Costume parties, brunch and fun runs – and all dog friendly! Check out this list of things you can do in Indy this fall with your furry friends.
Fall is upon us, and with it comes more dog-friendly events that are perfect opportunities for outdoor fun. The Good Dog Hotel & Spa team in Broad Ripple loves keeping tabs on all the happenings in our community, and has named some of the top picks for the season.
Whether you want to work up a sweat with your pooch, get in the spirit of Halloween, or just hang out and enjoy the scenery, there are plenty of outings to choose from. We hope you find time to get out and enjoy!
1. Yappy Hour
Sundays in September & October
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Conner’s Kitchen + Bar, Indianapolis
If you love Sunday brunch, you’ll love hanging out on the patio at Conner’s Kitchen + Bar during Yappy Hour. Your four-legged bestie will get a free treat from Three Dog Bakery, and each human will get a free corn muffin. Even better, a portion of the proceeds from every pint of Metazoa craft beer on tap sold during Yappy Hour will be donated to FACE, a local low-cost spay/neuter clinic.
2. Cooper’s Fun Run
Sunday, September 16
6 p.m.
Three Dog Bakery, Broad Ripple
Sunday, October 21
6 p.m.
Three Dog Bakery, Noblesville
Join two- and four-legged runners for a special pop-up Cooper’s Fun Run on Sunday afternoons, August 19th at Three Dog Bakery in Broad Ripple, and October 21 at Hamilton Town Center. Stick around afterward for treats and time with friends, plus a raffle drawing.
This is an all-ages event. Dogs on leashes, kids and strollers are welcome. Suggested donations of $10 are accepted in lieu of a registration fee. All money raised will benefit Indy Humane. Cooper’s Fun Run merchandise – including sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, stickers, and coffee – will be for sale at the event with 10% of all proceeds donated to Indy Humane.
3. The Bierminster Mutt Show
Sunday, September 23
Noon – 6 p.m.
Bier Brewery & Tap Room, Indianapolis
“A Local Pure Bred Mutt Dog Show” is presented by Bier Brewery & Spay-Neuter Services of Indiana. If your dog has a knack for friendly competition, you’ll love this gathering. There will be first, second and third place prizes awarded to a total of seven categories, including the: Will Do Tricks for Treats Group; Strut Group; and Best Wiggly Butt Group. A portion of the proceeds goes towards Spay-Neuter Services of Indiana and includes a bier ticket! Bier Brewery opens at noon. Registration closes at 1p.m. First grouping starts at 1:30 p.m., with additional groupings every half hour.
4. 8th Annual Labapalooza
Sunday, September 23
1 – 5 p.m.
Mallow Run Winery, Bargersville
Join an expected crowd of 500 at Mallow Run Winery in Bargersville for the 8th Annual family-friendly Labapalooza. Enjoy an afternoon of adorable pups, live music, food and wine. Visit the Love of Labs website for more information, including the full list of bands performing. The winery is open from noon – 6 p.m. Free admission. Wine available for purchase by the glass or bottle. All non-Mallow Run alcohol is prohibited by Indiana law.
5. 2018 Howl-O-Ween Open House
Saturday, October 6
Noon – 5 p.m.
The Vet, New Palestine
This free event is an afternoon of fun, featuring a Pet Costume Contest, Smiling Dog Photography photos and Youngblood Animal Massage Therapy. Attendees can enjoy plenty of food and the wares of local vendors, and prize baskets will be awarded.
6. 10th Annual Woofstock & Survivor Charity Walk
Saturday, October 8
11:30 a.m. – 6 pm.
Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, Fishers
It’s all about “Pets, Love, and Rock & Roll” at Indiana’s largest, pet friendly music festival, featuring dozens of vendors, activities for kids and canines, live music, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and more. No backpacks or coolers are allowed inside the event.
7. Country Tails & Crafty Ales Dog Walk & Festival
Saturday, October 20
Noon – 5 p.m.
Buck Creek Farm, Indianapolis
This festival to benefit Tails & Trails Rescue includes live music, animal rescues, merchant booths, contests and more. Bring Fido to enjoy an afternoon out in the country with auctions, games, craft beer and demonstrations! Note: attendees can save time by filling out the registration form and waiver in advance.
8. Barktoberfest
Saturday, October 27
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Asa Bales Park, Westfield
Bring your furry friend and help support the Humane Society for Hamilton County.
