken with Santa Paws! Photos available in time to make your own “pawliday cards." Suggested donation is $10 for photos. All proceeds benefit Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest."
Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 12 - 3 pm
Minneapolis Christkindl Market, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"A day made for dogs (and the humans who love them). Mark your calendars for Dog Day in partnership with Ruff Start Rescue at the Minneapolis Christkindl Market on November 23 from 12-3. Bring your furry family members for a day of festive fun and plenty of cozy photo-ops. There will be a free photo-op spot on Santa’s Sleigh, but we encourage those using this space to donate to Ruff Start Rescue. There will be a dog Christmas sweater (or Christmas outfit) fashion contest hosted at 1 pm. The puppy winner of this contest will be given a VIP Package to cover their human's sweet, savory, and always authentic treats that day! We are delighted that our friends at Ruff Start Rescue will be joining in the celebration to share stories, smiles, and ways to help more animals find homes for the holidays. Get ready for a paws-itively great time this season!"
Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12 - 2 pm
Bone Marché Pet Market, Saint Louis Park, MN
Benefitting: MACC
Photography by: KME Photography
Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Bone Marché Pet Market, Saint Louis Park, MN
Benefitting: Fur-Ever Home Rescue
Photography by: Flannel Loon Photography
Saturday, December 113, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Bone Marché Pet Market, Saint Louis Park, MN
Benefitting: Rabbit Rescue of MN
Dog Sports & Activities:
Saturday, September 28, 2025
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Rice Marsh Lake Loop, Eden Prairie, MN
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton, MN
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, November 2, 2025
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Cleary Lake Trail, Prior Lake, MN
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 9 - 10:30 am or 11 am - 12:30 pm
French Regional Park, Plymouth, MN
Organized by: K9 Powered Sports & Jack & the Pack
Admission: $30 (sign up here)
"Join instructors from K9 Powered Sports and Jack and the Pack at French Regional Park for our dryland clinic! Skijoring is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and dog power. It's a cooperative sport that employs the athletic ability of both dog and skier. At this beginner-level class, you and your dog will learn the basics needed for mushing, including equipment, drills, training, and where to go for all the dog-powered sports around the Twin Cities. Maximum of one dog per handler. Must have a 6ft standard leash. Equipment will also be available for use on the day of, and can be purchased with Jack and the Pack at the end of the session if you’re interested. Dogs must have proof of rabies (Will ask for proof of rabies at sign up), and must be 1+ years old."
Friday, November 28, 2025
Any Minnesota State Park
Admission: Free
"On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone - no vehicle permits needed!"
Add an Event:
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About Scruff Life Photography:
Hi, I'm Lauren, the pet-loving photographer behind Scruff Life Photography! Based in Minnesota, I specialize in capturing the unique bond between people and their beloved pets. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your life or are cherishing the years spent with a lifelong companion, I’m here to help you preserve those special moments. Pets are family, and their stories deserve to be celebrated with timeless, professional photos you’ll treasure forever. Let’s create something meaningful together — reach out today to schedule your pet photo session!
