Looking for Cleveland dog friendly events? Check below for some of my favorites for 2025. And let me know in the comments any I should add!

Cleveland Summers

When I first moved to Cleveland from Arkansas, I was taken aback by just how grey Cleveland can be, especially in the winter. Before I moved here, one of my new coworkers commented about how much Clevelanders love the summer because they can actually experience sunshine. I don’t think I fully appreciated the comment until I experienced my first winter. Now? Every time it starts getting even a hint of summer, I find myself soaking up the sun as much as possible. And back when I had dogs I could take around town with me, I was always searching for places to take them as well. Thus, the idea for this blog.

Although my current dogs don’t really enjoy being in crowded areas (and I’ll likely do a blog for the reactive pups later), I do know a lot of my clients have dogs who do enjoy going places. And, given my need to be outdoors as much as possible in the summer, I have even signed up to be a vendor at several dog friendly events. So this list is for those who love heading places and doing things with their pups.

Cleveland dog friendly farmers markets

There are so many farmers markets in Cleveland in the summer. Not all of them are dog-friendly, so check before you harness up your pup to head out to one. But here are a few that I know are dog friendly:

• North Union Farmers Market : Not all of the North Union Farmers Markets are dog-friendly, but the ones at Crocker Park on Saturday mornings, Van Aken on Thursday afternoons, and Lakewood on Wednesdays mid-day definitely are. As an added bonus, I’ll be at the Crocker Park markets on June 7th, July 5th, August 2nd, and September 6th. And I’ll be at Van Aken on June 19th, July 17th, and August 14th. I’ll have my photo-booth in tow (weather permitting), so head out to one of these and get a photo of your pup!
• Frostville Farmers Market: Although I haven’t been to the Frostville Market in a year or so, the last I heard, dogs were allowed. And it’s right in the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks, so you can head out for a hike with your pup before or after visiting the market! This market is going on Saturdays through late October.
• Tremont Farmers Market: Held in Tremont’s Lincoln Park, this market is on Tuesdays from 4-7pm through mid-October.

Dog friendly fundraising events

There are a number of Cleveland events that raise funds for local rescue groups and animal organizations.

• Beach Pawty Fundraiser for Companion Pets of Cleveland at Nano Brew on June 26th from 5:30-8:30pm. Pets are welcome and are encouraged to dress in beach attire!
• Yappy Hours Benefitting Mercy’s Door Pet Rescue On July 22nd, September 2nd, and October 28th. You can sip wine with your pup (well, I assume they’ll be drinking water) at The Winery at Wolf Creek.
• Bark in the Park is on August 16th from 12-3pm at the BayARTs campus. Proceeds will benefit the Mutts in a Rut Rescue and there will be a lot of vendors there, including me!
• Multiple Breed Rescue is presenting the Sizzlin’ Summer Festival on August 17th from 12-5pm in Willow Park.
• One of the biggest dog-friendly events in the area is Woofstock benefitting Rescue Village. It is happening September 7th from 10am-4pm at the Cleveland Polo Fields. There are activities, vendors, and adoptable animals.
• The Jog for Dogs 5K benefitting the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter is on September 21st. After the run, check out multiple pet-friendly vendors, including yours truly. Dogs are also welcome to participate in the race.
• The Scoop is an event specifically for older dogs hosted by the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs. According to their website, the Scoop is going to be on September 28th this year.

Other dog friendly events

Of course, there are other places to take your dogs that aren’t necessarily qualified as “events”. Dog-friendly patios, hiking trails, walking groups, and places not necessarily designated as “dog events” are all around our area just waiting to be explored. And check my events page for ones where I’ll be vending.

So, what Cleveland dog friendly events are you planning on doing with your dog this summer? Comment below with ones I missed and maybe I’ll see you there!