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September 2024
Late summer and early fall is a prime time to be a dog in Colorado. Case in point? The numerous events throughout Denver and beyond that honor our furry friends, from pool days to a “yappy hour” and even an adorable swearing-in ceremony featuring the Arapahoe County sheriff.
Keep reading for a lineup of some of the best dog-friendly events and places to check out in Denver, Erie, Thornton, Highlands Ranch, and everywhere in between.
Click on one of the links below to jump to a specific Denver region:
- 🏙️ Central Denver Things To Do
- ⛰️ Northwest Denver Things To Do
- ✈️ Northeast Denver Things To Do
- 🌲 West Denver Things To Do
- ⛵️ Southeast Denver Things To Do
Central
Yappy Hour on the Plaza
Denver
This dog-friendly event right in the heart of downtown Denver has everything. To start, your best friend can meet fellow dogs and their owners amidst the scenic backdrop of Union Station’s bustling Terminal Bar patio (talk about urban sophistication). Then, there are the drink specials, which include cocktails with names like “Puppy Kisses” and “All Bark, No Bite.” Finally, a local dog rescue will be on hand to help introduce your pet to potential siblings. You can enjoy all the festivities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Highlands Square Farmers Market
Denver
Dogs love smells, and their senses will come alive at the Highlands Square Farmers Market, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays through Oct. 13. In addition to the opportunity to buy plenty of local produce, visitors and their best friend can sample ready-to-eat food and listen to live music while humans grab something from the bar. Dog lovers from all over Denver flock to this farmer’s market, so be prepared for your best friend to meet lots of other playmates.
Long Dog Derby at the Denver Oktoberfest
Denver
If you have a dachshund and live anywhere near Denver, you must make the trek to the Ballpark District for Oktoberfest. The annual Long Dog Derby, slated for Sunday, Oct. 1, will identify Denver’s fastest dachshunds, and all wiener dogs are encouraged to enter, regardless of their age and size. The wiener races start at 12:30 p.m., and awards will go to dachshunds in a variety of categories. Don’t worry: Your non-wiener dog will not be left out. All dogs can compete in the Long Dog Derby Costume Contest. And to provide joy for the rest of us living in this dark world, they should. Please.
Northwest
Wonderland Lake Park
Boulder
This North Boulder park is home to plenty of open space, views of the Flatirons, and water access, making it an ideal spot for pets on hot, late summer days. After your walk, be sure to visit nearby Upslope Brewery to the north and Twisted Pine Brewery to the south — both of which offer dog-friendly options right in Boulder.
September Artisan Market
Lyons
This market involving numerous local vendors is right off of St. Vrain Creek — meaning that in between shopping for the humans, your dog can cool off in a crisp mountain stream. This event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 7 in Bohn Park, is held in conjunction with Lyons’ epic Grillin’ and Chillin’ BBQ and Cookoff. The event includes live entertainment and music, plus root beer floats. Just be sure to give your dog at least one table scrap, as long as it’s allowed.
Tails and Ales
Erie
Sure, bringing your furry friend to this Sept. 21 event certainly isn’t mandatory, but if you want to have fun, liking dogs definitely is. Stop by the Boneyard at Reliance Park from 3:30-6:30 p.m. for food trucks, pet-related vendors, and a beer garden. You can meet fellow Erie pet owners and catch some live music. It’s free for anyone to stop by, but food and drinks obviously cost extra.
Northeast
Sand Creek Regional Greenway
Commerce City
It’s a choose-your-own-adventure on this nearly 13-mile public trail and natural area that links up Commerce City, Denver, and Aurora. The trail, which meanders along Sand Creek, provides ample shade for your pup as well as opportunities to access water. It is open every day from sunup to sundown, and pets are always welcome on leashes (this goes without saying, but make sure to clean up after them). For a look at different parking spots and a description of each stretch of the trail, check out their website.
Prost Brewing
Northglenn
Denver favorite Prost Brewing Company now has a new outpost in the northern suburbs, and it’s a perfect dog-friendly patio for a warm late summer day. Post up on the large patio and try a wide array of German beers as well as numerous shareable bites ranging from pretzels and sausages to a slightly healthier option of hummus and veggies.
West
New Terrain Brewing Company
Golden
The massive beer garden outside of Golden’s New Terrain Brewing Company is a utopia for both dogs and their owners. Since it’s right on the base of North Table Mountain, it’s easy to knock out a hike before posting up at one of the dozens of picnic tables nestled at this scenic spot. New Terrain is often ranked one of the most dog-friendly breweries in Colorado, and for good reason: The spacious backyard has numerous water bowls for pets, lots of beer on tap for their parents, food trucks, and a stage for live music.
