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The Dog Days Are Back: The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Summer (2024)

Updated: Dec 31

Get ready for paw-some summer fun with your furry friends with the ultimate guide to Twin Cities pet events for the summer of 2024! As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, it's the perfect time to unleash the excitement with a calendar full of pet-friendly events that will have tails wagging and whiskers twitching. Whether you're looking to embark on an adventure, join a delightful festival, or simply enjoy a beach day, this blog is your go-to guide for all things fur and fun. Get ready to dive into a season of paws-itively amazing experiences that you and your pets will cherish forever!


Featuring: A NEW category for summer -- Educational Events!


 

The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Summer


Categories:


 
A happy dog smiles at the camera surrounded by sunflowers on a warm summer day,

Pet-Focused Events:


Friday, June 21, 2024, from 4 pm - 7 pm

Sunken Ship Brewing Company, Princeton, MN

Organized by: Biscuit Bar

Admission: Free to attend


"Come celebrate National Dog Party Day at Sunken Ship Brewing Company in Princeton, MN. Come shop some vendors, talk with a local rescue, snap some photos, and drink some delicious beer with your best furry friend. Sunken Ship Brewing is a dog-friendly business with a gorgeous patio and fenced-in area for your dogs. Vendors, Food Truck, and other details to come."


Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 12 pm - 8 pm

Fountain Hill Winery & Vineyard, Delano, MN

Organized by: Fountain Hill Winery & Vineyard

Admission: Free to attend


"Come join us for a PAW-tastic doggie day. Complimentary pup cups & complimentary dog food samples (while supplies last)! Gift basket drawings at 4 pm. Competitions from 2-4 pm consisting of the smallest dog, largest dog, fastest dog, and most unique trick! Prizes awarded to the winners."


Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 5 pm - 8 pm

Indoor Zoomies, Minnetonka, MN

Organized by: Indoor Zoomies

Admission: $25 / small dog (full grown dogs, 30 pounds and under only)


"Celebrate pride with your pup! Indoor Zoomies, an indoor dog park exclusively for small dogs, is having an AFTER-HOURS PRIDE event. Snacks and beverages are included in the price. Small dogs can play with their favorite human while making new friends!"


Jeep Dog Tailgate Event

Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 6 pm - 9 pm

The Spot by NutriSource, Greenfield, MN

Organized by: The Spot by NutriSource and Soldier 6

Admission: Free to attend


"Jeep owners are doggone good people! Join us for an evening of fun and games with your Jeep-loving dog. While the event is free to attend, attendees should bring cash for the food truck, vendors, free samples and treats, and products available for purchase. Dogs must be leashed at the event."


Friday, June 28, 2024, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Street SE, NE Minneapolis, MN

Organized by: Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Association

Admission: Free to Attend


"Join us for an evening for dogs and owners alike! Contests, Prizes, and some doggone fun! Meet in the park by the river at Main Street & Hennepin Ave NE. Across the street from FRGMNT Coffee- St. Anthony Main Activities include dog parade, contests, prizes, and vendors."


Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 8 am - 2 pm

Isanti County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, MN

Organized by: Isanti County 4-H Dog Project


"Join us for our Dog Fun Show! Open to all Minnesota 4-H'ers enrolled in the Dog Project. 4-H'ers outside of Isanti County must have properly ID'd their dog in 4-H Online by May 15th, and attach a paper copy of their vet-signed ID to be left with their registration. This show will be judged under Minnesota 4-H dog show rules. Awards will be given after the conclusion of each class."


Sunday, July 7, 2024, from 1 pm - 7 pm

11 Wells Spirits, St. Paul, MN

Organized by: Tiny Workshop Productions & Anderson's Green Thumb


"Join us at 11 Wells on Sunday, July 7th for a day full of fun for everyone! From 1p - 7p, check out 10+ local vendors, craft cocktails, and a food truck. Bring your canine companion to play with onsite activities like free photo ops for our online "Cutest Dog" Contest (Best in Show gets a cash prize of $100!), clay paw prints, and painting; proceeds from the activities are donated to The Bond Between, a pet food shelf in Minneapolis. Free frozen treats, a splash pool, and water bowls are available for dogs onsite."


Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 12 pm - 3 pm

Pet Haven Headquarters, St Paul, MN

Organized by: Pet Haven

Admission: Free to attend


"We’ll have dog pools lining our parking lot on Saturday, July 20th! Come hang out at our Summer Splash – families, kids, and dogs are welcome! We have a HUGE list of activities and fun: Dog pools to keep your canine counterpart cool, a DJ, FREE and discounted items such as toys, harnesses, bowls, etc., food trucks, and more."


Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 12 pm - 3 pm

Pet Central Animal Hospital, NE Minneapolis, MN

Organized by: Pet Central

Admission: Free to Attend


"Come join us for our 4th annual block party! The parking lot will be filled corner to corner with vendors, animal rescues, kids games, freebies, big raffle baskets to win, discounted vaccine clinic, live music, and food trucks!"


Thursday, July 25, 2024, starting at 6:45 pm

Loring Park, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free to Attend


"The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is excited to present a series of “Canines for Clean Water” events at four Minneapolis parks this summer! These events will feature an awesome array of dog-themed activities, adoption/rescue opportunities, and information and giveaways from pet care and water quality organizations. Every Canines for Clean Water party is capped by an animal-themed Movie in the Park at sunset! It’s all free to attend and open to all!"


Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 12 pm to 6 pm

Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative,

Admission: Free to attend


"Join us for a pawsome day at Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative as we celebrate our furry friends with the "Dog Days of Summer!" This is the ultimate summer event for dogs and their humans, packed with fun activities, delicious food, Craft Beer, and plenty of opportunities to pamper your pup! Event Highlights: dog vendors, dog painting station, kiddie pools, hot dog bar, dog costume contest, and dog olympic events. We are thrilled to be partnering with Underdog Rescue, who will be onsite with adorable, adoptable dogs. If you’re looking to add a new member to your family, Underdog Rescue will guide you through the adoption process."


Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 11 am to 3 pm

Alimagnet Dog Park, Burnsville, MN

Organized by: Alimagnet Dog Park

Admission: Free to attend


"Spend an afternoon in the park with Fido at this fun-filled event. Rain or shine. There will be vendors, speakers, food, contests, product demonstrations, and samples to enjoy!"


Sunday, July 28, 2024, starting at 6 pm

CHS Field, St. Paul, MN

Organized by: St. Paul Saints Baseball

Admission: Visit the St. Paul Saints website for details


"For licks and giggles, let's do another Chuck & Don's Dog Day! Reminder: It’s Cub Family Sunday! Kids run the bases after the game."


Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 6 pm - 8 pm

Thresher Fields Dog Park, Eagan, MN

Organized by: City of Eagan

Admission: Free to Attend


"Let’s celebrate our canine friends! Meet up with other dog lovers for a fun evening at Thresher Fields Dog Park. Visit with vendors, learn about the Off Leash Dog Area, and participate in other pup-friendly activities."


Thursday, August 1, 2024, starting at 7 pm

JD Rivers Children's Garden, Theodore Wirth, Minneapolis, MN

Photography by: Scruff Life Photography

Admission: Free to Attend


"The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is excited to present a series of “Canines for Clean Water” events at four Minneapolis parks this summer! These events will feature an awesome array of dog-themed activities, adoption/rescue opportunities, and information and giveaways from pet care and water quality organizations. Every Canines for Clean Water party is capped by an animal-themed Movie in the Park at sunset! It’s all free to attend and open to all!"


Sunday, August 4, 2024, from 12 pm - 4 pm

Pub 42, New Hope, MN

Organized by: Pub 42

Admission: Free to Attend


"Join us for the best DOG EVENT of the summer! Including giveaways, samples, charity raffle, adoptable dogs, live music, craft beer, and more."


Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 5 pm - 7 pm

Aquatore Park, Blaine, MN

Organized by: City of Blaine

Admission: Free to Attend


"Bring your favorite four-legged friend to visit with companies and non-profit groups specializing in dogs. The event will feature nail trimming for a fee and dog merchandise for sale at the vendor booths.

You and your dog can each enjoy an ice cream while you sit back and listen to the music from The Backyard Band. There will be a food truck on-site for the event. Free dog licenses are available on-site from the Blaine Police Department, with proof of vaccinations. The first 100 dog owners will receive a gift. Friendly reminder: dogs must be leashed outside of the fenced-in dog park."


Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Cornerstone Park, Centerville, MN

Organized by: Centerville Main Street Market

Admission: Free to Attend


"Join us for a special pet-themed night of a Cutest Pet Contest, Pet Parade, pet-friendly activities & prizes! Check the Centerville Main Street Market Facebook page the week of the event for details on the contest, vendors & prizes! Perfect for an evening of family fun, a date night, or a friend’s night out.

