8 Dog-Friendly Summer Events in the Main Line Area

photo of three brown dogs riding on a chair

8 Dog-Friendly Summer Events in the Main Line Area

You know what summer in the Main Line means for pups and their parents? Longer days, a slower pace of life, and lots of fun adventures for the two of you. In addition to enjoying tried-and-true activities like playdates at the dog park, hiking nearby trails, and chowing down at one of the dog-friendly restaurants in the area, you may want to check out one (or more) of the many events in the region designed with pups in mind. To help you figure out which ones you may want to add to your calendar, Wagsworth has compiled a list of eight of the most popular local happenings that warmly welcome dogs and their family members. Since the details may change due to weather or other circumstances, please always check the event website before you and your pup make plans to attend.

8 Local Dog-Friendly Events

1. Live Music on the Lawn

Soak in the summertime vibes with your bestie as you listen to the sweet sounds of talented local musicians on the lawn at Penn Woods Winery. Please be aware that some concerts are only open to winery members. It’s also strongly recommended that you make reservations, especially if you want to make sure you get a parking spot for these highly attended shows.

  • Penn Woods Winery, Chadds Ford
  • Every weekend and some holidays from April through October. Some shows are in the afternoon while others are in the evening, so check the website for specific concert times.
  • Free

2. Gay Street Open-Air Market

All summer long, Downtown West Chester closes off four blocks of Gay Street (from Matlack Street to Darlington Street) to vehicles. These street closures typically start Friday morning and do not end until early Monday morning. If it’s a holiday weekend, the closures may extend to Tuesday morning. Why does Downtown West Chester do this? To create a wide-open and safe space for everyone, including pups and their parents, to partake in the town’s well-known open-air market, which includes lots of outdoor dining and shopping options.

  • Downtown West Chester
  • Every weekend from May 5 through October 29
  • Free

3. Bark in the Park

This event is your chance to show your bestie why baseball is still one of America’s favorite pastimes. If you bring your dog to a Fightin Phils minor league game on one of the team’s five Bark in the Park days this summer, your pup will get their very own seat, plus access to water stations throughout the stadium and a designated space where they can do their business. This experience is sure to be a home run!

  • FirstEnergy Stadium, Reading
  • July 2, July 16, July 30, August 20, and September 3, 5:15 p.m.
  • $5 for your dog; $11–$23 for their pet parents

4. Dog Days of Ambler

The annual Dog Days of Ambler event gives you a chance to show off your fur-baby as you parade down Ridge Avenue with other pet parents and their pups. If you register your dog in advance for the judged contests that take place after the parade, you will put them in the running to win any number of fun awards, including Best Trick, Best Groomed, Looks Most Like Owner, Celebrity Look-Alike, and Best Philly Sports Attire.

  • Downtown Ambler
  • August 5, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  • Free

5. Dog Day of Summer

This annual one-day event features pet-friendly food and retail vendors, as well as an agility park where pups can test their skills on a bunch of exciting obstacles. Plus, you both will not want to miss the pet fashion show and a special Yappy Hour, too!

  • Main Street, Downtown Manayunk
  • August 19, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Free

6. Barky Hour

Mix and mingle with other pups and their parents at a happy hour on the lawn at the Vineyard at Hershey. Feel free to bring along some of your fur-baby’s favorite toys, as well as lawn chairs for the two-legged members of your crew. This event is guaranteed to result in lots of wagging tails and full glasses!

  • The Vineyard at Hershey, Middletown
  • August 31, 6:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
  • Free

7. Petapalooza

This celebration of all things pets has something for everyone. Your pup will love splashing around in the refreshing doggie pools, while their little human friends will enjoy getting their faces painted. In addition, there will be training exhibits, onsite veterinarians, pet service providers, and, just in case you’re looking to extend your family, more than a dozen pet rescue and adoption agencies with adorable pups looking for their forever homes.

  • Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill
  • September 9, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  • Free

8. Yappy Hour at the Elmwood Park Zoo

After the zoo has closed for the day, you and your pooch are invited to enjoy drinks and food specials at the Zoo Brew Beer Garden. Every dog will get a special tasty treat for attending—a free whipped-cream treat cup. First time visiting the zoo with your dog? You’ll need to fill out an application online. But if you’ve already completed an application, just make sure to register for the event so the zoo knows you and your pup will be coming.

  • Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown
  • September 14, 5:00–7:30 p.m.
  • Free

Wagsworth Can Help You Get Your Pup Event-Ready!

Whether you and your pup head out to hear some live music, enjoy a yappy hour, or take in a ballgame, you’re bound to make memories to last a lifetime. If you want to make sure your pup is looking and feeling their best at all these exciting occasions, as well as on their best behavior, you may want to explore what Wagsworth has to offer for grooming services and training programs.

You can schedule a spa day or a class (or why not both?) on most weekdays, evenings, or weekends. It might be even more convenient to sign your dog up for a service or session while they are at Daycamp or on an overnight stay with us. After our highly skilled professionals spend a little time with them, your pup is sure to turn heads, get loads of compliments (and appreciative sniffs!), and maybe even have a shot at winning a prize, wherever the two of you go this summer.