8 events to make your pooch’s tail wag
This summer, you don’t have to leave Fido at home while you explore the Mountain State.
These 8 pooch-friendly events will guarantee you and your furry friends a wild, wonderful summer.
1. West Virginia Hot Dog Festival
Huntington
Celebrate one of the Mountain State’s most beloved culinary delicacies at the annual West Virginia Hot Dog Festival in Huntington. Bring your kids and fur babies to enjoy contests, live music, demonstrations, crafts, shopping and car and truck shows! Watch the wiener dog races and let your pooch strut his stuff in the parade, which has prizes for the best costumes! And of course, enjoy an endless supply of delicious West Virginia hot dogs!
2. Bark in the Park
Charleston & Morgantown
The Appalachian Power and the West Virginia Black Bears invite you and your dogs to join them for 2 fur and fun-filled evenings at Charleston’s Power Park and Morgantown’s Ballpark. As always, keep your pooch on a leash and pack some treats and fresh water!
3. West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition Pet Parade
Mineral Wells
During the West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition, kids up to age 16 can enter their furry friends in the parade for a chance to win! Vie for titles like Most Unusual Pet, Best Dressed Pet, Best Dog, Best Cat and Best of Youth Show. And all your pets can join in on this parade, not just cats and dogs!
4. Book It 5k Run / Dog walk
Snowshoe
This dog-friendly 5k starts in the Snowshoe Mountain Resort village, so you can fuel up first. There is also a Children’s Fun Race for the younger members of your pack.
5. Dogfest
Shepherdstown
Spend an afternoon in charming downtown Shepherdstown during Dogfest, their annual celebration of all things canine. Join the community dog show, shop for dog accessories, watch dogs of all shapes and sizes do tricks and obedience demonstrations and learn about local dog rescue organizations.
6. Kegs 4 K9s
Dunbar
Celebrate cold brews and cold noses! Dunbar’s annual Kegs 4 K9s festival features live music from local bands, delicious food and fun for both 2 and 4-legged friends. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy local craft beer and food from some of the area’s favorite eateries, all while hanging out with man’s best friend
7. Woofstock and Wieners
Charleston
A new spin on an old favorite, Woofstock and Wieners is the supercharged version of the annual West Side Wiener Dog Races, and is part of FestivALL. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, live music and a Vet’s corner! Check out highlights like the costume parade, pet blessing and the wiener dog races, which any breed can compete in!
8. Pups, Pints & Pickin’
Albright
Save the date for Pups, Pints & Pickin’, a canine celebration featuring live music, food & goods vendors, kids’ activities and more! Bring your pet and join in on the dog-centric demonstrations, workshops and contests!
Bonus! Many of West Virginia’s Farmers Markets are pooch-friendly. Be sure to check each market’s policies and remember your leash and doodoo bags!
Win a custom Wild, Wonderful West Virginia pet collar by submitting your #WestFurginia photos at GoToWV.com/WestFurginia. We pick winners every week!
This post was last updated on March 16, 2022