Turkey day may have come and gone, but the holiday season is in full swing. Doggo’s got a long to-do list, and let’s be honest, he can’t shop by himself. Get off the couch and head to one of these dog-friendly holiday events across the Chicago area this weekend.
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The Salt Shed, Chicago
Friday, December 2, 5–10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, December 3–4, 12–10 p.m.; Tickets required
The Salt Shed—the newly-reborn Morton Salt complex on the North Branch of the Chicago River—has transformed into Winterglow, an eclectic winter market and beer garden. Leash up your furrend and roam this sprawling space complete with artisan vendors selling gifts, jewelry, vintage clothes, home goods, and more. After working up an appetite, head to the cold-weather beer garden and warm up with hot cocktails and treats like s’mores around riverfront fire pits. Admission is $6 per person, but kiddos 12 and under are free.
Goose Island Taproom and Midwest Coast Brewing, Chicago
Saturday, December 3, 12 p.m.; Tickets required
Head out of the house in holiday gear, pick your pace and burn off the Thanksgiving leftovers at this annual 0.5K run that starts and ends at two West Town breweries. Half of the participants will start at Midwest Coast and half will start at Goose Island—all will get a free beer at each! A portion of all proceeds support local nonprofits, which will make your philanthropup happy. Before you leash up and leave home, don’t forget a valid ID or driver’s license for entry.
Downtown Highland Park, Highland Park
Saturday, December 3, 2–4 p.m.
Frozen-loving floofs will especially love this Highland Park holiday tradition, where characters from the hit Disney movie franchise will perform throughout town. Joining them will be holiday carolers, a make-your-own Olaf project, roasted chestnuts, photo opportunities, and Santa’s mailbox. Admission is free, but why not pop into a few downtown stores to pick up a toy or two for the Toys for Tots drive? Several shops welcome well-mannered pups inside.
Park Tavern, Chicago
Sunday, December 4, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
What happens when you bring local animal organizations and a high-energy craft consortium under one woof? The Holiday Craft Bazaar, that’s what! After a pandemic hiatus, this popular holiday staple returns with Santa photos, more than a dozen animal-loving groups, and a doggone good Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktail lineup with names like “Hair of the Dog,” “All-Time Furravorite,” and “American Bulldog.” All proceeds support area animal organizations including One Tail at a Time, Live Like Roo Foundation, and Safe Humane Chicago.
Pet Supplies Plus, 3757 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Sunday, December 4, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.
The stockings have been hung by the chimney with care, but woofer just informed you you’re missing a holiday wreath for the front door! Don’t panic; head to Lincoln Park’s Pet Supplies Plus location, where the rescue group and foster home organization Precious Pets Almost Home is hosting their fourth annual Holiday Pop Up Shoppe. All holiday greenery is from Pioneer Valley Farm and is made with Fraser fur and white pine. Proceeds benefit the organization’s mission of rescuing animals and supporting the veterans who craft the greenery.
Don’t have a dog already? Get a heckin’ dog!
There’s snow one like a rescue dog this holiday season. Make new memories this holiday season by bringing home a doggo from one of these upcoming local adoption events.
PAWS Chicago
- PAWS Chicago has a load of lovable companions lookin’ for homes right now. Meet your new furrend this Saturday, December 3 from 12–3 p.m. at the Glenn L. Felner North Shore Adoption Center in Highland Park.
Reach Rescue, Inc.
- This volunteer-run foster organization hosts weekly adoption events year-round. Visit their location in Mundelein this Saturday from 12-4 p.m. You may just find your pawfect match.
Animal Rescue Foundation (A.R.F.)
Sniff out more events on our calendar and submit your own events here. And don’t furget to tag us @SidewalkDog in pics of your tail-waggin’ weekend!
Featured photo: Mike Burke
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.
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