Muddy Paws and Sunny Days: The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Spring (2025)
- Lauren
- Feb 28
- 11 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Spring has arrived in Minnesota (or perhaps it's just false spring?), and it's time to shake off the winter chill and step into the season of fresh blooms, longer days, and outdoor adventures! If you and your pup are ready to trade snowdrifts for sunshine and enjoy all the fun that spring has to offer, this guide to Twin Cities pet events is for you. From March to May, you’ll find everything from dog-friendly festivals to scenic spring hikes, patio hangouts, and more. Get ready for a season filled with wagging tails, fresh air, and plenty of muddy paws!
The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Spring
Categories:
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals
Dog Sports & Activities
Pet-Focused Events:
Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 6:30 - 10 pm
Leopold's Mississippi Gardens, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Inspire & Flourish
"Mark your calendars for the Annual Fashions for Furry Friends Fashion Show! This dog-friendly event will be held from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM on March 8, 2025, at Leopold's Mississippi Gardens in Minneapolis, MN, US. Admission is $30. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend this glamorous evening dedicated to raising funds for animal rescues! Guests will enjoy a live auction featuring exciting prizes like vacations, private chef dinners, and a diverse silent auction. Meet adorable, adoptable animals showcased by rescue groups strutting down the runway."
Saturday, May 3, 2025, starting at 9 am
Minnesota State Fairgrounds (International Bazaar), Falcon Heights, MN
Benefitting: Animal Humane Society (AHS)
"The Walk for Animals is Animal Humane Society’s largest and most important fundraising event of the year. This one-mile walk, fundraiser, and celebration benefits the thousands of dogs, cats, and critters AHS serves every year, and we're excited to bring you and your pets even more fun, food, and chances to make a difference this year. On Saturday, May 3, join thousands of animal lovers and their pets at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to help more vulnerable, local animals receive the medical care, compassion, and second chances they deserve — one step at a time."
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Mission Animal Hospital, Eden Prairie, MN
Benefitting: Mission Animal Hospital
"Run, walk, skip, dance or prance! This two-mile route takes you from Mission Animal Hospital around Lake Smetana and back in time to enjoy the carnival. We expect most people to complete the route (walking) in about 60 minutes. Pet and family friendly!"
Dog Days Downtown White Bear Lake
Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm
Organized by: Downtown WBL Mainstreet Organization
Downtown White Bear Lake, MN
Admission: Free
"Dog Days Downtown WBL is a community-driven event celebrating our four-legged friends while supporting local businesses and dog rescues. Stroll through downtown and visit pet-friendly shops, cafes, and vendors offering special promotions and treats for both you and your pup. Whether you're looking to adopt, shop, or simply enjoy a dog-friendly day out, this event is the perfect way to connect with fellow dog lovers."
Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Organized by: Wildlife Science Center
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Admission: Adults are $15, children are $10 (under 4 are free)
"Join WSC as we honor the working and playing dogs of the community! Learn about dogs and their wolf relatives, meet dog related service providers, and visit with an eclectic group of vendors while enjoying a variety of impressive dog demonstrations. Hungry? Rollin Nolen’s BBQ will be on-site with a delicious meal selection, and Bent Brewstillery will be providing beverages. Feel free to bring your dog, but please bring a leash."
Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 9 am - 1:30 pm
Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion, Eden Prairie, MN
Benefitting: Helping Paws, Inc.
"Whether you prefer to wag, walk, roll, or run, there will be both long and short courses to choose from. Bring your friends and family! You can even form teams in advance to raise money for Helping Paws. Join us for the celebration, meet our assistance dogs, and get your Paws In Motion."
Monday, May 19, 2025
Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: The Minnesota Twins
"Your well-behaved, leashed pup is invited to join you for a baseball game! Cheer on the Twins as they take on the Guardians. Purchase the special ticket package and receive an exclusive portable Twins-themed dog water bottle. The game begins at 6:40 PM."
Saturday, May 24, 2025
St. Paul Saints Stadium, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: St. Paul Saints
Benefitting: Coco's Heart Dog Rescue
More information coming soon!