Shop among local artisans, pick up fresh produce from a neighborhood farmer, listen to live music, and grab a bite to eat from a food vendor before walking to the popular Bald Eagle Waterski show next door."


Friday, August 9, 2024, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Green Barn Garden Center, Isanti, MN

Photography by: Scruff Life Photography


"Applicants will be photographed by Scruff Life Photography at the Green Barn Garden Center Sunflower Field in costume. The costume should be at minimum a bandana or similar, but we are encouraging entrants to be as creative as they can with a Sunflower theme in mind (ex. Doggie Farmer, Bee, Butterfly, Sunflower, Sunflower outfit, etc.). Judging will be based on creativity and being on theme with sunflowers. Photographs will be used for judging and marketing. Each participant will receive a digital file of the entry photo."


Thursday, August 22, 2024, starting at 6:30 pm

Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free to Attend


"The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is excited to present a series of “Canines for Clean Water” events at four Minneapolis parks this summer! These events will feature an awesome array of dog-themed activities, adoption/rescue opportunities, and information and giveaways from pet care and water quality organizations. Every Canines for Clean Water party is capped by an animal-themed Movie in the Park at sunset! It’s all free to attend and open to all!"


Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 11 am - 3 pm

Eden Prairie High School, Eden Prairie, MN

Organized by: Playland Junction

Admission: $3 (ages 13+), $1 (4-12), free (3 & under)


"Welcome to the page for Playland Junction's upcoming pet expo in Eden Prairie, MN at Eden Prairie High School! There will be a variety of animals looking for forever homes as well as toys, food, and supplies available for purchase. Come talk to our wide array of responsible and experienced animal advocates! Whether you are looking to add a new member to your family, to get some supplies for your current critters, or to just check out and interact with all the fun animals, you're sure to have a good time!"


Thursday, August 29, 2024, starting at 6:30 pm

North Mississippi Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN

Photography by: Scruff Life Photography

Admission: Free to Attend


"The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is excited to present a series of “Canines for Clean Water” events at four Minneapolis parks this summer! These events will feature an awesome array of dog-themed activities, adoption/rescue opportunities, and information and giveaways from pet care and water quality organizations. Every Canines for Clean Water party is capped by an animal-themed Movie in the Park at sunset! It’s all free to attend and open to all!"


 
A happy dog smiles at the camera surrounded by sunflowers on a warm summer day,

Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals:


Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2, 2024

Edina, MN

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 #1 in MN and #32 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."


Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 12 pm - 5 pm

Sociable Cider Werks, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


"Join Minneapolis Craft Market at Sociable Cider Werks for a summer market! Find dozens of Minnesota makers in our huge outdoor, dog-friendly marketplace. Entry to the market is free, but you need to reserve your spot to shop!"


Saturday, June 15 - Sunday, June 16, 2024

West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


"Stone Arch Bridge Festival returns to the west side of the Mississippi River. The Stone Arch Bridge is committed to providing a platform for artists to sell their work, and the community to gather safely. More than 200 artists and culinary artists will participate with a broad spectrum of artistic mediums."


Friday, June 28 - Sunday, June 30, 2024

Aquatore Park, Blaine, MN

Admission: Free


"Advanced Veterinary Care's Annual Dog Contest takes place on Sunday, June 30th. Registration starts at 9:30 am, and the contest begins promptly at 10 am."


Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21, 2024

Minnehaha Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


"Minnehaha Falls Park, one of Minneapolis' oldest and most popular parks, features a majestic 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks, attracting more than 850,000 visitors annually. Minnehaha Falls Art Fair 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."


Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 12 pm - 5 pm

Sociable Cider Werks, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


"Join Minneapolis Craft Market at Sociable Cider Werks for a summer market! Find dozens of Minnesota makers in our huge outdoor, dog-friendly marketplace. Entry to the market is free, but you need to reserve your spot to shop!"


Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 12 pm - 5 pm

Sociable Cider Werks, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


"Join Minneapolis Craft Market at Sociable Cider Werks for a summer market! Find dozens of Minnesota makers in our huge outdoor, dog-friendly marketplace. Entry to the market is free, but you need to reserve your spot to shop!"


