10 Dog-Friendly Pride Events for You and Your Favorite Ally to Attend This June

Pride Month is finally here, which means it’s time to celebrate the queer community as often and prominently as possible. Parades, festivals, parties, marches — you name it, we’ll be there in our loudest and proudest Pride accessories (and probably some pet-safe glitter). But wait — what about our most loyal allies, our dogs?

It is a tragic truth universally acknowledged that dogs are not always welcome at Pride events. As well-behaved as your perfect pooch might be, our pets can be disruptive or cause safety concerns for organizers. Logistically, it can also be complicated to include non-human participants at every single blowout.

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Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best Pride events from across the country that love our dogs as much as we do. Bring Fido, bring Fifi, bring whomever. Just make sure they’re on a leash.

Another important note: Extreme heat and humidity can pose health risks for our pups, so it’s important to plan ahead. Check the weather forecast before you load the dogs into the station wagon. And if you’re in a state like Arizona or Texas — where the asphalt can become searing in the summer — it’s worth bringing water and a bowl and maybe even protective booties, paw balm, cooling gear, and/or a doggie raincoat. If you’re not sure how to prepare, our dog-friendly summer safety tips are here to help.

And remember: If they don’t want to wear a costume, you should never force them to, and always make sure it’s safe for them to be sporting one in the first place. Have fun out there!

Indy Pet Pride 

May 31, Indianapolis, Indiana
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The cutest event of Indy Pride is back. Come for the fun and music, and stay for the splash pools. This gathering really is for everyone — pet parents, local vendors, nonprofits, and animal shelters. And for those wondering, yes, there will be adoptable dogs on the premises, so be ready to field a lot of begging from your human children asking you to bring home a new family member. Needless to say, over here, we’re all for it.

Dallas Pride 

June 14-15, Dallas, Texas

Dallas Pride is chock full of events, including a parade, festival, pride prom, bartending competition, music festival, and block party. Well-behaved dogs are welcome as long as you keep them on a short leash. That said, remember that heat warning we talked about earlier? As Texans know, Dallas gets hot, hot, hot in June, so check the forecast and think carefully about whether your pet will have a good time. 

If you choose to bring the pups along, make sure they have all the safety gear they need, including water and booties to protect their feet from the hot asphalt. Dogs must also be vaccinated for rabies and microchipped to join in. If it feels like the right day for it, bring them along — the “Big D”  stands for dog, after all.

Jersey Pride Festival 

June 1; Asbury Park, New Jersey
12 p.m. to 7 pm.

The Jersey Pride Celebration is not entirely pet-friendly, but the festival is open to the whole family, including pets (see FAQs here). A slew of community groups and corporate participants will gather to distribute information including job opportunities, housing options, and other support for the queer community.

A $10 admission fee will grant you access to the festival and rally grounds, the food court, the “Family Zone,” and all the entertainment you could ask for. 

Manhattan West Woof Fest 

June 7 in Manhattan, New York
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

To quote SNL’ s Stefon, this afternoon event has everything: a catwalk contest for pet parents and their dogs who want to strut their stuff for prizes; stand-up comedy; professional photographers taking paw-traits; temporary tattoos; and much, much more. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend showing up early with your completed waiver.

Yachats Pride Puppy Parade

June 8; Yachats, Oregon
1-2 p.m.

Leashed pets are allowed throughout Yachats Pride, which kicks off on June 6 and runs through June 8. “Gays In Space” is the theme of the year as the festival celebrates its seventh year, and attractions will include Drag Bingo (yaaaas!), a dance party, a Bowie cover band, and a queer vendor market.

That said, the organizers urge pet parents to know their creatures’ limits when it comes to the usual crowds and commotion. If you’re looking for an event catered specifically to pets, why not try Sunday’s Pride Puppy Parade, which operates outside at the pavilion? You know what they say — there’s no party like a puppy party. (OK maybe “they” don’t say that, but we do.)

Paws & Pride Show 

June 13; Kansas City, Missouri
6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Bar K Dog Bar and Nclusion Plus are playing host to a stacked list of drag performers who are sure to serve for you and your pup. Hostess Venus O’Hara and special guest Roxxy Malone will anchor the show, along with guest appearances from Oliver Hugh and Bella Rose. Grab a drink and join the party — just make sure you reserve a free ticket to ensure you have a spot. It’s gonna be a ball.

Paws & Pride Dog Walk

May 31; Bellevue, Washington

10 a.m.

As part of Seattle Pride, a free dog-walking event will take place in the nearby Bellevue Downtown Park. All ages are welcome for this morning stroll. Stick around for the “after-pawty,” which will feature food trucks, a beer/mimosa garden, and live entertainment. Tickets are free, and any donations will benefit Eastside Pride PNW and Seattle Humane.

Pawsnickety Pets Pride Pet Parade & Block Pawty 

June 8; Norfolk, Virginia
8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

This one’s for the morning people and their pups. Brighten up the day with your best rainbow gear and register for the Best Pride Outfit Contest at 8:30 a.m. while you wait for your coffee to hit. The walk will kick off at 9 a.m., and the party wraps up by 10:30. While some folks will just be starting their day, you could’ve already won bragging rights for the rest of the weekend and checked out merchandise from all sorts of local vendors.

Snap a photo at the rainbow-themed photo booth to commemorate the moment, grab a free mini dog “Pupcake,” and enjoy 15 percent off all of local pet store Pawsnickety Pets’ dog and cat treats. Oh — and did we mention that there’s also a raffle? You already know your dog’s a lucky pup, so what are you waiting for?

Chicago Pride Fest Proud Pet Parade 

June 22; Chicago, Illinois
12 p.m.

We love a chance to win prizes, especially from a local icon. Chicago Pride Fest is a two-day street festival running from Saturday to Sunday, and on day two, local character artist and hostess Miss Foozie will host the annual Proud Pet Parade, which kicks off with registration at noon by the North Stage.

At 12:30, Miss Foozie will usher contestants over to the South Stage to declare the winners. For fashion inspo, you can check out some of last year’s competitors here. That said, we have a feeling that everyone at this event will sashay away feeling happy — whether they take home the crown or not.

Bark at SPARK: Pet Pride

June 8; San Francisco, California

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This day-long event is puppy heaven. SPARK Social is bringing together over 15 pet-centric vendors offering everything from handmade dog bandanas to treats made from invasive fish. As if that weren’t enough to get your pup pawing at the door, there’ll also be pride-themed photo ops, a pup cup race, and a pet pride float contest. Be sure to arrive before 2 p.m. if you want your decorated mini-float to be in the running for big prizes.