By Patricia Hall, Fairfax Family Fun
Why should humans have all the fun? Northern Virginia (NOVA) is home to many pets, too, and there are many special places and events for them, too! Throughout the year, you can find something to do with your furry one — here are some upcoming NOVA pet events with fun for everyone:
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Ides of Bark Festival
Grist Mill Park, Alexandria, VA
This festival has gone to the dogs! The second annual Ides of Bark Festival is a free event sponsored by Fairfax County’s Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck to promote responsible dog ownership and showcase useful products. Guests will get to see demonstrations by the Fairfax County Police K-9 unit and enjoy games, prizes, food, and fun. There will be several vendors and you can even get a free health assessment of your dog. You also can register your dog with the county on-site (bring a $10 check or cash and proof of a current rabies shot). The event is from 1 pm to 5 pm.
See the event’s official website for more.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Wag Fest 2017
Hunter Mill District Office, Reston, VA
The Fairfax County Park Authority and Hunter Mill District Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins invite you to a festival all about dogs! The event, at 1801 Cameron Glen Drive in Reston from 11 am to 2 pm, is about education and fun. You can learn about the county’s nine dog parks and find out about opportunities to volunteer, get dog park etiquette lessons, see merchandise and services from vendors, and watch a police K-9 unit demonstration. There will search and rescue dogs, service dog trainers, animals from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, handmade dog treats, games, and more!
See the event’s official website for more.
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Pet Fiesta
Reston Town Center, Reston, VA
This annual outdoor festival brings together local businesses, animal rescue groups and pet owners for a full day of activities and fun. With more than 80 exhibitors, you can find all sorts of pet products and services – and there will be plenty of wonderful animals looking for their forever homes! Special activities include the Trails dog to raise money to help homeless dogs, a Dog House of Style fashion show, and pet contests. Pet Fiesta has fun for the whole family, with onstage entertainment, face painting and caricature artists. The event is free and runs from 10 am to 4 pm. And you’ll see plenty of dogs, of course, but you also may spot a kitty here and there!
See the event’s official website for more.
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Furfax Fidofest
Sherwood Center Civic Green, Fairfax, VA
It’s the “ultimutt day out in Furfax City for the whole family,” both four-legged and two-legged friends! There will be vendors, doggy activities, contests, demonstrations, a K9 splash zone, and more. The event is free, from 11 am to 2 pm.
See the event’s official website for more.
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Springfield Days Pet Fest
South Run RECenter, Springfield, VA
Part of the annual Springfield Days festival, Pet Fest is an event all about our four-legged friends. With a Paws on Parade, vendors, demos, rescue groups, pet photos, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and a blessing of the pets, there will be lots to see and do. The free event is all day, 9 am to 3 pm.
See the event’s official website for more.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Wags ‘N’ Whiskers
The Village at Shirlington, Arlington, VA
The Village at Shirlington presents this annual pet-focused event with pet contests, demos, exhibits, pet photos, and more. With children’s activities, live music, and food, it’s fun for the whole family. Admission is free.
See the event’s official website for more.
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