It may be hot, but the livin’ is easy, for your four legged friend that is. Playing with toys, sleeping all day, chasing squirrels, and getting tons of belly rubs, they’re living the ruff life. But before the leaves fall and the ground is covered in all that white fluffy stuff, grab the leash (don’t forget the waste bags), and take your fur baby on a summer adventure they won’t forget! Here are some upcoming events for both you and your pets to enjoy...but, just in case you don’t have dog, check out the other animal related events this weekend has to offer!
4th Annual Dog Days of Summer Cruise
Harbor Queen at Annapolis City Dock, July 21st, 6–7:30 p.m.
brJoin the Anne Arundel SPCA on Harbor Queen for their fourth annual special dog friendly cruise! This event will include food donated by Graul's Market, music, a silent auction, cash bar and refreshments for Fido. The top deck of Harbor Queen will even feature doggie pools so "hot dogs" can cool off! Friendly on leash dogs welcome. Dogs cruise free! This is a special fundraiser to benefit the SPCA while enjoying getting out on the water with your furry friends. Tickets are $30/adults, $15/children 3-11, Free children 2 and under.
Yappy Hour! Vodka, Pups & Cookies
Hunt Valley Towne Center, June 21st, 6–9 p.m.
brEnjoy a refreshing Tito's vodka lemonade served by Joe's Crab Shack while your dog dines on Lazy Dog cookies and a free gift from PetValu Hunt Valley Towne Centre! Bring your friends -- both human and furry are invited! All proceeds benefit the animals at Baltimore Humane Society.
Canines and Cocktails Kick-Off Party
BAROAK, June 24th, 5:30–7 p.m.
brCanines & Cocktails, for well-behaved humans and their dogs, is held on the last Friday of every month through October. Enjoy refreshments, happy hour drinks and munchies, mingle with animal lovers, listen to live music, and fetch raffle tickets for a chance to win great prices! All proceeds from the raffle ticket sales as well as 10% of all BAROAK patio sales for that evening will go to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Paws Pet Boutique has partnered with Loews Annapolis to host these dog-friendly happy hours to benefit a wide variety of charities.
Kent County Fair
Kent County Fairgrounds, July 21st–July 23rd, Times vary.
brCome on out and enjoy the Kent County Fair Thursday, July 21st – Saturday, July 23rd. The county fair will be featuring great food, 4-H and community exhibits, animals, tractors, games and entertainment. The focus of the fair is agricultural education and providing educational opportunities for county youth. The greased pig contest, bull-riding, the 4-H livestock and cake auctions are popular fair events. Each evening features different food, including a fish fry and pit beef on Thursday, pork BBQ on Friday, and chicken BBQ on Saturday. Times and cost vary. For more information visit Kentcountyfair.org.
Gallop Hour at Laurel Park
Laurel Park, July 22nd, 4–8 p.m.
brEvery Friday head over to Laurel Park for Gallop Hour and Twilight Racing with a post time of 3:40 p.m. Enjoy live music with Lovely Rita and a tasty dinner menu with casual food and drink specials to accompany the atmosphere. There will be $3 domestic draft beers and $4 frozen margaritas. Admission to the event is free and the buffet is $20 per person.
National Meet a Horse Day
Oak Crest Farm, July 23rd, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
brOak Crest Farm in Harwood is celebrating National Meet a Horse Day with a $5 discount on an introductory riding lesson on July 23rd! Call and schedule your lesson and you will be given the special $25 rate for your hour long lesson. Not ready to take a lesson, but would like to check out our program? Come on out and we will give you a coupon for your first lesson! Already take lessons with us? Bring a friend and you will get $5 off your lesson that day!
Wheels for Wags
Anne Arundel County Animal Control, August 13th, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
brThis is the third annual Wheels for Wags car show/pet adoption event, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, August 13th at the Anne Arundel County Animal Control in Millersville. It’s a “nontraditional” shelter event that increases public awareness of the shelter and its adoptable animals. The event is free to all, including the car show participants, who can compete for awards in several categories. It is co-sponsored by the Annapolis Car Enthusiasts and Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Control, a nonprofit created by the shelter’s volunteers to help improve and save the lives of its homeless pets. In addition to the cars and adoptable pets from both the shelter and some of its rescue group partners, the family-friendly event includes food and specialty vendors, activities for children, a silent auction, music, K-9 demonstrations, and more. For more information visit Aacountyorg.
