Dog Days of Summer: Dog-Friendly Events in San Diego
It’s finally summer! After the longest May gray in the books, the sun is finally out and we are all anxious to soak it up (4-legged friends included). If you love going out with your pup in tow, check out this list of dog-friendly events happening around town in the coming months:
JULY:
7/1: Patriotic Pups Pop Up: Sun’s out, paws out for the 4th of July at Patriotic Pups Pop-Up! Join us on Saturday, July 1st from 12-3 PM for a patriotic pawty featuring durable chew toys, colorful human treats, and inspiring jewelry at our Puppy Picnic Co. Encinitas storefront.
7/1: Dog Days of Summer (El Cajon Fire Station): Enjoy family-friendly activities centered around our beloved four-legged friends. Families are encouraged to come spend a morning at the fire station, promising to be as informative as it will be entertaining. One of the highlights of the event will be the exclusive opportunity to meet Yara, California’s first full-time fire station wellness dog.
7/4: Spirit of the Fourth Patriotic Pet Contest: This year The Rancho Bernardo Community Council sponsors the 12th Annual Patriotic Pet Contest! The contest was emceed for the first 5 years by the late Larry Himmel, long-time Rancho Bernardo resident and TV Channel 8 personality. In 2015 the Rancho Bernardo Community Council recognized Larry Himmel for his years of emceeing the event by renaming it “The Larry Himmel Patriotic Pet Contest”. Channel 8 News staff always covers this event and puts us on the air. The staff also provides a volunteer emcee to conduct the contest.
7/8: PAWmicon: Start getting your pups ready for the super fun cosplay contests and start brushing up on your trivia skills for the chance to win great prizes, all while benefiting the pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Bring the family for kids crafts, artists, agility demnstrations, photo opportunities and more! Your leashed and well-mannered 4-legged friends are highly encouraged to attend as the vendors will have treats and swag for your pets!
7/16: Cardiff Dog Days of Summer: The Pupologie Cardiff Dog Days of Summer is hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and the City of Encinitas. This free event features numerous dog-related vendors, rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies. Activities include dog contests, live music, libation lounge, food trucks, and more!
AUGUST
8/17: Bark at the Park: Bark at the Park, presented by Petco, gives you the chance to enjoy a Padres game from Gallagher Square with your favorite canine! (Thursday, August 17 vs. D-backs ). This Theme Game package gives you the chance to enjoy a Padres game from Gallagher Square with your favorite canine and includes a special dog toy or treat as well as the opportunity to take your dog on the outfield warning track pregame.
8/26: Puptopia San Diego: “America’s Finest City” will be filled with pups at Puptopia San Diego on Saturday, August 26th at beautiful Waterfront Park! Furry friends from all over SoCal can’t wait to head to the best dog festival the city has ever seen! The main stage will feature an internationally-renowned stunt dog show, highlighting popular dog sports such as dock diving, freestyle frisbee disc, flyball racing, high jumping, and dog agility with multiple breeds of dogs and mixes who have been rescued or adopted from shelters. This along with other canine-centric programming throughout the day.
SEPTEMBER
9/10: Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon: The annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is back for its 18th year at Del Mar Dog Beach in San Diego on September 10, 2023 from 8 am – 2 pm. Come watch the world’s best surfing dogs show off their skills, interact with 20+ vendors and check out the costume contest. This family-friendly event raises funds for the pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center.
9/23: Poodle Palooza Extravaganza is back at Webb Park in San Diego on Saturday September 23, 2023! The Main event includes 30+ vendors, the poodle parade, contests, demonstrations, portrait opportunity, CGC testing opportunity, games with the poodles as your partner and tons of opportunity drawing items. You can also pre-order a yummy boxed lunch.