Each year around Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Barkus Parade brings dogs and their owners from all over the DFW area for an afternoon of festive fun! Dress up for the theme of the year, and march through Historic Downtown McKinney. After the parade, browse vendor booths and participate in all kinds of activities, including a costume contest!

There will be a registration fee that will be announced closer to the event date.

With more than 20 years of fun under its belt, the Dallas Jingle Bell Run is one of the most fun and dog-friendly races in the DFW area. This nighttime event features both a 5k timed race and a one-mile fun run! Each racer will receive a pair of jingle bells and glow sticks for the race. There will also be carolers stationed throughout the course.

After the runs are complete, head to the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, which is also where the race begins, for a fun party! There will be a contest for the most festive pooch, as well as free beverages and snacks for both adults and children.

Tickets start at $35 per person.

Head over to Richardson for one of the best fall events in the DFW area for you and your dog! Pawtoberfest is hosted by the Richardson Parks and Recreation Department at Huffhines Park each September for pooch owners to celebrate their canines and beer.

Enjoy beer, food trucks, and live music throughout the event. You can also browse vendor booths and participate in other doggy activities!

Admission is free, but there is a package for the event that is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The package includes a dog bandana, a beer mug, a free beer, $1 off all beer refills, and treats for your pup.

Bring your dog to Terrace Pool in Richardson each August for a day of swimming with other local pooches! From 11 am to 4 pm, the pool is open for dogs to play and romp around during Dog Splash Day. While your dog is playing, spend some time browsing through the vendors with booths at the event. There will also be entertainment provided, and rescue groups will have adoptable pets on-site.

Concessions will be available for purchase as well.

Admission is $5 per dog, but people can enter the event for free. Proceeds from the event will go to the Richardson Animal Shelter.

Each September, DogFest DFW comes around, and locals flock to the event for a day of exercise and fun with their pooch! With activities for the whole family, you won’t want to miss out on DogFest DFW, which takes place during September.

To kick off the event, take part in the dog walk! During the event, there will be live music, food, and a festival complete with activities for pups, children, and adults. Better yet, the event is free!

Times will be released closer to the event date. Proceeds benefit Canine Companions, an organization that helps people with disabilities get assistance dogs.