brSPCA Puppy Plunge
Camp Letts, August 21st, 12–3 p.m.
brLast year over 1,400 pet lovers enjoyed this dog friendly fundraiser that supports the SPCA as they care for more than 2,500 homeless animals each year. You won't want to miss the vendors, music, great food, and children's area. The big dogs will love to plunge on Muscle Beach, and the small dogs can splash on the Petite Beach. Strut your dog in the bikini parade or enter your dog in the pie eating contest and watch them chow down! With just an $8 admittance fee for adults, children under 11 and dogs free, this event is fun for the entire family. For more information visit Aacspca.org.
Wine and Wag
Maryland SPCA, August 26th, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
brBring your pup to the Maryland SPCA’s Wine & Wag Happy Hour on Friday, August 26th, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Maryland SPCA. Sit back and relax with live music, beer, wine, snacks, and a signature cocktail of sangria! Dogs can play in the fun runs, bob for hot dogs, and make paw paintings. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the event. All proceeds benefit the homeless pets at the Maryland SPCA. For more information call 410-235-8826 or visit Mdspca.org.
Que at the Zoo
Maryland Zoo, September 10th, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
brQUE at the ZOO is the first ever Bands and BBQ festival at the Maryland Zoo! Join them for outstanding musical acts and the tastiest BBQ in Baltimore. All ages are welcome and proceeds from this event benefit the Maryland Zoo and Believe in Music. All tickets include live music and admission to the zoo. Check out the bumpin’ line up: Live Stage – The Bridge, People’s Blues of Richmond, E.L.M., Bunk Buddha, Brooks Long & The Mad Dog No Good. DJ’s from Aya – Oscar G, Shawn Q + DJ Who, Deltanine, James Nasty, Graham Hatke, and Ypset.
brbrThere will also be a Baltimore BBQ Competition! Choose the best top ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. Judges tickets are $30. Some participating eateries include: The smoking swine, Jurrasic Pork, Smoke, Blue Pit, Kommie Pig, The BBQ Joint, Koco, Dinasour BBQ, and more.
DogFest
Baltimore Human Society, September 17th, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
brCome for a doggone great family day at the Dogfest Walk & Festival Saturday, September 17th at the Baltimore Human Society. Festivities include a walkathon, games, contests, swimming for dogs, demonstrations, and lots of food! Meet adoptable dogs, cats, and rescue groups. There will be a kid’s corner with crafts, face-paint, moon bounce, and all new Brick Bodies Obstacle Fitness course and Marshy Point Nature Center Animal Program.
brbrYour dog can bowl a game of 10 pins, play hide ‘n seek, and run agility courses. Enter your pup in Best of the Fest photo contest, Best Kisser contest, Best Costume, and more! Gates open at 10 a.m. Tickets in advance are $10 per person with kids 12 and under free. Tickets at the door are $15 and $10 for kids 6-12. Dogs are always free. For more information call 410-833-8848 or visit Dogfest.org.
Bark in the Park
Idlewild Pak, October 8th, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
brTalbot Humane’s seventh annual Bark in the Park dog and family festival will be a tiny good time this year, as they host hundreds of four-legged, furry special guests at their Pomeranian Family Reunion—or POMapalooza—at Idlewild Park, Easton. The reunion will honor the staff and volunteers at the Humane Society of Wicomico County, for saving 310 dogs, mostly Pomeranians, from a deplorable puppy mill operation in Eden, MD. With the help of ten area animal welfare organizations and hundreds of adopters, the dogs received necessary medical care and grooming and found their way to happy, new homes.
brbrBark in the Park kicks off at 8 a.m. with a 5K Fun Run/Walk (dogs welcome!), followed by the annual Dog Walk Parade, Dog Show, and canine demonstrations. The rescued Pomeranians will lead the Dog Walk Parade this year, sponsored by Hair O The Dog.
brbrBark in the Park is a great way for dogs and their people to get out and enjoy the animal-human bond. Any dog can enter the fun dog show, with classes such as Tallest Dog, Most Adorable Puppy, Best Costume and Best Trick or Talent. The festival also features adoptable dogs from Talbot Humane and other area rescue organizations, which will be featured in the PAWrade of Adoptable Dogs in the dog show ring. Perhaps you’ll find your new best friend!