Rescue Puppy Yoga
Arvada
This dog-friendly event is for aspiring — rather than current — canine companions. Head to the Denver Beer Company in Arvada between 10 and 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, for the chance to complete a yoga class alongside numerous rescue puppies who are available for adoption. Tickets to this class are $30, and it is open to yoga enthusiasts of all ability levels. There will be time after the class is finished for pictures and to fill out adoption applications (since, for some, it will be the inevitable conclusion!). Register here.
Wynetka Ponds Dog Park
Littleton
If you’re looking for an incredible off-leash area for your dogs, look no further than Wynetka Ponds Dog Park. The park’s expansive play area gives your furry friend plenty of room to run and stop for a quick drink at one of the several water fountains throughout. There are even separate play areas for dogs based on size, plus a pond for cooling off on hot summer days.
Southeast
Elizabethpalooza Festival and Dog Parade
Elizabeth
You know your dog is the cutest thing ever, and the world needs to know, too. Sure, you can post their photo on Instagram, but they really deserve to be on parade — and they can have that opportunity on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth. After your dog struts its stuff in the parade, everyone can enjoy games, local vendors, live music, and lots of food and beverages. The event’s also for a good cause: A percentage of the donations will help benefit local dog rescue organizations.
Doggie Splash and Pet Expo
Highlands Ranch
Your dog deserves a pool day, too! That’s why the Westridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch is opening its outdoor pool up just to dogs on the morning of Sept. 7. Sign up for a one-hour session for your best friend to play in the water with other social dogs before the pool closes for the season. Tickets go for $10 per dog, and there are two maximum per owner. Sign up and find all the rules here.
RexRun for Pawsitivity
Aurora
In addition to being a dog-friendly trail run and walk, this Sept. 7 event also has a higher cause: raising money to support mental health awareness and to support programs that bring therapy K9s to local schools. Outside of the 5K, this event also includes a pancake breakfast, auctions, a meet-and-greet with therapy K9s, and demonstrations from police dogs. But we saved possibly the cutest part for last: Your dog can be sworn in as an honorary K9 deputy (complete with a badge and personalized certificate) during a live swearing-in ceremony with the Arapahoe County sheriff himself. The festivities last from 7 a.m. to noon, and you can register here.
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Editor’s Note: Our articles focus on five metro Denver regions: central, northeast, northwest; west; southeast. Some cities span across more than one region. See map.)
August 2024
There’s nothing Coloradans love more than their pups, and during the month of August, there’s no reason why you should leave your best friend at home (these are called the dog days of summer, after all).
From dog-friendly patios to breweries and fun walking trails with ample access to water, there’s no shortage of things to do with your pet in Denver, Littleton, Commerce City, and beyond.
Click on one of the links below to jump to a specific Denver region:
- 🏙️ Central Denver Things To Do
- ⛰️ Northwest Denver Things To Do
- ✈️ Northeast Denver Things To Do
- 🌲 West Denver Things To Do
- ⛵️ Southeast Denver Things To Do
Central
Chewy’s Bonetique
Lowry
Next time you’re heading out for a fun shopping spree that involves your pup, skip the big box stores like PetCo and check out Chewy’s Bonetique — a locally-owned shop in the Lowry Town Center that has everything from natural dog treats to handpicked toys to even a full-service dog wash and spa. The dog wash entails a signature blueberry facial (fancy!), premium shampoo, super absorbent chamois towels, and high-velocity dryers, a setup that might even put the best human spa to shame.
Highline Canal Trail
Denver-Greenwood Village
The Highline Canal Trail winds 71 miles through Denver, meandering from Waterton Canyon near Littleton to southeast Aurora. But, one of the shining segments is the stretch from East Quincy Avenue in Denver to Orchard Road in Greenwood Village. This section of trail offers sweeping vistas of the entire Front Range and, more importantly, plenty of access to water to help your pup cool down on a hot August day.
Northwest
4 Noses Brewing Company
Broomfield
By definition, being a Coloradan involves loving beer and hating leaving your dog at home. Luckily, the original 4 Noses Brewing Company location in Broomfield makes sure you don’t have to make a difficult choice. The patio has ample room for leashed dogs, and there are plenty of water bowls. Meanwhile, the restaurant has an extensive beer selection and food trucks for all the humans.
