Dog Boarding in Athens

Boo-Le-Bark

One of the biggest events of the year in Athens, the Boo-le-bark on Boulevard is a huge pet parade put on by the Boulevard Neighborhood Association to benefit AthensPets. Each year, almost 1,000 dogs - spectators and participants alike - and their families show up in their Halloween best! After the parade, everyone is asked to head over to Jittery Joe’s to participate in contests, take photos, enjoy food, and catch some live tunes. The cost to participate is $20 per dog handler, and there is 125-dog maximum cap each year to keep everything safe and fun.

Run Your Tail Off

Celebrate the coming of Fall with the Run Your Tail Off 5K/2K put on by Athens Canine Rescue. Heading off on the scenic Greenway near Sandy Creek Nature Center, both humans and dogs alike have the option of either a 5K or 2K course. With several different age groups and prizes to be won for each, registrants and spectators are encouraged to give themselves plenty of time to pick up their goodie bag. For only $20, participants will receive a shirt and access to several refreshment stations throughout the race. Dogs can participate at no extra cost, and receive their own goodies as well!

Bark & Brew

The Athens Area Humane Society puts on a free beer tasting, with a suggested donation of $20, at Classic City Clydesdale Farms each Fall. Bark and Brew is one of the only events of its kind, allowing both dogs and children to come along as folk of age sample a few of the over thirty beers available. Sponsored by Terrapin, guests can expect prizes, a dog show, and live music as they make their way across the farm. Kids are welcome to a petting zoo put on by the farm, and well-behaved dogs can meet the horses, too! Event organizers welcome folding chair set-ups and encourage all dog-owners to bring bowls for their pups.

North Georgia Folk Festival

If you haven’t gathered by the legends that hail from Georgia, the South loves their music scene! Each Fall, for nearly 35 years now, the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society puts on the famed North Georgia Folk Festival, attracting music lovers from every generation. Bands will be playing all day at Sandy Hill Park, while vendors sell food and local goods. There will be live demonstrations for kids specifically while the headliners play the main stage. The cost is $15 for adults, with a special price for children and students, plus an additional $2 park fee. Grab a leash, a beer, and surrender yourself to the twang of a banjo in the Great American South!

Classic City American Music Festival

Taking place at the beloved dog-friendly venue, The Foundry, the Classic American Music Festival is a two-day extravaganza with at least ten bands playing a variety of genres like country, bluegrass, and folk! Partnering with a local barbeque joint and Yuengling, this event has food and beverages for purchase for both adults and children. Dogs are welcome to kick back with their people at this stunning reclaimed iron mill on Fourth of July weekend to enjoy some tunes in the sweet Southern heat. If tickets are purchased in advance, they are only $10, while the price jumps to $15 at the door.