The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Spring (2026)
- a few seconds ago
- 12 min read
Spring has arrived in Minnesota (or perhaps it's just false spring?), and it's time to shake off the winter chill and step into the season of fresh blooms, longer days, and outdoor adventures! If you and your pup are ready to trade snowdrifts for sunshine and enjoy all the fun that spring has to offer, this guide to Twin Cities pet events is for you. From March to May (and beyond), you’ll find everything from dog-friendly festivals to scenic spring hikes, patio hangouts, and more. Get ready for a season filled with wagging tails, fresh air, and plenty of muddy paws!
The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Spring
Categories:
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals
Dog Sports & Activities
Pet-Focused Events:
Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 10 am - 12 pm
Tonkadale Greenhouse, Minnetonka, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography, KME Photography, and Scruff Life Photography
Benefitting: Any local rescues or shelters that would like updated, professional photos of their adoptable animals
"K Schulz Photography, KME Photography, and Scruff Life Photography are teaming up again to offer FREE professional photos for your foster pets!"
Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 am - 2 pm
Stone Mountain Pet Lodge, Brooklyn Park, MN
Organized by: Doberman Rescue Minnesota
"Dobe-O-Rama is back, bigger and better than ever! This family-friendly event brings together dog lovers, rescue supporters, and local businesses for a lively celebration benefiting rescue Dobermans in need."
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 10:30 am - 12 pm
Animal Humane Society, Golden Valley, MN
Organized by: Animal Humane Society
"Join us for animal interaction, friendship, and activities to support the dogs, cats, and critters in our care. For adults 55+. Coffee & Companions is about taking time to connect, both with animals and with each other. Science tells us that interacting with animals is good for our health. It decreases stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the feeling of loneliness."
Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 12 - 3 pm
House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Richfield, MN
Organized by: Richfield Community Safety Network
"Join us for a one-of-a-kind community gathering supporting the Richfield Community Safety Network. Funds raised will go directly to Richfield families in need of emergency housing support. This family-friendly event brings together animal organizations and community partners who believe in the healing power of animals and connection."
Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 1 - 3 pm
McRae Park & Recreation Center, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Minneapolis Parks
"Participants are invited to bring their pups to McRae to enjoy fun activities and a doggie egg hunt in the park. Activities include off-leash area, spa station, bandana art, photo booth and more. Egg/treat hunt will take place at 2pm. Registered participants will receive a puppy basket to take home filled with treats and a toy! Please check in prior to 2:00pm to receive your treats and participate in the egg hunt! Registration is required and can be done online, over the phone, or in person at McRae. Walk-ins may be welcome, based on space available, however pre-registration is encouraged. In the event of inclement weather, participants can pick up their treat baskets from 1pm-3pm and participate in limited activities inside."
Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 10 am - 1 pm
Alpine Dog Park, Ramsey, MN
Organized by: City of Ramsey
"Get ready for a thrilling ‘Easter Egg Hunt’ designed for dogs at our annual Egg-Paw-Looza! We will have plenty of tennis balls scattered around the park for your dog to sniff out and play. Please note that dogs must be well-behaved and under control at all times. Any dog showing signs of aggression must be promptly removed from the park. More information on the Alpine Dog Park rules can be found here. Registration is encouraged but not required. Registration helps us get an accurate estimate of participants prior to the event and notify you of any last-minute weather-related changes."
Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 1 - 2 pm
Chuck & Don's Pet Food & Supplies, Edina, MN
Organized by: 50th & France Business Association
"Dress your pup in their springtime best for the chance to win some paw-sitively fun prizes! We hope to see you at this spring event celebrating our furry friends! Chuck & Don's will be awarding prizes for best-dressed dog. Thanks for supporting local businesses as you shop and dine in the 50th & France district before & after the event, including many dog-friendly spots! Free and easy parking in the South Ramp, Ewing Lot, and street parking."
Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Forgotten Star Brewing, Fridley, MN
Organized by: Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM) & Forgotten Star Brewing
"Bring those golden, furry friends down to the brewery on April 4 for a Golden Retriever Meet Up! Enjoy some beverages, get a treat at the bar, meet with other owners. RAGOM is delighted to be the Golden Retriever rescue representative for this event. We can't wait to see you and your pups there and share more about the work RAGOM is doing. Check back for information about what adoptable dogs will be able to attend!"
Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 2 - 5 pm
Animal Humane Society, Golden Valley, MN
Organized by: Animal Humane Society
"Join us on National Pet Day, April 11, for Puzzle Pawlooza: an animal-themed puzzling contest to benefit dogs, cats, and critters at AHS. Love animals? Love puzzles? Build a team of up to 4 people and see how quickly you can put together a 500-piece animal-themed puzzle. There will be prizes!"
Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 10 am - 1 pm
Canine Inspired Change (CIC) HQ, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: CIC & K Schulz Photography
"Join us at CIC HQ for a photography fundraiser with K Schulz Photography. Support CIC and get some amazing pics of your fabulous pet in front of a beautiful floral backdrop! Once photos are ready for viewing, Kelly will send you a link to purchase your favorite ones."
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 10:30 am - 12 pm
Animal Humane Society, Golden Valley, MN
Organized by: Animal Humane Society
"Join us for animal interaction, friendship, and activities to support the dogs, cats, and critters in our care. For adults 55+. Coffee & Companions is about taking time to connect, both with animals and with each other. Science tells us that interacting with animals is good for our health. It decreases stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the feeling of loneliness."
Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 12 - 2 pm
Bone Marché Pet Market, Saint Louis Park, MN
Organized by: MACC Pack, KME Photography, and Bone Marché
"We’re excited to partner with our friends at Bone Marché and KME Photography for a special Paws in Bloom Photoshoot to support shelter animals in need! Bring your pet and capture beautiful spring-themed photos while helping raise funds for animals at Minneapolis Animal Care and Control. Every session helps provide treats, medical care, sponsored adoption fees, and equipment for the animals. Whether your pet is fluffy, goofy, shy, or full of personality, this is the perfect chance to celebrate them and support a great cause."
Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 am - 1 pm
Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Falcon Heights, MN
Organized by: Animal Humane Society
"The Walk for Animals is Animal Humane Society's largest and most important fundraising event of the year. Rain or shine, gates will open at 9 AM on Saturday, May 2 at the International Bazaar on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. We’ll begin walking at 10 AM and wrap up our fun-filled day by 1 PM. All animal lovers are welcome at the Walk! Didn’t fundraise? No problem. There are still plenty of opportunities to make a difference for vulnerable, local animals at the Walk with cash, credit card, and virtual payment donations."
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: The Minnesota Twins
"Your well-behaved, leashed pup is invited to join you for a baseball game! Cheer on the Twins as they take on the Marlins. Purchase the special ticket package and receive an exclusive portable Twins-themed dog water bottle. The game begins at 6:40 PM."
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 10:30 am - 12 pm
Animal Humane Society, Golden Valley, MN
Organized by: Animal Humane Society
"Join us for animal interaction, friendship, and activities to support the dogs, cats, and critters in our care. For adults 55+. Coffee & Companions is about taking time to connect, both with animals and with each other. Science tells us that interacting with animals is good for our health. It decreases stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the feeling of loneliness."
Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 am - 2 pm
Mission Animal Hospital, Eden Prairie, MN
Organized by: Mission Animal Hospital
"The 5th annual Mission Paw-looza "Barking" Lot Carnival will once again be held at Mission Animal Hospital. ​​Mission Paw-looza is our favorite kind of celebration: Wagging tails, happy people, and a whole lot of heart. Guests can enjoy local vendors, activities for pets and people, treats, games, and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow dog (and cat!) lovers. Most importantly, Mission Paw-looza supports Mission Animal Hospital’s work to ensure pets receive the care they need. This event is FREE to attend, but if you want to participate in games and activities, please pre-order tickets."
Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Organized by: Wildlife Science Center
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Admission: Adults are $15, children are $10 (under 4 are free)
"Join WSC as we honor the working and playing dogs of the community! Learn about dogs and their wolf relatives, meet dog-related service providers, and visit with an eclectic group of vendors while enjoying a variety of impressive dog demonstrations. Hungry? Mamas Taco Truck will be on-site with a delicious meal selection. Feel free to bring your own dog, but please bring a leash."
Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 8 am - 2:30 pm
Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion, Eden Prairie, MN
Benefitting: Helping Paws, Inc.
"Whether you prefer to wag, walk, roll, or run, there will be both long and short courses to choose from. Bring your friends and family! You can even form teams in advance to raise money for Helping Paws. Join us for the celebration, meet our assistance dogs, and get your Paws In Motion."
Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 am - 1 pm
Organized by: Downtown WBL Mainstreet Organization
Downtown White Bear Lake, MN
Admission: Free
"Dog Days Downtown WBL is a community-driven event celebrating our four-legged friends while supporting local businesses and dog rescues. Stroll through downtown and visit pet-friendly shops, cafes, and vendors offering special promotions and treats for both you and your pup. Whether you're looking to adopt, shop, or simply enjoy a dog-friendly day out, this event is the perfect way to connect with fellow dog lovers."