brbrTo register for all events, be a vendor at the festival or for more information on the day’s events, visit Talbot Humane’s website at Talbothumane.org. All proceeds benefit the shelter animals at Talbot Humane.brbr
4th Annual Dog Days of Summer Cruise
Harbor Queen at Annapolis City Dock, July 21st, 6–7:30 p.m.
brJoin the Anne Arundel SPCA on Harbor Queen for their fourth annual special dog friendly cruise! This event will include food donated by Graul's Market, music, a silent auction, cash bar and refreshments for Fido. The top deck of Harbor Queen will even feature doggie pools so "hot dogs" can cool off! Friendly on leash dogs welcome. Dogs cruise free! This is a special fundraiser to benefit the SPCA while enjoying getting out on the water with your furry friends. Tickets are $30/adults, $15/children 3-11, Free children 2 and under.
Yappy Hour! Vodka, Pups & Cookies
Hunt Valley Towne Center, June 21st, 6–9 p.m.
brEnjoy a refreshing Tito's vodka lemonade served by Joe's Crab Shack while your dog dines on Lazy Dog cookies and a free gift from PetValu Hunt Valley Towne Centre! Bring your friends -- both human and furry are invited! All proceeds benefit the animals at Baltimore Humane Society.
Canines and Cocktails Kick-Off Party
BAROAK, June 24th, 5:30–7 p.m.
brCanines & Cocktails, for well-behaved humans and their dogs, is held on the last Friday of every month through October. Enjoy refreshments, happy hour drinks and munchies, mingle with animal lovers, listen to live music, and fetch raffle tickets for a chance to win great prices! All proceeds from the raffle ticket sales as well as 10% of all BAROAK patio sales for that evening will go to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Paws Pet Boutique has partnered with Loews Annapolis to host these dog-friendly happy hours to benefit a wide variety of charities.
Kent County Fair
Kent County Fairgrounds, July 21st–July 23rd, Times vary.
brCome on out and enjoy the Kent County Fair Thursday, July 21st – Saturday, July 23rd. The county fair will be featuring great food, 4-H and community exhibits, animals, tractors, games and entertainment. The focus of the fair is agricultural education and providing educational opportunities for county youth. The greased pig contest, bull-riding, the 4-H livestock and cake auctions are popular fair events. Each evening features different food, including a fish fry and pit beef on Thursday, pork BBQ on Friday, and chicken BBQ on Saturday. Times and cost vary. For more information visit Kentcountyfair.org.
Gallop Hour at Laurel Park
Laurel Park, July 22nd, 4–8 p.m.
brEvery Friday head over to Laurel Park for Gallop Hour and Twilight Racing with a post time of 3:40 p.m. Enjoy live music with Lovely Rita and a tasty dinner menu with casual food and drink specials to accompany the atmosphere. There will be $3 domestic draft beers and $4 frozen margaritas. Admission to the event is free and the buffet is $20 per person.
National Meet a Horse Day
Oak Crest Farm, July 23rd, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
brOak Crest Farm in Harwood is celebrating National Meet a Horse Day with a $5 discount on an introductory riding lesson on July 23rd! Call and schedule your lesson and you will be given the special $25 rate for your hour long lesson. Not ready to take a lesson, but would like to check out our program? Come on out and we will give you a coupon for your first lesson! Already take lessons with us? Bring a friend and you will get $5 off your lesson that day!
Events Worth Waiting For:
Wheels for Wags
Anne Arundel County Animal Control, August 13th, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. brThis is the third annual Wheels for Wags car show/pet adoption event, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, August 13th at the Anne Arundel County Animal Control in Millersville. It’s a “nontraditional” shelter event that increases public awareness of the shelter and its adoptable animals. The event is free to all, including the car show participants, who can compete for awards in several categories. It is co-sponsored by the Annapolis Car Enthusiasts and Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Control, a nonprofit created by the shelter’s volunteers to help improve and save the lives of its homeless pets. In addition to the cars and adoptable pets from both the shelter and some of its rescue group partners, the family-friendly event includes food and specialty vendors, activities for children, a silent auction, music, K-9 demonstrations, and more. For more information visit Aacountyorg.
br
SPCA Puppy Plunge
Camp Letts, August 21st, 12–3 p.m.
brLast year over 1,400 pet lovers enjoyed this dog friendly fundraiser that supports the SPCA as they care for more than 2,500 homeless animals each year. You won't want to miss the vendors, music, great food, and children's area. The big dogs will love to plunge on Muscle Beach, and the small dogs can splash on the Petite Beach. Strut your dog in the bikini parade or enter your dog in the pie eating contest and watch them chow down! With just an $8 admittance fee for adults, children under 11 and dogs free, this event is fun for the entire family. For more information visit Aacspca.org.
