Check out these fundraisers, parties and special events in the Indianapolis area – all to benefit or celebrate our own pets, and homeless animals too.

Everybody at the Good Dog Hotel loves a good party or fundraising event that is for or about pets. Tiki, of course, especially loves anything that has to do with dogs. And who can blame him? As a member of the dog-boarding community in Indiana, we know our furry friends deserve the best, which is why we are always excited to help spread the word about community events that are pet-friendly.

So get out your calendars and plan ahead, because there are some exciting gatherings coming up.

 

IndyHumane’s 500 Porch Party

Humane Society of Indianapolis

May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

IndyHumane’s 500 Porch Party aims to provide Mutt Strut participants and friends of pets from all over the community a chance to come together, have some fun, and help raise funds for IndyHumane. The event will be a pet-friendly festival, with food, drinks, games, and contests. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 while enjoying the festivities. All proceeds will support the abandoned, injured, orphaned, and homeless pets IndyHumane serves from across Central Indiana.

Pet Pride

The Eiteljorg Museum

June 3, 2 p.m.

This year’s “pawsitively pawesome” Pet Pride will be at the Eiteljorg Museum, and is part of the Circle City in Pride Kickoff Weekend. The purpose? “To bring together the community and their pets for a great time.” Free and open to the public, there will be plenty of food and merchant vendors, independent artists, non-profits and rescue organizations. One of the highlights is the pet contests, with categories including: Pet/Owner Look-A-Like; A Face Only a Parent Could Love; Most Couture Costume; and My Pet’s Got Talent.

Dog-A-Palooza

Skyline Drive-In

June 10, 5 p.m.

Benefitting the Shelby County Animal Shelter, you can enjoy a film with your furry best friend at the Dog-A-Palooza. Bring your dogs out to the Skyline for a one of a kind event – a special day at the drive-in (dogs usually not allowed). There will be a raffle and special contests for your pooch, including but not limited to rounds of musical sit, bobbing for hotdogs, and popcorn eating contest. Gates open at 5 p.m., when vendors will open for business. Note: dogs must be on a leash at all times. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Ruff Ride

Harley Davidson Indianapolis

July 22

This special event is for bikers, and supports the Hamilton County Humane Society. An annual event, the Ruff Ride includes a ride (complete with police escorts for safety), food, drinks, fun, camaraderie and a concert for the grand finale. Participants are invited to get your motors running (with your best biker gear and helmets), in order to raise funds for the Pets Healing Vets program that pairs specially-selected dogs and cats with veterans suffering from TBI and PTSD.

Meyer Najem Swing into Giving^® Charity Golf Outing

Eagle Creek Golf Club

July 28, 9 a.m.

The 10th Annual Meyer Najem Swing into Giving^® Charity Golf Outing benefits the Joseph Maley Foundation, the Humane Society for Hamilton County, and Westminster Neighborhood Services. For the fifth year in a row, the golf outing will take place at the scenic Eagle Creek Golf Club on both the Pines and Sycamore courses. This is a soft spike course, and registration will begin at 9 a.m., with a Shotgun Start at 10 a.m.

Broad Ripple Community Dog Walk

Broad Ripple

August 10, 6-9 p.m.

The fourth annual Broad Ripple Community Dog Walk is sponsored by the Broad Ripple Village Association and inspired by National Night Out, a nation-wide event to promote involvement in crime prevention activities and police-community partnerships. In Broad Ripple, the focus is on neighborhood camaraderie, bringing the community together, which includes residents and pets. This fun event is an opportunity to get together with neighbors, make new friends, and enjoy a night out in the neighborhood.

Woof Stock

Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, Fishers

October 7, 12:30 – 7 p.m.

Woofstock is Hamilton County’s largest pet & music festival, featuring dozens of vendors, interactive activities for both kids and canines, live bands all day on the Woofstock Stage, food trucks, a beer garden and more. The festival kicks off with the annual Woof It & Hoof It Charity Dog Walk, which helps raise money to save the lives of abused, neglected and injured animals.  If you’re interested in being the walk’s Pack Leader (along with your rescue dog), submit your rescue dog story for consideration.  Voting on Facebook will determine the winner.

Tinsel & Tails

Ritz Charles, Carmel

November 16

The purpose of Tinsel & Tails is to raise operating funds for the Humane Society of Hamilton County. Just in time for the holidays, this event at the Ritz Charles includes pet adoption and survival stories, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a silent auction. This one-of-a-kind event is in support of our favorite furry friends.

Which Events Are Your Favorites?

 We know there are lots of other exciting and pet-friendly events going on in the area, and we’d love to hear about them. Which ones do you plan to attend, and do you have favorites? Please share your stories and experiences below.