Spring in North Carolina is all about fresh air, blooming trees, and long walks with your pup. It’s also packed with dog-friendly events where you can socialize, shop, explore, and support local rescues—all with your best friend by your side.
Here’s your 2026 roundup of the top dog events and festivals in Charlotte and across NC to mark on your calendar:
1. Pet Palooza – Charlotte, NC
Date: April 11, 2026
Location: Truist Field
Hosted by the Humane Society of Charlotte, Pet Palooza features a charity walk, live music, vendors, food trucks, and tons of adorable dogs. It’s one of the biggest spring pet events in the state.
Why go: Great for social pups and supporting local rescue efforts.
Pro tip: Book a mini photo session in Uptown before or after the event for a fun city-meets-pet vibe.
2. Bark in the Park – Kannapolis, NC
Date: April 25, 2026
Location: Village Park
A relaxed spring gathering with local vendors, agility courses, costume contests, and more. Dogs can explore off-leash areas and participate in games.
Why go: Smaller and family-friendly. Great for first-time event pups.
Bonus: I offer pop-up sessions during this event most years—ask about 2026!
3. Pups in the Park – Durham, NC
Date: May 9, 2026
Location: Durham Central Park
Celebrate spring with a dog-themed community event full of food trucks, live music, and local rescue groups. It’s vibrant, inclusive, and very dog-centric.
Why go: A great excuse to explore Durham while supporting pets in need.
Best for: Social dogs and owners who love markets and people-watching.
4. Winston-Salem Dog Jog & Paw Crawl
Date: April TBD, 2026
Location: Downtown Winston-Salem
Join local pet lovers for a morning fun run or walk with your dog, followed by a paw-themed bar crawl downtown. Many stops are dog-friendly!
Why go: Good for active dogs and adventurous owners.
Pro tip: Perfect event to book a candid lifestyle session during the crawl.
5. Asheville Dog Days Festival
Date: May 16–17, 2026
Location: Asheville Outlets
Live music, agility courses, pet-themed vendors, beer garden, and mountain views. Dogs of all sizes welcome—and plenty of photo ops!
Want to Make a Memory While You're There?
I offer on-location sessions at many of these events or nearby parks for a more relaxed portrait experience. If you’re already planning to attend, let’s capture the joy of spring while you’re making memories with your pup.