Throughout the state of Indiana, we are fortunate to have so many dog-friendly places that allow dog owners to bring their pets along (many of these can be found in Indianapolis – check out our list!).
As dog trainers, these establishments present amazing training opportunities for us. For the dogs we work with at Greenside Canine, we are able to generalize newly learned behaviors and work on important socialization in a variety of interesting and exciting settings. This helps to create well-rounded dogs who are more likely to exhibit consistent behaviors, no matter the environment.
Not only are we lucky to have such a welcoming, pet-friendly community in our state; there are also an abundance of events that take place throughout the year that invite dogs to attend. In this article, we will outline some of the dog-friendly events that are taking place in Indiana throughout 2024.
Have we missed a dog-friendly event in Indiana that you’re attending, or do you want to get your event featured on our list? Reach out to us at train@greensidecanine.com and we’ll add it to this article.
Bark in the Park with the Indianapolis Indians
Location
Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46225
Dates & Times
Thursday, April 18 – 6:35PM
Tuesday, May 14 – 6:05PM
Saturday, June 8 – 7:05PM
Thursday, July 11 – 7:05PM
Tuesday, August 13 – 7:05PM
Sunday, September 15 – 1:35PM
Website
https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/tickets/bark-in-the-park
Price
$13 for humans; $7 for dogs
Event Details
The Indianapolis Indians are the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates, and they’re inviting you to attend selected games this season with your pup as part of Bark in the Park! Tickets grant you and your dog access to the left and center field lawn at Victory Field. There are several dates available for Bark in the Park throughout 2024, with a mixture of weekend and evening dates.
Lockerbie’s Garden Party
Location
528 Lockerbie St. Indianapolis, IN 46202
Date & Time
Saturday, April 27 – 11:00AM to 5:00PM
Website
https://allevents.in/indianapolis/lockerbies-garden-party/200026076035848
Price
Free
Event Details
Taking place in the grounds of the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, this is a wonderful opportunity to spend a relaxing day with your dog. The highlight is the Plein Air Painting of historic homes and neighborhoods in Lockerbie Square, and artwork will be available for sale. Pet supply vendors and refreshments will also be present.
Mooresville Summer Concert Series
Locations
Pioneer Park – 1101 Indianapolis Rd, Mooresville, IN, 46158
Bicentennial Park – 2 E Main St, Mooresville, IN 46158
Dates (Pioneer Park)
Friday, May 17
Friday, June 7
Friday, June 21
Friday, July 12
Friday, July 26
All concerts start at 7:00PM.
Dates (Bicentennial Park)
Thursday, May 30
Thursday, June 13
Thursday, July 18
All concerts start at 7:00PM.
Website
https://www.mooresvillepark.com/programs-events/concert-series
Price
Free
Event Details
Featuring eight live shows throughout the summer, the Mooresville Summer Concert Series features some locally recognized and up-and-coming bands. Bring your own refreshments, seating and your dog, and enjoy memorable summer evenings listening to some great music.
Hot Rods & Heroes Car Show Fundraiser
Location
2210 E 54th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Date & Time
Saturday, May 24 – 1:00PM to 7:00PM
Website
https://www.facebook.com/events/s/hot-rods-heroes-car-show-fundr/191257817237204/
Price
Attendance is free for the public. Car show entries are $25, motorcycle entries are $15. All entries are donations to HVAF of Indiana.
Event Details
Bring your dog along to this fundraising event in May! Organized by the American Legion, this fundraiser supports veterans and their families in the ongoing fight against veteran homelessness. In addition to the car show, there are lots of fun activities taking place throughout the day, including a limbo contest, cornhole, a dunk tank, whiskey tasting, a full bar, and delicious food – and remember, it is all for a great cause.
Indy Pride Pet Pride
Location
2420 E Riverside Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Date & Time
Sunday, June 1 – 10:00AM to 1:00PM
Website
https://www.eventeny.com/events/petpride2024-9669/
Price
Free
Event Details
Pet Pride forms part of the Indianapolis Pride celebrations. Pet owners, local vendors and the community come together for this event to celebrate LGBTQ+ involvement in the pet community. Local animal shelters, nonprofits and pet-focused businesses will all be in attendance for one of the most popular Indiana pet events of the year.
Mooresville 200 Mutt Strut
Location
Pioneer Park – 1101 Indianapolis Rd, Mooresville, IN 46158
Date & Time
Sunday, June 8 – 8:00AM to 12:00PM
Website
https://www.visitmorgancountyin.com/event/2024-mutt-strut/10265/
Price
$35 (benefiting Morgan County Humane Society)
Event Details
Bring your pup along to the annual Mutt Strut event, benefiting Morgan County Humane Society! Dogs should be kept on a leash during this event. Pet vendors, food trucks and a DJ providing music will make this a fun morning for you and your pup. Registration includes a swag bag which includes a bandana, t-shirt and more.
Annual Bow Wow Bash
Location
940 S Locust Ln, Brownsburg, IN, US, 46112
Date & Time
Sunday, September 29 – 12:00PM to 5:00PM
Website
https://bowwowbash.net/
Price
$5 for adults; kids and dogs are free
Event Details
The 13th annual Bow Wow Bash takes place in Brownsburg, IN in late September! The event will feature vendors, entertainment, raffles and food. Pet contests will also take place, including the popular Top Dog and Top Cat competitions. Your dog can also cool off in the Splash Pad in the park.
Indiana’s Brewery Running Series
Locations
Various (see below)
Dates & Times
Saturday, April 6 (Half Liter BBQ)
Saturday, April 13 (Taxman Cityway)
Saturday, May 18 (Chilly Water Brewing)
Saturday, June 15 (Kismetic Brewing)
Saturday, June 29 (Centerpoint Brewing)
Saturday, July 13 (Ash & Elm Cider Co.)
Saturday, July 27 (Upland Brewing)
Saturday, August 10 (Scarlet Lane Brewing)
Saturday, August 24 (Guggman Haus Brewing)
Saturday, September 14 (Mashcraft Fishers)
Saturday, September 28 (Four Day Ray)
Saturday, October 5 (Steambell Beer Works)
Saturday, October 12 (Big Lug Canteen)
Saturday, October 26 (Metazoa Brewing)
Website
https://www.breweryrunningseries.com/locations/indiana#races
Price
Free
Event Details
The Indiana Brewery Running Series takes place across our state on Saturdays throughout 2024. A 5k run that starts and ends at local breweries, this is a fun run-style event that welcomes all levels of runners. The best part? At the end, you get to sample some of the finest craft beers that Indiana has to offer. Many breweries have dog-friendly patios, but it is best to check in advance if dogs are permitted, as rules will vary by establishment.