Guide to Local Dog-Friendly Events
The Harrisburg area has gone to the dogs — and we think that’s a good thing! Dog owners who are on the lookout for something fun, new, and exciting to do with their canine companion in tow now have more options than ever for dog-friendly events in Central PA.
Below, we have cobbled together a calendar of local dog events throughout the year, all of which are worth setting a reminder for! We hope this dog event guide encourages you, your pup, and everyone in your pack to come out and enjoy the wonderful places, products, and people our local community has to offer.
Bark for Life of Hershey-Harrisburg
Date: April 20, 2024
Location: Indian Echo Caverns — Hummelstown, PA
Info: https://www.facebook.com/barkpahha/
Bark for Life can be seen as an inspired canine component of the annual Relay for Life fundraiser held by the American Cancer Society. A celebration of the companionship and support offered by the smallest members of the household (although sometimes the biggest!), the event highlights the love given by pets to cancer survivors and those who have passed.
The event is held at the beautiful outdoor area by the Indian Echo Caverns in Hummelstown, PA. There will be a Strut Your Mutt Dog Parade, games for dogs and kids, contests, giveaways, animal adoptions, vendors, and food trucks.
Donations are accepted not only for Relay for Life teams but also for blankets, food, treats, cleaning supplies, and more for local rescues. A benefit auction was held last year, offering gift baskets, gift cards, and unique merchandise.
Come enjoy a fun time out while helping raise cash, awareness, and donations for people and puppers in need!
GLOW 5K Run/Walk for the Animals
Date: May 4, 2024
Location: Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
Info Site: https://humanesocietyhbg.org/outreach/annual-events/5krunwalkforanimals/
The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area hosts an annual 5K event in the waning hours of the first Saturday of every May. “A run at night?” you may say, but the catch is that everyone will be bedecked in glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark apparel, glow paint, and more.
This event is “for the animals” in more ways than one, as your active dog can be a participant, and proceeds also go to directly benefit the Humane Society and its ongoing missions within the community. Whether you want to run, walk, or just enjoy the crowds from the sidelines, there will be activities, vendors, sponsor booths, and more to enjoy, including awards for “Most Spirited” participants and other fun medals you may win!
Wild About Dogs
Date: Mid-May 2024 (TBA)
Location: Wildwood Park — Harrisburg, PA
Info Site: https://explorewildwoodpark.org/event/wild-about-dogs/
Wildwood Park is one of the best places to take your pooch for a jog, walk, or just a fun day in the outdoors with the whole family. The park’s annual “Wild About Dogs” event encapsulates everything great about this gorgeous green space, with the added benefits of activities, vendors, food trucks, music, and more.
Admission is free, but participants can purchase a membership to the park to help sponsor its upkeep and ongoing calendar of activities. Any membership purchased for a human at the Wild About Dogs event comes with a bonus membership for one dog, complete with a special gift to commemorate the day!
Petapalooza
Date: Late May 2024 (TBA)
Location: Central Penn College — Summerdale, PA
Info Site: https://www.petapaloozapa.com/
Petapalooza is the Central PA event that celebrates all things fuzzy and friendly. There are lots of opportunities to get to know different critters, and potentially even bring them home as a new member of the family.
The event features adoptable pets across a broad range of animal rescue organizations in Central PA, encompassing not just dogs and cats but also rabbits, birds, chinchillas, reptiles, rats, and more.
The 100% free event also features games, raffles, vendors, food trucks, and live music. Enjoy a fun day at the beautiful Central Penn College campus with the family and your furry friends — while potentially even bringing a new one home!
Poochella
Date: Mid June 2024 (TBA)
Location: Humane Society of Harrisburg Area
Info: https://humanesocietyhbg.org/outreach/annual-events/poochella/
A psychedelic celebration of animal loved ones, Poochella promises a full day of music worthy of making you wave your paws in the air — like you just don’t care!
Other offerings featured include a tie-die booth to add a special touch to your event tee or favorite pet apparel, ice cream, BBQ, temporary tattoos and spray “tattoos” for dogs, crafts, and a 1979 VW Bus photo booth.
The event is donation-based, allowing you to pay as much or as little as you care to enter. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society and its missions.
End of Summer Art Jam
Date: Early September 2024 (TBA)
Location: Ever Grain Brewing Co. — Camp Hill, PA
Info: https://evergrainbrewing.com/event-type/festival/
After a rousing success in its first iteration, we have no doubt that Ever Grain Brewing will be gearing up for another exciting End of Summer Art Jam in 2024. Last year’s event featured showcases, originals, prints, and other merch available from local and regional artists.
There was also live music, food trucks, and, of course, plenty of freshly brewed beer! Ever Grain Brewing Co. also offers its very own hard cider, helping you get immersed in the flavors of fall.
While not a pet-focused event, Ever Grain Brewing Co. is dog-friendly, with a large area set aside for events like these, as well as a permanent outdoor patio and green space. It’s the perfect place for you and your pooch to enjoy a big event — or just a lazy afternoon — while enjoying cornhole, companionship, and occasional live concerts.
WoofStock
Date: Mid-September 2024 (TBA)
Location: Harrisburg Riverfront Park
Info: https://www.centralpaanimalalliance.org/woofstock
Organizers boast that WoofStock is the largest festival on the East Coast for dogs and their humans.
There’s no better way to appreciate Harrisburg with your pets than this outstanding event, hosted right on the riverfront at what is arguably the city’s most picturesque green space.
Hosted rain or shine (just like the real Woodstock!), the annual event is thrown by the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (CPAA). Proceeds help fund foster care operations and CPAA’s Hounds of Prison Education training program for rescued dogs at the State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill.
There’s live music, arts and crafts for all ages and species, a costume contest, vendors, art booths, games, raffles, education, and demonstrations.
Get Ready for Your Next Big Event With Greenlin
Most dogs enjoy the spectacle and the special attention lavished on them at public events, but it’s not always easy for canines and owners to be on the same page. Greenlin’s dog training classes in Central PA offer the opportunity for one-on-one time with an experienced, certified trainer who can create a custom plan tailored to your dog’s unique goals and personality.
You and your precocious pup can even learn skills together, helping you both gear up for big festivals and impromptu days in the park alike.
Of course, you can’t always take your dog along with you to big events, which is why Greenlin also offers dog daycare and pet boarding. We’re pups’ favorite place to stay while their owner is away, and that’s because every staff member is trained on how to facilitate safe fun while keeping everyone in the pack engaged.
Our staff is also trained in CPR and pet First-Aid, so you can know with confidence that they are in good hands.
We have six locations in the Harrisburg area to serve you, so call or contact us online to find out more about how we can help you and your dog have the best time possible together in the exciting year ahead!