Summertime is in full swing. Kids are out of school. Temps are heating up and folks are looking for fun. If you’re looking for fun with your pup, read on for fido-friendly festivals and events.
Dog Days at Toyota Field
On Wednesday nights, the Trash Pandas go to the dogs. Home games will admit dogs for $1 admission that benefits different animal non-profit each week. Head online to check the rules and download a waiver.
Dog Nights at the Garden
On Monday nights from 4p-6p, dogs can join you to explore Huntsville Botanical Garden. Admission or Membership plus $4 per dog applies. While you’re there, you can catch the Origami in the Garden exhibit that runs through August 27th.
Concerts in the Park
Concerts in the Park run Monday nights June 5-August 7 and is a free series featuring a wide variety of local talents. Leashed pups are welcome and plan to pack a picnic or take advantage of the many yummy food vendors on site.
Sounds of Summer
Madison Arts Alliance will present Sounds of Summer. This free five-week series kicks off on June 8th with Groove and happens in Home Place Park in Madison.
Copper Creek Farm Sunflower Fest
Over in Calhoun, Georgia, Copper Creek Farm will kick off their Sunflower Festival June 9 and it runs through July 22. A splash pad, bubble barn, pony rides and much more are all part of the festival. Check hours and pricing online. They do ask dogs to be on leash and friendly with both small kids and animals, which is a good general rule of thumb anyways.
248th Army Birthday Celebration
On June 10th, Redstone MWR will host a free celebration of the Army Birthday at Redstone Gateway. The event features a Cake Cutting Ceremony, a Cruise-In Car Show, Kids Zone, Craft/Market Vendors, Food Trucks, DJ Slim Robb and Fireworks. Dogs should be leashed and breeds deemed aggressive are not permitted on base property.
Juneteenth Heritage Celebration
On June 17th from 2p-6p, The Orion will host a Juneteenth Heritage Celebration. Attendees will be able to learn the rich history of Juneteenth while supporting Black-owned businesses, food trucks and farmers. The Artists Meadow will feature a Kids Zone full of bounce houses, bubbles and more. Live Music will happen under The Dome. (Want to enjoy The Orion other times? Jeff & Blues is dog friendly during public hours.)
The Camp
The Camp is a hive for all kinds of activities and this summer is no exception. Keep up with all of their events on their Facebook page but go ahead and pencil in June 17th for their Juneteenth at the Camp and June 30th-July 2 for the Independence Weekend Celebration at Mid-City. I hear there’s going to be a Mullet and Mustache Competition and I hope someone enters their dog. You know you’ve seen a dog with a mullet. Saturday evening will feature fireworks.
Stomp Out HIV
This free community festival in Big Spring Park will take place on June 24th from 12p-5p and is hosted by Thrive Alabama. Food trucks, music, drumlines, dancing, face painting and more will all be part of the fun. More than 60 groups and organizations will be onsite to help people get connected.
CahaBAZAAR Under the Stars
Down for a day (night?) trip? Cahaba Brewery in Birmingham puts on some great artist markets. On June 24th, they’ll host an evening edition from 4p-9p with more than 70 local vendors, food trucks, live music and more.
Mountain Valley Arts Council Concerts in the Park
On the Fourth of July, local favorite JED Eye will rock Civitan Park in Guntersville. The evening will be capped off with a fireworks show.
Back to the Felines
This full out 80s bash is a fundraiser by The Orion in partnership with the Greater Huntsville Humane Society. Don your 80s gear, please dress up your pup, and get ready to go back to the felines on July 21st from 6p-9p. This fundraiser will benefit the GHHS Cat Sanctuary as they create a safe haven for our feline friends diagnosed with FIV and FeLV. Get your tickets in advance online.
Cheekwood Dog Nights
Another night trip! Cheekwood in Nashville is a stunning botanical garden and mansion; note that dogs are not permitted in the mansion. Light: Bruce Munro at Cheekwood is the current exhibit. We went last time it was in Nashville and it was absolutely amazing. August evenings will be dog friendly. There’s no information on their website yet but I did confirm it with them so stay tuned.
Hubert Family Farms
Another TBD but local favorite is Hubert Family Farms. Known for their tulips in the spring and sunflowers in the summer, they are gearing up for another stunner of a season. They are currently predicting a late July/early August opening but stay tuned to their Facebook for details and info about the return of the Midsummer Market with vendors, food trucks and live music.
Tips for Summer Fun with Your Pup
Summer is HOT. Always make sure your pup has plenty of water, try to sit in the shade and have blankets for pavement. Check to make sure the pavement isn’t too hot for their paws. Some pups can benefit from cooling blankets and towels.
You know your dog best and it’s always good to keep in mind that some pups aren’t cut out for the crowds or crowds for a long length of time.
Always keep your dog on a short leash and clean up after them.
Fireworks. Some of the above events include fireworks. Really consider having your dog at an event with fireworks. They can easily be spooked and run off.
It should go without saying but don’t leave your pup in a car. I always double check to make sure an event is dog-friendly before we go.
What events do you plan to attend? Have a favorite that I missed? Let us know in the comments!