You will find pet-related vendors at the Mutt Mart, activities for humans and dogs at the Canine Cabana, a canine agility course inside of the Agility Arena, a chance to win prizes at Humane Society Hut, and a pet costume contest. In addition, there will be plenty of food vendors offering a variety of menus. All proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society for Hamilton County.
9. Good Dog Hotel & Spa Halloween Party
Wednesday, October 31
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Good Dog Hotel & Spa, Broad Ripple
Calling all Good Dog Hotel doggies! It’s going to be a fun day on Halloween, especially since Tiki will be in costume and strutting his stuff for the party, which will include cider and cookies for all! Any pooch who comes in costume will get a voucher for a free day of daycare (for future use). Even better, if one or two owners show up in costume, you get another free day of daycare each. So, for example, if two owners come in with two dogs, all dressed in costumes, you’ll receive a total of four vouchers. It’s all a part of Halloween fun for our team at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa. We can’t wait to see you there!
Check out these late summer events in the Indianapolis area you can enjoy with your dog – and other humans.
Late summer is the perfect time to get out and about with your favorite furry friends. Plus, our team at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa loves running into our regular dog daycare and hotel guests at special community events. Check out some of the happenings going on in the Indianapolis area soon. We hope to see you out and about having fun in the months to come.
AIGA Indy Homegrown: Summer Social
Thursday, August 2, 6-8 p.m.
Metazoa Brewing Company, Indianapolis
This summer social and dog-friendly event at Metazoa Brewing will be the second installment of their event series: Homegrown. Homegrown is a laid-back event for creatives. Whether you like to mingle or observe, you’ll have a summery good time. Attendees can participate in an outdoor chalk art contest and a social media photo contest – prizes will be awarded. There will be additional games and snacks provided by Metazoa. And a perk for AIGA members over 21: your first beer is free.
Cooper’s Fun Run at Foundry Provisions
Friday, August 3, 5:45 – 7:30 a.m.
Foundry Provisions, Indianapolis
Enjoy a morning run from one of downtown’s newest coffee bars. This untimed 3-mile run or walk will start and finish at Foundry Provisions, 236 East 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Stick around afterward and enjoy samples of Tinker Coffee and time with friends. As always, listen for your name in the raffle drawing. Dogs on leashes, kids and strollers are welcome. Suggested donations of $10 are accepted in lieu of a registration fee. All money raised will benefit Back on My Feet Indianapolis as they combat homelessness in our city.
Second Annual Pups and Pints Series
Fridays, August 17, September 21& October 19, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Clay Terrace Dog Park, Carmel
The 2nd Annual Pups and Pints Series is presented by Indy Animal Eye Clinic, and is held every third Friday of each month, beginning in May. It’s “Yappy Hour” for you and your dog – a night on the town for pups to hang out and socialize with other four legged friends. Enjoy treats from vendors, and socializing with other humans. Grab a pint for you, water for your pups, and let the fun begin.
Picasso Puppies
August 18, noon – 3 p.m.
Garfield Park, Indianapolis
Picasso Puppies is an opportunity to create pet-friendly art pieces with four-legged friends and to meet adoptable dogs. Nontoxic paints and other doggie-safe materials will be provided to create keepsakes with pets, including a Robert Indiana “LOVE”-inspired painting and a clay paw print ornament. Activity fee is $10.
In addition to the art projects, guests can participate in a dog kissing booth, silent auction and collaborative art projects. A wading pool and hose will be available to keep pets cool in the heat. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Register at www.indyparks.org or call 317-327-PARK.
Ales for Adoptable Tails 2018, by IndyHumane
Saturday, August 25, Noon – 3 p.m.
Indianapolis City Market
One of Indy’s favorite dog-and-suds event, Ales for Adoptable Tails is hosted by Tomlinson Tap Room and the Indianapolis City Market. This is a benefit for IndyHumane that brings together some of the Midwest’s greatest brewers for an event like no other. Attendees can enjoy beer, food and dancing to live music. Meet adoptable pets from IndyHumane’s Pet Adoption Wagon and win raffle prizes.
Ticket purchases benefit IndyHumane and homeless pets in Central Indiana.
Basic and VIP tickets available at $20 – $30. For more information, visit indyhumane.org/indypaaw or contact indypaaw@indyhumane.org.
Designated Driver/Under 21 Ticket: A donation of $5 or more is suggested.