Saturday, May 23, 2026
St. Paul Saints Stadium, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: St. Paul Saints
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals:
Saturday, May 9 - Sunday, May 10, 2026
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Homespun Events
Admission: Free
"Back for its third year, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden will be home to an art fair, Mother's Day weekend in 2026. The event is owned and operated by Homespun Events, the team behind the Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, which was voted by artists in the Sunshine Artist Magazine as the 49th Best Art Fair in the United States and 2nd Best Art Fair in Minnesota!
The event will feature approximately 150 artist booths, along with music, crafts, food, and more. Details will be announced here as they are available."
Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17, 2026
Northeast Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA)
Admission: Free
Pro Tip: Sociable Cider Werks is dog-friendly and will be participating!
"The largest open artist studio tour in the country, Art-A-Whirl happens annually throughout Northeast Minneapolis the third weekend of May. Over 1,600 NEMAA member artists, galleries, and businesses participate across all of Northeast Minneapolis at 100+ locations. Art-A-Whirl is a fantastic way to connect with artists in their own spaces, enjoy demonstrations and interactive activities, listen to live music, and enjoy local restaurants and breweries. Art-A-Whirl is free and open to the public."
Friday, June 5 - Sunday, June 7, 2026
50th & France, Edina, MN
Organized by: The 50th & France Business Association
Admission: Free
"Launched in 1966, the Edina Art Fair has been rated top 50 best art fairs in the nation by Sunshine Artist and ranked #1Â in MN and #32Â out of the Top 100 Fine Art Fairs by the Art Fair Source Book. It was awarded Best Community Event by Edina Magazine in 2014 and 2017, received the Mayor's Award for Outstanding Community Involvement in 2013, and voted Best Community Event by Minnesota Monthly Magazine in 2016."
Pet-Related Benefit Events:
Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 10 am - 12 pm
Tonkadale Greenhouse, Minnetonka, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography, KME Photography, and Scruff Life Photography
Benefitting: Any local rescues or shelters that would like updated, professional photos of their adoptable animals
Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 am - 2 pm
Stone Mountain Pet Lodge, Brooklyn Park, MN
Benefitting: Doberman Rescue Minnesota
Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Forgotten Star Brewing, Fridley, MN
Benefitting: Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM) & Forgotten Star Brewing
Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 2 - 5 pm
Animal Humane Society, Golden Valley, MN
Benefitting: Animal Humane Society
Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 10 am - 1 pm
Canine Inspired Change (CIC) HQ, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: CIC & K Schulz Photography
Benefitting: Canine Inspired Change (CIC)
Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 12 - 2 pm
Bone Marché Pet Market, Saint Louis Park, MN
Organized by: MACC Pack, KME Photography, and Bone Marché
Benefitting: MACC Pack
Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 am - 1 pm
Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Falcon Heights, MN
Benefitting: Animal Humane Society
Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 am - 2 pm
Mission Animal Hospital, Eden Prairie, MN
Benefitting: Mission Animal Hospital
Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Benefitting: Wildlife Science Center
Admission: Adults are $15, children are $10 (under 4 are free)
Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 8 am - 2:30 pm
Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion, Eden Prairie, MN
Benefitting: Helping Paws, Inc.
Dog Sports & Activities:
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Pike Island Loop, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucyandlinus018
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Brighton Beach Park, Duluth, MN
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @leinies.golden.life
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11 am - 12 pm
Lake of the Isles Dog Park, Minneapolis, MN
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Any Minnesota State Park
Admission: Free
TBD
TBD
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucyandlinus018
Admission: Free (sign up here)
TBD
TBD
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @leinies.golden.life
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Sunday, May 3, 2026, starting at 9 am
Central Park, Roseville, MN
"A family- and dog-friendly 5K benefiting Foster Adopt Minnesota that welcomes well‑behaved dogs to join their people on the course. Enjoy a morning run or walk at Roseville’s Central Park Foundation Shelter with kid races, community vibes, and fun for all ages."
TBD
TBD
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucyandlinus018
Admission: Free (sign up here)
TBD
TBD
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @leinies.golden.life
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Any Minnesota State Park
Admission: Free
Saturday, June 27, 2026, starting at 11 am
Surly Brewing Co., Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Minnesota Brewery Running Series
"A casual, untimed 5K that starts and ends at Surly Brewing Co., with a celebratory beverage at the finish. Leashed dogs are welcome, and a portion of proceeds benefits local nonprofits."
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!
Add an Event:
Am I missing a Twin Cities pet event? 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!
