Max Tracks knows all the fun spots! Photo Credit: @max_tracks
Fall is festival and event time in California, and we’re not just talking about apples (more about those later). No, we’re barking out a suggestion for you and your pup to attend San Jose’s Bark in the Park 2018, the largest dog festival in the country. The 2017 Bark in the Park was a huge hit!
DogTrekkers of all ages will find much to educate and entertain at this high-energy event drawing more than 15,000 dog lovers and 4,000 dogs and benefiting a variety of pet-focused organizations. A huge variety of activities are on tap, from demonstrations of specialized training to fun events like dog/owner look-alike contest. Plus, you can browse the booths of 75-plus vendors (including DogTrekker.com) pitching dog-specific goods and services.
You’ll find lots more family-friendly, dog-centric events listed under the “Events” tab on DogTrekker.com. Here are a few standouts:
The Bay Area Pet Fair, hosted by Pet Food Express, is the largest pet adoption event in California! The Fair is full of fun for everyone in the family! Admission and parking are free, pets on leash are welcome, and there will be live shows and demos, activities for people and pets, a variety of food and drink options, lots of giveaways and prizes, and tons of samples and goodies to take home.
Surf City Surf Dog Competition: Dog owners hailing from as far as Las Vegas, Australia and Brazil will be packing up their pups and bringing them to sunny Huntington Beach to participate in the Surf City Surf Dog event. The event brings together the community, surfers, dog lovers, families and pets for lots of doggone fun!
On Johnny Appleseed Day in the Apple Hill growing region of El Dorado County, farms honor the folk hero with scads of family-friendly activities. Gorge on apple pie hot out of the oven and bring home a bushel of apples to eat at home. Dogs are welcome virtually everywhere.
Grab your tie-dye, beads, headband, leash, four-legged friends and children and head to Novato for a groovy day at Woofstock, benefitting Marin Humane. Live music, pizza and a Kid’s Zone will keep everyone woofing for more.
For a dog- and kid-friendly double header in the Sacramento area, check out DogFest Walk ‘n’ Roll, a fundraiser for Canine Companions for Independence at Southside Park. Register as an individual or form a family team to walk with your pup and party in the park afterward. In Roseville, Barktoberfest is a huge event benefitting Placer County SPCA. It kicks off with a fun run in which leashed companions are welcome to accompany you. Afterwards, attend a community festival with food trucks, pet contests, entertainment and a beer expo. All (people as well as pets) are encouraged to dress up and compete for prizes.
Photo Credit: @max_tracks