The Everett Mutt Strut, sponsored in part by the Everett Animal Shelter, is held every August at Langus Riverfront Park. There are chances for everyone to get moving and have some fun, ranging from the slow-paced community dog walk to the Rover Run racing competitions, with divisions for dogs of all sizes! You can also enter your dog in showcase competitions that award prizes for pups that are either very accomplished (Most Tricks in 45 Seconds), blessed with exceptional features (Longest Tail), or just in possession of very stylish owners (Best Dressed Dog). Vendor booths and animal rescue information and adoption opportunities round out the day’s offerings.

Who doesn’t love to start their day with a good cup of coffee and end it with a pint of local microbrew? Lucky for Everett dog-owners, there are several paw-some local businesses where you’re more than welcome to enjoy your favorite beverage with your canine companion by your side. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, reviewers say dogs are allowed at The Loft Coffee Bar (and they also get high marks for their friendly baristas!). Looking to unwind a little instead? The Independent Beer Bar and At Large Brewing both invite guests to bring their sociable and well-behaved pooches to the bar with them!

For a trip to the dog park that offers a whole lot more than your typical fenced-in grassy field, head over to Howarth Beach Dog Park. The north end of the Possession Sound Beach is a designated off-leash area and has stunning views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains. When the tide is low, there’s plenty of sand to set the stage for fun, fetch, and frolic, as well as ample logs and other seating for two-legged visitors. Just be aware that the area is not wheelchair accessible, as you must climb up and down a hefty set of stairs to enter the park!

Poochapalooza is Snohomish County’s largest dog festival, and the summertime event has been going strong for over a decade! Held at Asbery Field in downtown Marysville (a 10- to 15-minute drive from Everett city center), the event features a fashion show starring adoptable dogs from local rescue groups. Your pup can also participate in dog races and contests with paws-itively adorable categories like Best Kisser and Cutest Ugly Dog. In 2017, the festival also included a lure coursing demo to introduce owners to the fast-growing sport. With plenty of vendors, food, and even helpful services like a nail-clipping station, Poochapalooza is sure to be a doggone good time for pets and owners alike!

If you and your dog both know a lot of tricks, you’ll get a kick out of Everett’s annual Dogtoberfest, Hair of the Dog event, co-hosted by the Animal Rescue Foundation of Everett and Save-a-Mutt and held at The Irishmen pub! The event’s showcase is a trivia contest where you can team up with your other best friends to show off your smarts and win fun prizes. There’s also a raffle, Howl-o-ween costume contest, and plenty of delicious food and drink. Dogtoberfest is a great op-paw-tunity for you and your dog to cut loose and make a few new friends while greeting the fall season!