Wine and Wag
Maryland SPCA, August 26th, 5:30–7:30 p.m. brBring your pup to the Maryland SPCA’s Wine & Wag Happy Hour on Friday, August 26th, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Maryland SPCA. Sit back and relax with live music, beer, wine, snacks, and a signature cocktail of sangria! Dogs can play in the fun runs, bob for hot dogs, and make paw paintings. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the event. All proceeds benefit the homeless pets at the Maryland SPCA. For more information call 410-235-8826 or visit Mdspca.org.
Que at the Zoo
Maryland Zoo, September 10th, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
brQUE at the ZOO is the first ever Bands and BBQ festival at the Maryland Zoo! Join them for outstanding musical acts and the tastiest BBQ in Baltimore. All ages are welcome and proceeds from this event benefit the Maryland Zoo and Believe in Music. All tickets include live music and admission to the zoo. Check out the bumpin’ line up: Live Stage – The Bridge, People’s Blues of Richmond, E.L.M., Bunk Buddha, Brooks Long & The Mad Dog No Good. DJ’s from Aya – Oscar G, Shawn Q + DJ Who, Deltanine, James Nasty, Graham Hatke, and Ypset.
brbrThere will also be a Baltimore BBQ Competition! Choose the best top ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. Judges tickets are $30. Some participating eateries include: The smoking swine, Jurrasic Pork, Smoke, Blue Pit, Kommie Pig, The BBQ Joint, Koco, Dinasour BBQ, and more.
DogFest
Baltimore Human Society, September 17th, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
brCome for a doggone great family day at the Dogfest Walk & Festival Saturday, September 17th at the Baltimore Human Society. Festivities include a walkathon, games, contests, swimming for dogs, demonstrations, and lots of food! Meet adoptable dogs, cats, and rescue groups. There will be a kid’s corner with crafts, face-paint, moon bounce, and all new Brick Bodies Obstacle Fitness course and Marshy Point Nature Center Animal Program.
brbrYour dog can bowl a game of 10 pins, play hide ‘n seek, and run agility courses. Enter your pup in Best of the Fest photo contest, Best Kisser contest, Best Costume, and more! Gates open at 10 a.m. Tickets in advance are $10 per person with kids 12 and under free. Tickets at the door are $15 and $10 for kids 6-12. Dogs are always free. For more information call 410-833-8848 or visit Dogfest.org.
Bark in the Park
Idlewild Pak, October 8th, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
brTalbot Humane’s seventh annual Bark in the Park dog and family festival will be a tiny good time this year, as they host hundreds of four-legged, furry special guests at their Pomeranian Family Reunion—or POMapalooza—at Idlewild Park, Easton. The reunion will honor the staff and volunteers at the Humane Society of Wicomico County, for saving 310 dogs, mostly Pomeranians, from a deplorable puppy mill operation in Eden, MD. With the help of ten area animal welfare organizations and hundreds of adopters, the dogs received necessary medical care and grooming and found their way to happy, new homes.
brbrBark in the Park kicks off at 8 a.m. with a 5K Fun Run/Walk (dogs welcome!), followed by the annual Dog Walk Parade, Dog Show, and canine demonstrations. The rescued Pomeranians will lead the Dog Walk Parade this year, sponsored by Hair O The Dog.
brbrBark in the Park is a great way for dogs and their people to get out and enjoy the animal-human bond. Any dog can enter the fun dog show, with classes such as Tallest Dog, Most Adorable Puppy, Best Costume and Best Trick or Talent. The festival also features adoptable dogs from Talbot Humane and other area rescue organizations, which will be featured in the PAWrade of Adoptable Dogs in the dog show ring. Perhaps you’ll find your new best friend!
brbrTo register for all events, be a vendor at the festival or for more information on the day’s events, visit Talbot Humane’s website at Talbothumane.org. All proceeds benefit the shelter animals at Talbot Humane.brbr
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