11 Great Dog Events in August Happening in Boston and Beyond
Nothin’ like the dog days of summer. / Dog Photo via Shutterstock
Summer was made for bonding with man’s best friend, and it just so happens that quite a few dog-centric events are coming up this weekend and throughout August. Brace yourself for an overdose of cuteness—and do watch your step.
— Dog Events This Weekend, August 1-4 —
Pet Palooza
SomDog and the new Assembly Row in Somerville are teaming up this weekend to bring you Pet Palooza, two days of family-friendly pet-centric fun. Even if you don’t have a pooch of your own, DockDog’s Northeast Regional Championship competition will surely offer some exciting entertainment.
Free, Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Assembly Row and Sylvester Baxter Riverfront Park, Somerville, assemblyrow.com.
Bark in the Park
On Sunday, the Fall River Coalition for Animal Awareness will host its 7th annual Bark in the Park event. Attendees can check out demos in agility and flyball, and from the Fall River and Bristol County K9 Units. You and your pup can also look forward to a doggie fun run, more than 40 vendors, and “canine good citizen” certification by Papa Bowwow. Mass Mobile Vet will also be there with a rabies and micro-chip clinic.
Free, Sunday, August 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Kennedy Park, Fall River, facebook.com.
Dogapalooza
Pawtucket Dog Park’s two-day festival in Rhode Island is a country fair-style event to raise funds for the park. Expect live music, games, raffles, and other fun activities from laughter yoga to an apple pie contest.
Free, Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, August 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Pawtucket Dog Park in Slater Memorial Park, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, pawtucketdogpark.com.
Events at Unleashed by Petco Locations
Super Pets Party
The Animal Rescue League and the new Unleashed slated to open in the South End mid-August are hosting a Super Pets Party. Events include a Scavenger Hunt and giveaways. Bring your pet dressed as a superhero, and you’ll get a free Aimal Rescue League pet emergency pack.
Free, Friday, August 1, 4:30-7 p.m., 1310 Washington St., Boston, 617-426-5030, bringfido.com.
Ice Cream Social
Bring your best animal buddy for a free scoop of ice cream.
Free, Monday, August 4, 4-6 p.m., 114 New Edgerly Road, Boston, 617-262-0122, bringfido.com.
Yorkie Yappie Hour
Yorkies and yorkie mixes only! Take your toy-sized tot to Charlestown for an hour of playtime and free giveaways.
Free, Sunday, August 3, 12-1 p.m., Bunker Hill Mall, 5 Austin St., Charlestown, 617-242-2093, bringfido.com.
— Every Week, All Summer Long —
Yappier Hour at the Liberty Hotel
If you haven’t been to Yappier Hour, then you’re officially denying your dog and yourself a special treat. A hidden gem of an event for dog-lovers in the city, Yappier Hour invites pups and their owners to hang out in The Yard, the seasonal outdoor patio extension of the Liberty Bar. Humans can sip on cocktails from Clink. and munch on snacks, while the dogs can eat snacks and “pup-tinis” from The Fish & Bone.
Free to attend, Wednesdays through October 29, 5:30-8 p.m., Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles St., Boston, 617-224-4000, libertyhotel.com.
— More Dog Events in August —
Dog Days of Summer Charity Dog Wash
You have to go out to Beverly for this charity dog wash, but take part with a smile knowing that your donation will go toward bullet/stab-proof vests for K9s. Besides, it’s not just a dog wash—there will also be a raffle and barbeque.
$5 donation for shampoo, rinse, and towel-dry, Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Essex Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 265 Essex St., Beverly, bringfido.com.
Kane’s Cookout
Kane’s Krusade will host their third annual cookout this month. The afternoon comes complete with scavenger hunt, goodie bags, food, raffles, and more. The event is family-friendly, and kids under 12 get free admission with paying adult.
$15-$20, Sunday, August 17, 12-5 p.m., King Philips Stockade, 73 Columbus Ave., Springfield, uniiverse.com.
Dog-Friendly Walking Tours
Boston By Foot and partner the Urban Hound are hosting a series of three dog-friendly walking tours of Boston neighborhoods. Hey, you gotta walk the dog anyway, right?
$12, Beacon Hill on August 16, Victorian Back Bay on September 13, and the South End on October 25, all tours 10-11:30 a.m., bostonbyfoot.org.
National Dog Day
…is Tuesday, August 26. Just a friendly reminder to give Fido an extra treat or three.