August 6 - September 2, 2024

Green Barn Garden Center, Isanti, MN

Organed by: Green Barn Garden Center

Admission: $7 per person


"We have grown sunflowers for over 25 years along with many other field crops. The sunflowers are black oil type used for bird seed. We also grow cut flower types in smaller quantities. In recent years, we have had more calls to visit the field for photos and to enjoy. With the increased interest, we created a parking area in the field in 2019 with a self-serve donation box to help with signage and maintenance of the space. Due to increased demand, we began staffing the field in 2020 and offering more amenities for the safety and comfort of visitors. We began an admission charge so we can continue opening the field and add features each year and increase our sunflower acreage! We use our irrigated land to allow a healthy, uniform crop to enjoy."


August 17th - September 29th, 2024, 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."


 
A happy dog smiles at the camera surrounded by sunflowers on a warm summer day,

Pet-Related Benefit Events:


Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 11 am - 4 pm

Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue

AEGIR Brewing Company, Elk River, MN


Saturday, June 8th, 2024, from 9 am – 1 pm (walk starts at 10 am)

Benefitting: Animal Ark

2600 Industrial Court, Hastings, MN 55033

Admission: $30/Adult (16+), $20/Youth (15 & under), 4 and under are free


Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Benefitting: Pet Haven

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 2 pm

Benefitting: Healing Paws Rescue

Rustic Roots Winery, Scandia, MN

Admission: $20


Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Saturday, July 6, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Benefitting: Save-A-Bull Rescue

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Wednesday, July 10, 2024, from 6 pm - 8 pm

Benefitting: Helping Paws

Helping Paws Training Facility, Eden Prairie, MN

Admission: $5


Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm

Benefitting: Helping Paws

Helping Paws Training Facility, Eden Prairie, MN

Admission: $50 (Limited to 25 people)


Saturday, July 20 - Sunday, July 21, 2024

Benefitting: MN Boxer Rescue

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 6 pm

Benefitting: Helping Paws

Helping Paws Training Facility, Eden Prairie, MN

Admission: $5


Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Benefitting: Pet Haven

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Sunday, July 28th, 2024, from 1 pm - 4 pm

Benefitting: The Bond Between

The Bond Between, Minnetonka, MN

Admission: Free


Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 6 pm - 8 pm

Benefitting: Helping Paws

Helping Paws Training Facility, Eden Prairie, MN

Admission: $5


Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Benefitting: Save-A-Bull Rescue

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Benefitting: Pet Haven

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free


Saturday, September 7, 2024

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

More details to come.


Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 11:30 am - 4 pm

White Bear Beach, White Bear Lake, MN

Admission: TBD (more information coming soon)


 
A happy dog smiles at the camera surrounded by sunflowers on a warm summer day,

Dog Sports & Activities:


Saturday, June 15, 2024

Nine Mile Creek Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN

Admission: Free (sign up here)


Pack Walk with North Paws Wilderness & Scruff Life Photography

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Organized by: North Paws Wilderness & Scruff Life Photography

Como Regional Park, St. Paul, MN

Admission: Free

Notes:

  • Register to attend by sending a message to @northpawswilderness on Instagram.

  • Each team will receive one free digital photo from the pack walk with the opportunity to purchase additional photos.


Saturday, July 13, 2024

Walter F. Mondale River Trail, Interstate State Park, MN

Admission: Free (sign up here)


Saturday, August 3, 2024

Location: Hyland and Bush Lakes Loop Trail, Bloomington, MN

Admission: Free (sign up here)


 
Two happy dogs smile at the camera surrounded by sunflowers on a warm summer day,

Educational Events:


Saturday, June 15 - Sunday, June 16, 2024, from 8 am to 5 pm

Paws Abilities Dog Training, Inver Grove Heights, MN

Organized by: Paws Abilities Dog Training

Admission: $400 individual ticket price for both days, snacks included (lunch is on your own). Group discount: $250 each for groups of 5+ individuals! Please email bailey@laughingdogfm.com to set up your group.


"Nature? Or Nurture? We all know by now that it's BOTH! Come with us as we bring together the two dog worlds of Rescue and Breeding. We'll explore rescue and shelter work as well as the genetic work of breeders."


 
A happy dog smiles at the camera surrounded by sunflowers on a warm summer day,

Add an Event:

Am I missing a Twin Cities pet event this summer? Do you have an upcoming event you'd like to add to a future blog post?


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 members of the family and I am here to capture those special moments that 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!


A woman and her dog look at the camera together.

 

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