Looking for ways to get out and enjoy the fall weather around Charlotte with your pup? We’ve got you covered with our list of late September dog-focused and dog-friendly events.
You know your dog best. Consider your four-legged friend’s comfort around crowds, noise and other dogs before venturing out to these events – and remember not all humans are as eager to say hello as your dog can be. All canine event-goers should be leashed, friendly and vaccinated unless otherwise noted.
Mecktoberfest
- Sept. 20 – 22, 2019
- 11 am – 11 pm Fri. and Sat., 11 am – 10 pm Sun.
- 4150 Yancey Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217
- Free
Dogs are welcome at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Mecktoberfest, so if you haven’t already, now’s the time to place that pint-sized lederhosen costume or bandana order on Amazon Prime.
Now in its 11th year, Charlotte’s original Oktoberfest features three days of fun including live music from the Holzhackern Tyrolean and Little German bands, a costume contest, competitions and, yes, plenty of German-style beer and food. The festival takes place on OMB’s 10.5-acre wooded grounds, which features plenty of shade and seating for 1,000 outside and several hundred more inside.
Woofstock: Peace, Love, Drool
- Sept. 21, 2019
- 11 am – 4 pm
- 2921 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28206
- $5
Have some two-legged friends who are ready to adopt? Bring them to NoDa Brewing for Woofstock, an annual dog-friendly event that benefits Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love and Mid Atlantic Pug Rescue. A $5 donation buys your first drink and the chance to meet Great Danes, pugs, boxers, greyhounds, German shepherds and other adoptable dogs looking for forever homes. The event also features food trucks, a silent auction and plenty of dog-friendly vendors like Four Dogs Pet Supplies, Three Dog Bakery and Charlotte Pooch dog walkers.
BarkitectureCLT
- Sept. 28, 2019
- 12 – 5 pm
- 2921 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28206
- Free
These aren’t your proverbial dog houses. The locally designed, beautifully built works of art featured during each year’s Barkitecture competition are auctioned off to benefit local animal welfare groups. This year’s beneficiaries: Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, FurBabies Animal Rescue and Pits and Giggles Rescue. Place your bids during the main event at NoDa Brewing or enjoy the exhibition prior during Friday Nights at Camp North End Sept. 13, 20 and 27.
National Black Dog Day Ice Cream Social
- Sept. 28, 2019
- 2 – 4 pm
- 545 W. John St., Matthews, NC 28105
- Free for dogs while supplies last
Bruster’s Ice Cream of Matthews is getting a jump on National Black Dog Day (it’s technically Oct. 1) by offering free ice cream sundaes for dogs of all colors. Also on-site: Rover’s Rescue & Retreat, Pet Education Assistance & Resources and free samples from Pet in the City. Be sure to get there early: Sundaes are free for dogs only while supplies last.
Wondering why black dogs get their own day? It’s to raise awareness of the fact they’re often passed over and stay longer in shelters than lighter-colored breeds. Check out Charlotte Black Dogs for more info.
No dogs allowed
As much as we enjoy bringing our four-legged friends along, not all events are dog-friendly. For the health and safety of attendees, dogs are not permitted at these September events:
• Yiasou Greek Festival (Sept. 5 – 8, 2019)
• Cabarrus County Fair (Sept. 6 – 14, 2019)
• SCarowinds (Sept. 13 – Oct. 27, 2019)
• Festival in the Park (Sept. 20 – 22, 2019)
