It's starting to feel like spring here in the Twin Cities. The birds are trying to build a nest above the light fixture outside my front door. The plants are popping up out of the ground, ready to soak up all the sunshine. It's rainy (finally) and muddy (inevitable). With the warmer weather and longer days ahead, you might be itching to get out of the house and check out some events around town... Lucky for you, I have compiled a list of pet-friendly, pet-related, and pet-adjacent events for you to check out!
The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Spring
Categories:
Pet-Friendly Events:
Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 1 pm - 4 pm
Smith + Trade Mercantile, Stillwater, MN
Admission: Free to attend
Features: Professional Pet Photos with K Schulz Photography, All-Natural Treat Samples & Baking Demo with Murphy's Bakery MN, Dog Collar Making Demo with Penny & Me Leather, and Hand-Drawn Pet Portraits by Beth
Monday, April 22, 2024
Benefitting: Can Do Canines
Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: Varies (details)
"Your well-behaved, leashed pup is invited to join you for a baseball game! Cheer on the Twins as they take on the White Sox. Purchase the special ticket package and receive an exclusive portable Twins-themed dog water bottle. The game begins at 6:40 PM."
Saturday, April 27, 2024
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!"
Saturday, May 4, 2024, starting at 9 am
Minnesota State Fairgrounds (International Bazaar), Falcon Heights, MN
Admission: Donation to Animal Humane Society
Need another reason to go? Missy Pup & Co. will be there!
"On Saturday, May 4, join thousands of animal lovers and their pets at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to make more second chances possible for animals in need — one step at a time. The Walk is Animal Humane Society’s largest fundraising event of the year, and we’re excited to bring you and your pets even more fun, food, and chances to make a difference."
Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 10 am - 3 pm
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
Admission: Free
"Join us for a paw-some day of fun at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park for Dog Day in the Ravine. Bring your furry friends and enjoy a tail-wagging extravaganza filled with dog-themed activities and adventures. As always, all pets must be on a leash while in the park."
Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 2 pm - 7 pm
Organized by: Maple Grove Lions Club & Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Department
Central Park of Maple Grove, Maple Grove, MN
Admission: Free
"The event will include local pet-focused businesses, non-profit groups, and community organizations to help us showcase what the Maple Grove community has to offer pet owners. This event will feature a vendor show, fun activities for pets and people, live music, food from The Lookout, and a selection of beer! This event is free to the public."
Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 10 am - 1 pm
Organized by: Downtown WBL Mainstreet Organization
Downtown White Bear Lake, MN
Admission: Free
Participating Rescues: United Doberman Rescue and Canine Castaways of MN, Healing Hearts Rescue MN, Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest - RAGOM, Ruff Start Rescue, Safe Hands Rescue, Second Chance Animal Rescue, Twin Cities Pet Rescue, Underdog Rescue MN, Warrior Dog Rescue
"Stroll about with your pooch in downtown White Bear Lake or just come and feel all the canine love! Cool down your paws in a doggie pool, relax on a pet-friendly patio, enjoy free doggie treats, receive doggie swag, and learn about dog rescue and adoption."
Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 1 pm to 4 pm
Organized by: City of Columbia Heights
Keyes Park, Columbia Heights, MN
Admission: TBD
"Calling all Columbia Heights pet owners! Join the City of Columbia Heights for its second annual Pets in the Park event. "
Saturday, May 18, 2024, 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? PJ’s Grill will be on-site with a delicious meal selection, and Bent Brewstillery will be providing beverages. Feel free to bring your dog but please bring a leash."
Saturday, May 25 (Maker's Market) - Sunday, May 26, 2024 (Dog Show)
Organized by: St. Paul Brewing
St. Paul Brewing, St. Paul, MN
Admission: Free
More details coming soon!
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs:
Saturday, May 11 - Sunday, May 12, 2024
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: Free
"For the first time, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden will be home to an art fair, Mother's Day weekend in 2024. The event will feature approximately 150 artist booths, along with music, crafts, food, and more."
Friday, May 17 - Sunday, May 19, 2024
Organized by: Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA)
Northeast Minneapolis, MN
Admission: Free
Pro Tip: Sociable Cider Werks is dog-friendly and will be participating!
"Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country, which happens annually throughout Northeast Minneapolis on the third weekend of May. This will be the 29th year! Over 1,200 NEMAA member artists, galleries, and businesses participate across all of Northeast Minneapolis at over 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, 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."
Pet-Related Benefit Events:
Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 4 pm - 9 pm
Benefitting: Underdog Rescue MN
Unleashed Hounds & Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: $10 for dogs, free for humans (check Unleashed Hounds & Hops for details)
Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 4 pm - 9 pm
Benefitting: The Great Dane Rescue of Minnesota & Wisconsin
Unleashed Hounds & Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: $10 for dogs, free for humans (check Unleashed Hounds & Hops for details)
Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 5 pm - 11 pm
Benefitting: Safe Hands Rescue
Radisson Blu Mall of America
Admission: $150
Saturday, May 4, 2024, multiple sessions
Benefitting: No Dog Left Behind Rescue (NDLB)
NDLB Office, Maple Grove, MN
Admission: $25 for adults and $20 for kids
Note: Puppies are provided by NDLB, please leave your pups at home.
Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 8 am - 12 pm
Benefitting: Helping Paws, Inc.
Helping Paws, Eden Prairie, MN
Admission: Donation to Helping Paws, Inc.
Well-behaved, leashed family dogs are welcome!
Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 1 pm - 4 pm
Benefitting: Minnesota Boxer Rescue
Bent Brewstillery, Roseville, MN
Admission: Free
Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 4 pm - 9 pm
Benefitting: My Pit Bull Is Family
Unleashed Hounds & Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: $10 for dogs, free for humans (check Unleashed Hounds & Hops for details)
Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 10 am - 1 pm
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids, MN
Admission: Tickets are $30
Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 4 pm - 9 pm
Benefitting: Underdog Rescue MN
Unleashed Hounds & Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: $10 for dogs, free for humans (check Unleashed Hounds & Hops for details)
Saturday, May 18, 2024, starting at 9 am
Benefitting: The Bond Between
Thomas Beach at Lake Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: Early bird tickets are $20
Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 4 pm - 9 pm
Benefitting: Aussie Rescue of Minnesota
Unleashed Hounds & Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: $10 for dogs, free for humans (check Unleashed Hounds & Hops for details)
Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 4 pm - 9 pm
Benefitting: The Great Dane Rescue of Minnesota & Wisconsin
Unleashed Hounds & Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: $10 for dogs, free for humans (check Unleashed Hounds & Hops for details)
Dog Sports & Activities:
April 27 and 28, 2024 starting at 9 am
Organizer: Twin Cities Dog Powered Sports Club
Booster Park, East Bethel, MN
Admission: $25/dog/match
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, MN
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Sunday, May 19, 2024, starting at 10 am
Organized by: North Paws Wilderness & Scruff Life Photography
Pine Point Regional Park, Stillwater, MN
Notes:
Register to attend by sending a message to @northpawswilderness on Instagram.
Each attendee will receive one free digital photo from the pack walk with the opportunity to purchase additional photos.
Parking at Pine Point Regional Park requires a year or day pass for Washington County Parks.
Local Pet Adoption Events:
April 2024
Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 11 am - 3 pm at the Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 2 pm - 4 pm at Forgotten Star Brewing, Fridley, MN
Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm at Forgotten Star Brewing, Fridley, MN
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 11 am - 1 pm at The Hotel Emery, Minneapolis, MN
Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm at The Bond Between, Minnetonka, MN
Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm at Underdog Rescue MN, St. Louis Park, MN
May 2024
Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 1 pm - 3 pm at Forgotten Star Brewing, Fridley, MN
Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 10 am - 12 pm at Chuck & Don's, Edina, MN
Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 11 am - 2 pm at St. Paul Harley-Davidson, St. Paul, MN
Sunday, May 26, 2024, 1 pm - 3 pm at Chanhassen Brewing Company, Chanhassen, MN
Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 12 pm - 2 pm at PetSmart, Eden Prairie, MN
Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 12 pm - 2 pm at PetSmart, Monticello, MN
Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 12 pm - 2 pm at Unmapped Brewing, Minnetonka, MN
Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 12 pm - 2 pm at Park Tavern, St. Louis Park, MN
Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 11 am - 1 pm at Bachman's Lyndale, Minneapolis, MN
Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 12 pm - 2 pm at Nautical Bowls, Edina, MN
Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10 am - 12 pm at Chuck & Don's, Bloomington, MN
Friday, May 17, 2024, from 3 pm - 5 pm at the All Around Community Spring Event, Long Lake, MN
Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 9 am - 1 pm at Rockin Nutrition, Plymouth, MN
Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10 am - 12 pm at Penn Nutrition, Richfield, MN
Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 12 pm - 2 pm at Chuck & Don's, Forest Lake, MN
Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 12 pm - 2 pm at Orvis, St. Louis Park, MN
Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 10:30 am - 1 pm at UDR, St. Louis Park, MN
Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 10:30 am - 1 pm at UDR, St. Louis Park, MN
Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 11 am - 1 pm at Nautical Bowls, Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 5 pm - 6 pm at UDR, St. Louis Park, MN
Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 9 am - 12 pm at Angel Food Bakery, St. Louis Park, MN
Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 10 am - 12 pm at West Side Perk, Bloomington, MN
Add an Event:
Am I missing a Twin Cities pet event this spring? 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! I am currently booking spring photo sessions for May and June, which is perfect for spring photos with colorful blooms like the featured photos in this blog. Reach out today to schedule your pet photo session with Scruff Life Photography!
