Oh heck: The holiday season is nearly upon us. But before frenetic family time and the fantastic food (*cue the perked ears when the turkey arrives*), you and your best fren deserve to spend quality time together. Read on to learn about the best dog-friendly events in Chicago this weekend.
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Drake Hotel, Chicago
Friday, November 11, 6 p.m.–midnight; Tickets required
It’s Fri-yay and floof’s getting fancy! Dress to the canines and strut over to PAWS Chicago’s pet-friendly black tie gala, the Fur Ball. This year’s fundraiser, set at downtown’s legendary Drake Hotel, will welcome more than 800 hoomans and their lovable companions. Beyond the signature red carpet, your pup’ll also enjoy live and silent auctions, dinner buffet (including a divine doggo dinner served in crystal goblets), dancing, and even a dog spa with paw-dicures, massages, and pet-friendly spritzes.
All Bentley’s Pet Stuff stores (including five Chicagoland locations)
Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Crisp autumn weather, leisurely walks with the woofer, and a warm cup of coffee. Some things just pair perfectly. Throw in a free pup cup and you’ve got yourself a perfect outing! This weekend only, all Bentley’s Pet Stuff locations are celebrating what’s left of fall with free pup-friendly pumpkin spice lattes. Visit one of their five area locations, including Rogers Park, Southport Corridor, Old Town and Fulton River District, to also snag sniff-worthy samples and giveaways of their new K9 Natural and Feline Natural products.
The Promenade Bolingbrook, Bolingbrook
Saturday, November 12, 3–6 p.m.
A beloved annual tradition returns to Bolingbrook’s outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district this weekend. Before dazzling your doggo with the signature tree lighting at 6 p.m., check out the Family Fun Event for a host of activities including live entertainment, balloon twisters, magic shows, children’s story time, and of course, a visit from Santa himself. There’s truly something for everypawdy. An extra T.R.E.A.T. to ensure your pal gets on Santa’s good side: Bring new winter clothing or non-perishable food items to donate to community members in need.
Flesk Brewing, Barrington
Sunday, November 13, 2–4 p.m.; Tickets required
Hoomans had their fill of on-trend fashion during last month’s Chicago Fashion Week—now it’s pupper’s turn in the spotlight. Barrington’s Flesk Brewing, nestled inside the historic Ice House Mall & Village Shops, hosts a one-of-a-kind doggie fashion show benefiting Project Hope Animal Rescue Foundation. Admission is just $3 (no cover for kiddos and doggos) and entrance to the Pup Strut competition is $5. With music provided by the School of Rock of Barrington, food by My Cocina Grill, and three different winning categories, it promises to be a heckuva pawty! Round out the day with a stroll through the nearby dog-friendly Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve.
Don’t have a dog already? Get a heckin’ dog!
Loyal, loving, and downright pawfection: Simply put, life’s better with a pup. Sniff out one of these local adoption events. You just might meet your new fur babe!
Animal Rescue Foundation (A.R.F.)
- This Wheaton-based foster organization is dedicated to rescuing and re-homing dogs and cats. Celebrate National Adoption Weekend with A.R.F. at the PetSmart in Wheaton on Saturday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Overcome with excitement? Fill out their online adoption application before you go.
Anti-Cruelty Society
- Throughout this week, head to the Society’s Everyday Adoption Center in the South Loop PetSmart, or one of the other Chicagoland PetSmart partner stores where animals from the Anti-Cruelty Society are available for adoption. Adoptions made on Saturday will have their fees waived. Before you go, be sure to check out their roster of available animals.
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: Lelonka
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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