Acreage by Stem Ciders
Lafayette
A hot summer day calls for a cold cider, and at this venue, dogs will feel more than included. Dogs can hang out on the cider patio while their owners sample a variety of libations ranging from wine and beer to (obviously) ciders and cocktails. Food is available from the restaurant, and there’s an on-site food truck. There’s even a vast green area with a playground directly behind the facility.
Dog-Friendly Hiker Shuttle at Chautauqua Park
Boulder
Hiking Chautauqua Park is a Colorado classic, but on a summer weekend, finding a parking spot can be harder than getting a ticket to the Eras Tour. Luckily, the City of Boulder has implemented a free hiker shuttle that connects Chautauqua with downtown and the Hill — and dogs are welcome to join!
The shuttle is free and runs every 15 minutes from May 25 to Sept. 2 on Saturdays and Sundays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Northeast
Barr Lake
Brighton
Enjoy a panoramic view of almost the entire Front Range against a view of beautiful Barr Lake — all with your dog in tow. Enjoy a range of smells in a backdrop that encompasses everything from the Eastern Plains to wetlands. Hiking in the area includes gentle gravel paths to walkways that extend hundreds of feet into the water. The only caution: dogs are not allowed in the state wildlife area, so look at the rules and regulations posted in the park before visiting.
Pour Tap House
Commerce City
Pour Tap House provides itself for having something for everyone … and that includes your best friend, who is welcome on this dog-friendly patio. While you enjoy a selection of 30+ craft beers and a curated whiskey list, your dog can mingle with northeast Denver’s fellow pampered pup on what’s been called Commerce City’s most dog-friendly patio.
West
Green Mountain Beer Company
Lakewood
If you’re a dog lover, the patio of Green Mountain Beer Company is the place to be on a summer afternoon (or any afternoon, really). With plenty of picnic tables, misters, tiny treats on demand, and a selection of dog bowls, this Lakewood brewery is the epitome of dog-friendly. And, being roughly 10 minutes to Red Rocks, it’s the perfect gateway to Colorado mountain adventures.
Bear Creek Greenbelt
Lakewood
On a hot summer day, walking your dog close to water is almost mandatory, and the Bear Creek Greenbelt in Lakewood delivers. With shady trails right next to Bear Creek, your dog can take a dip whenever it pleases alongside a roughly 3.5-mile loop between Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling Street in the heart of Lakewood.
Chatfield Dog Park
Littleton
The Chatfield Dog Park has 69 acres of completely fenced-in open space, as well as two ponds for swimming and miles of walking trails. On a hot summer day, everything from tiny Chihuahuas to lumbering Saint Bernards can be seen cooling off in Chatfield’s tranquil waters — making for dog watching that’s almost as good as the people watching!
A daily park pass is $10, and there’s an extra $3 fee to visit the off-leash dog area.
Tony Grampsas Dog Park
Golden
If you’re looking for an off-leash dog park away from the crowds, look no further than Tony Grampsas Dog Park in Golden. Here, your dogs can run free in a wooded off-leash site that features large trees for shade as well as shrubs for sniffing.
Better yet, this area is free to use (just remember to clean up after your dog).
Southeast
Cherry Creek State Park Dog Park
Aurora
This 107-acre fenced-in area near Cherry Creek Reservoir is basically like Disneyland for dogs. Let your pup run off leash to its heart’s content among other dog friends from throughout Denver. There’s even access to Cherry Creek when it’s time to cool off with a swim.
And, just like Disneyland, wait times are possible during peak hours, but your dog will thank you. A daily vehicle pass is $11 and it’s $3 extra to enter the dog off-leash area.
Living the Dream Brewing Company
Douglas County
Is there anything more Colorado than skiing and dogs? We can’t think of anything off the top of our heads, and this Douglas County brewery heavily features both. It has two patios, ample water bowls, and daily food trucks (since most dogs love to beg for snacks). For the humans, the beer is pretty darn good, too.
Miyo Cafe
Castle Pines
You and your furry best friend can people-watch on the patio of this top-notch breakfast and coffee spot in the heart of Castle Pines Village. Better yet, free Wi-Fi makes it the perfect place to park for a while and get some work done.
Carboy Winery
South Littleton
While brewery patios might be all the rage when it comes to dog-friendliness, there’s no reason why you can’t bring your best friend to a winery, too. Luckily, Carboy Winery in Littleton is home to a massive lawn and colossal patio that will be enough to entertain you and your pup, along with an ample wine list.
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Editor’s Note: Our articles focus on five metro Denver regions: central, northeast, northwest; west; southeast. Some cities span across more than one region. See map.)
