National Dog Day is coming up on Aug. 26, and Arlington—one of the nation’s top dog-friendly cities—is here for it. Whether you’re interested in adopting a canine to cuddle, getting validation that your pup is indeed the prettiest or posing for a professional portrait with your fur baby, there’s an event for that.
Of course, you don’t need crowds to celebrate your pet. You could visit one of Arlington’s 10 dog parks, go on a weekend getaway, check area pools that offer doggie swim sessions as they wrap up for the summer (Reston’s Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole has one) or buy a treat for your very good boy or girl at Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery and Boutique.
Here are a few more ways to celebrate your favorite four-legged friend…
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Adopt a New Family Member
Meet lovable pooches available for adoption at two Pups on the Patio events at The Commentary Social House. On Aug. 26, A Forever Home Rescue Foundation will bring adoptable doggos, and on Aug. 27, Rural Dog Rescue League will take a turn. Both events are from 5 to 7 p.m., and 20% of the proceeds from the sale of menu items will go to the rescues. Chef Fran Ponte will even offer special “Doggy Dishes,” including chicken strips, sweet potato bites and house-made treats created from kitchen scraps to minimize food waste. // 801 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
Lucky Dog and Cat Animal Rescue will also host a dog adoption event at Unleashed by Petco on Aug. 26 from noon to 2 p.m. Check the organization’s website for a list of dogs seeking forever homes and complete an application if you hope to take a new fur baby home. // 5400 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Lee Harrison Shopping Center)
Have Some Doggone Fun
Furry friends can strut their stuff on the runway as part of the “barkini” swim attire contest at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 26 as part of Dog Day of Summer at Ballston Quarter. Running from 4 to 6 p.m., the event will also have a photo booth for professional portraits, caricature artists and canvases on which pups can make their own “pawcasso” with painted paws. DJ Touch Basis will spin dog-themed music, and organizations such as the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Homeward Trails, and Heart + Paw will have experts at booths offering info on dog wellness, care and fostering. When all that works up an appetite, snag a free sample of a Korean beef hotdog and a small slushy or a cup of Korean Rice Punch or Sikhye (a sweet rice-based drink) from Quarter Market’s Oh-K Dog. What’s more, Ice Cream Jubilee will take $1 off all orders. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
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Party with Your Pet
The Barks and Booze Back to School Bash at Shipgarten, which describes itself as “Northern Virginia’s first roaming outdoor lifestyle experience at Scotts Run,” happens Aug. 26 from 1 to 6 p.m. Humans 21 and older can enjoy drinks such as jungle juice, car bombs and Jell-O shots, but there will also be a kids’ corner with face painting, crafts and a moon bounce. Other activities include a photo booth, dog-friendly food and competitions. Can’t make this event? Mark your calendar for Dogtoberfest on Sept. 30 from 1 to 6 p.m., which features multiple competitions such as Best Handshake, Best Tail Wagger and Best Dressed. // 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
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Pick Up Treats for Fido and Fifi
The Rosslyn Business Improvement District will get a head start on National Dog Day by parking the Rosslyn Trike, a purple mobile cart that often signals giveaways, in two places on Aug. 25. Stop by to get doggie waste bag packs, puppuccinos and dog treats. Find it at noon at the intersection of North Pierce Street and Wilson Boulevard, and at 4 p.m. at Gateway Park Interim Dog Park //1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
After National Dog Day…
Of course, we love our dogs every day! Here are more pup-friendly events coming up in the next few weeks:
Take Your Dog Out to the Ballgame
Pups in the Park at Nationals Park is an opportunity to bring your dog to a Nationals game. Tickets get you access to a reserved pet-friendly outfield section, and all proceeds from dog ticket sales go to the Humane Rescue Alliance. Additionally, the team will make a donation in honor of your pup to the Pedigree Foundation, which will give each four-legged fan a bandana on arrival. Dog tickets cost $10; humans cost $35. The next events will be Sept. 5, when the Nats play the New York Mets, and Sept. 23, when they go up against the Atlanta Braves. // 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC
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Learn About Pet Care
The Columbia Pike Partnership’s Paws on the Pike annual pet fair returns Sept. 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Penrose Square Outdoor Plaza. Meet veterinarians, trainers, pet-sitters, dog walkers and groomers, or find a furever friend from a participating shelter. A professional photographer will be on hand to take portraits of you and your pet. Stop by the Water Bar to hydrate your pup with a selection of waters, and at 2 p.m., a pastor from the Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ will do a pet blessing. // 2501 Ninth Road S., Arlington
Go for an Epic Walk
Enjoy the cooler air of fall by taking your dog for a walk in the park. Pup Days at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens gives canine and human companions a chance to soak in some nature on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through September. Entry fees are $6 per dog and $6 per person for ages 18 to 54, and $3 for ages 55 and up or 6 to 17. Kiddos 5 and younger are free, as are garden members and their dogs. Note that one dog is allowed per person and your pet must be on a leash that is 6 feet or less at all times. The next event is Sept. 6. // 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Play Bingo
Enjoy all-you-can-eat vegetarian chili with all the fixins’, plus salads, desserts, bingo games and a silent auction in support of Homeward Trails Animal Rescue at the nonprofit’s annual Chili Bingo Fundraiser at the Lyon Park Community Center on Oct. 14. Admission (which includes food, non-alcoholic beverages and six bingo cards) is $20 per child; $30 per adult. Additional bingo supplies, raffle tickets and beer and wine will be available for purchase. //414 N. Fillmore St. Arlington
See Dogs With Mad Skills
Leash up your pooch and head over to McLean Central Park on Oct. 15 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for the annual dog convention that is McLean Pet Fest. The festival promises pet trick competitions, a grand pet parade, a photo booth and gourmet treats from Fido’s Bone Bar, plus exhibitors sharing pet health and behavior tips, pet-related services and products. Admission is free. // 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean