If you’re searching for stuff to do with your dog in New York, you’re in luck! Everybody knows that NYC is a dog’s city, and the Big Apple has the dog-friendly events to prove it. From winter festivals to summer ball games, we’ve rounded up our top events for dogs in in NYC area. Hot dog snacks not included.
1. Winter Jam
January, Central Park
- Annual winter sports festival for New Yorkers of all ages (and dogs)
- Activities include sledding, snow shoeing, and the Taste NY Winter Market
- Dogs can enjoy the Doggie Snow Zone
- Dress in layers, and don’t forget to wear snow boots
2. Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival
Easter Sunday along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets
- Free, annual event in Manhattan
- Parade tradition started in the mid-1800s when high-society ladies would promenade in their Easter finery after church
- Outrageous hats and pet costumes encouraged
- May be overwhelming for shy dogs
3. Brooklyn Cyclones Bark in the Park
Late summer, MCU Park, 1904 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
- Bleacher seating becomes “The BOW-WOW Zone” for baseball fans bringing their dogs to the game
- $10 covers entry for one person and one dog
- Free, fresh water provided to all canine attendees
- Pre-game parade around the field open to well-behaved dogs and their people
4. Broadway Barks
Every Summer, Schubert Alley, NYC
- Annual pet adoption extravaganza created in 1999 by Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters
- No outside dogs allowed at the event, but rescue pets available for adoption onsite
- Star-studded event features Broadway, film, and television stars
- Proceeds benefit countless pets city-wide
5. FIDO Coffee in the Bark
First Saturday of every month in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
- Free community event put on by FIDO, an organization working to ensure that Prospect Park is a safe and healthy place for dogs
- Coffee and pastries available for humans; plenty of biscuits for dogs
- While you enjoy your morning treats, let your dog romp in the Long Meado off-leash area
6. My Dog Loves Central Park Country Fair
Annually in September/October
- Open to people and dogs of all ages
- Enter your dog in the popular Best in Park Competition
- Free kids’ games and crafts
- Best for dog-friendly dogs
- Bring a spare bag to take home free goodies and giveaways
7. Tompkins Square Halloween Parade
October, Tompkins Square Park Dog Run
- Called “the largest dog costume parade in the world” by CNN
- Suggested donation of $5 at the gate
- Prizes awarded for best costumes
8. Hounds and Harriers Run
Late Autumn, South Mountain Reservation, South Orange, NJ
- Three-mile run on shaded park roads open only to runners accompanied by dogs
- Dogs must be dog-friendly and leashed
- Custom T-shirts, dog bandannas and goody bags to all 150 human/canine team
- Registration is limited and weather can vary
9. Barkfest
Annually, Hudson River Park’s Pier 97
- Billed as “the world’s biggest festival for dogs and their groupies”
- Music performances, technology demos, and food truck cuisine for humans
- Charicature portrait sessions, Pup Putt golf, ball pit, and more for dogs
- Canine attendees must be comfortable on-leash in crowds
If your dog isn’t comfortable around crowds but you’re itching to get out, no worries. Find the perfect local sitter and hit the road happy knowing your pooch is in great hands.