Day of the Dog: Run, Walk or Jog 5K & 10K
August 26, 7 p.m.
Indianapolis Virtual Run
Help celebrate National Dog Day with this third annual virtual event. Complete a 5K or 10K anytime in August with your favorite four-legged friend. 15% of every registration will be donated to Freedom Service Dogs of America, a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by rescuing dogs and custom training them for individual client needs. Clients include children, veterans and active duty military, and other adults. Their disabilities include autism, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder. By completing a virtual 5K or 10K, you’ll receive a Day of the Dog Medal, plus an attached dog tag for your dog. To register, visit the event website.
Indy Pet Parade and Tappings Party
Monday, September 3, 2-10 p.m.
Metazoa Brewing Company, Indianapolis
Join Metazoa Brewing Co. for the first annual Indy Pet Parade & Tappings Party. Attendees are invited to walk in the pet parade through Fletcher Place neighborhood, followed by a party at Metazoa Brewing Co. that will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors & more. You must be 21 or older to attend the Indy Pet Parade, Tapping Party and/or enter the Metazoa taproom. The parade route is 1.54 miles. Costumes and festive outfits are highly encouraged. For more information, or to register and purchase tickets, visit this event website.
4th Annual Clay Terrace Adopt-A-Dog Day
September 15, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Clay Terrace, Carmel
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about dog adoption from local rescues as well as other dog-related companies in the area. Enjoy yappy-hour music, games, giveaways and much more. Admission is free. For event directions and information, click here.
In the mood for some dog-friendly Halloween spirit in Indianapolis? We at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Broad Ripple are ready to kick off the holiday season, beginning with goblins, ghosts and dog costumes, of course.
Check out these festive dog-friendly events in Indianapolis happening in October – you’ll find there’s something for everyone. Just remember, watch out for human candy and other treats that can wreak havoc on your dog’s tummy. Find out more about holiday season dog safety here. Have a wonderful and safe Halloween.
Indy Pups Howl-O-Ween Fundraiser
Oct 20, 6-10 p.m.
Indiana City Brewery, Indianapolis
Bring your pups and come dressed in your best costume for this Indy Pups event. Money raised will go to the International Humane Society to help stop the dog meat trade, and will help support local shelters as well as animal shelters in the Houston area that were impacted by Hurricane Irma.
2017 Howl & Wine
Oct. 21, 1-4 p.m.
Tavern on South, Indianapolis
Join the Friends of Indianapolis Animal Care Services Foundation for a “howling good time” to benefit cats and dogs at the city shelter, Indianapolis Animal Care Services. Held at Tavern on South, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, winetasting and a silent auction. In addition, adoptable pets will be available, plus a pet psychic, raffle, and music by the Patrick Wright Trio. Register early – admission is limited to 125 guests.
Trick or Treat Halloween Pet Parade & Costume Contest
Oct. 26, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Flat12 Bierwerks, Indianapolis
Pick out a fun and spooky costume for your best friend and head over to Flat12 to kick off a festive weekend. They’ll have their dog brew on tap, a parade of your dressed-up pets, and an audience vote on Best Costume, Best Trick, and more. Winners will receive prizes. The brewery will also have its biannually released Bleeding Heart IPA on tap – the Half Cycle IPA with an infusion of Blood Orange juice released especially for Halloween.
BarkHappy Indianapolis Halloween Pup Crawl
Oct. 29, 3-5 p.m.
Indiana City Beer, Indianapolis
Dress your pup up in their favorite costume and join BarkHappy for a frighteningly great time at the HOWL-o-ween Pub Crawl to benefit Forever Friends Great Dane Rescue.
The first stop will be Indiana City Beer, then participants will crawl over to Metazoa Brewing Co. Enjoy dog games, drink specials and raffle prizes. All ticket holders will receive giveaways and goodies valued at over $250.
Halloween Dog Egg Hunt
Oct. 31, 6:30-7 p.m.
Broad Ripple Park, Indianapolis
Dress up for your pooch for this free Halloween Dog Egg Hunt. All event activities are outdoors, so participants are asked to dress for the weather. The event is free, and for adults (18 and up). Special prizes will be given for dog costume categories.
What Else Is Going On?
Are there other dog-friendly events going on this month that we should know about? We’d love to hear about them. Please leave details below regarding any celebrations, fundraisers or special gatherings that welcome our furry friends.
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.