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals:
Saturday, May 10 - Sunday, May 11, 2025
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: Free
"Back for its second year, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden will be home to an art fair, Mother's Day weekend in 2025. The event is owned and operated by Homespun Events, the team behind the Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, which was voted by artists in the Sunshine Artist Magazine as the 49th Best Art Fair in the United States and 2nd Best Art Fair in Minnesota!
The event will feature approximately 150 artist booths, along with music, crafts, food, and more. Details will be announced here as they are available."
Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18, 2025
Organized by: Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA)
Northeast Minneapolis, MN
Admission: Free
Pro Tip: Sociable Cider Werks is dog-friendly and will be participating!
"2025 IS THE 30TH YEAR OF ART-A-WHIRL! The largest open studio tour in the country, Art-A-Whirl happens annually throughout Northeast Minneapolis the third weekend of May. Over 1,600 NEMAA member artists, galleries, and businesses participate across all of Northeast Minneapolis at 100+ locations. Art-A-Whirl is a fantastic way to connect with artists in their own spaces, enjoy demonstrations and interactive activities, listen to live music, and enjoy local restaurants and breweries. Art-A-Whirl is free and open to the public."
Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8, 2025
Edina, MN
Admission: Free
"Launched in 1966, the Edina Art Fair has been rated top 50 best art fairs in the nation by Sunshine Artist and ranked #1Â in MN and #32Â out of the Top 100 Fine Art Fairs by the Art Fair Source Book. It was awarded Best Community Event by Edina Magazine in 2014 and 2017, received the Mayor's Award for Outstanding Community Involvement in 2013, and voted Best Community Event by Minnesota Monthly Magazine in 2016."
Pet-Related Benefit Events:
Saturday, March 1, 2025, starting at 9:00 am
Brühaven Craft Company, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Warrior Dog Rescue
"Looking for a yoga class with an adorable twist? Join us at Bruhaven Craft Company and enjoy 45 minutes of yoga, where adorable dogs/puppies from Warrior Dog Rescue will roam freely around the room while you go through the yoga flow sequence. No previous yoga experience needed. Yoga mats are not provided. Participants must be 18 years or old unless accompanied by an adult that has also purchased a ticket to that same class."
Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 10 am - 3 pm
The Wilderness Fitness & Coworking, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Healing Hearts Rescue
"Join us at The Wilderness Fitness & Coworking for a group session of PUPPY YOGA to support Healing Heart Rescue's mission to find safe and loving homes for animals in need. Through the power of rescue, lives will be saved, hearts will be healed and you might find yourself asking “Who Rescued Whom." Our instructor, Genvieve, will lead adorable sessions of Puppy Yoga here at The Wilderness on March 2, 2025. Limited spots are available. Select a timeslot at ticket purchase. Each session will last 50 minutes."
Sunday, March 2, 2025, starting at 10:00 am
Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: UnbreakaBULL Pit Bull Rescue
"Looking for a yoga class with an adorable twist? Join us at Inbound BrewCo and enjoy 45 minutes of yoga, where adorable dogs/puppies from UnbreakaBULL Pit Bull Rescue will roam freely around the room while you go through the yoga flow sequence. No previous yoga experience needed. Yoga mats are not provided. Participants must be 18 years or old unless accompanied by an adult that has also purchased a ticket to that same class."
Sunday, March 9, 2025, starting at 12 pm
Carpe Diem Studio, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"Come ready to flow and cuddle with adoptable puppies while supporting a good cause!"
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Tonkadale Greenhouse, Minnetonka, MN
Organized by: KME Photography, K Schulz Photography, and Scruff Life Photography
"KME Photography, Scruff Life Photography, and K Schulz Photography are excited to offer a morning of FREE professional photos for your FOSTER pets! RSVPs are required. You'll bring your foster to Tonkadale during your assigned time on Sunday, March 16th, and we'll take a few fun images for their adoption listing. Dogs, cats, and other pets are welcome as long as they aren't a flight risk. Tonkadale is a dog-friendly business and customers with dogs will be there throughout the morning, so please leave reactive dogs at home. By attending this event, you agree that you have permission from your rescue organization and that any photos taken may be used for promotional purposes. All animals must remain leashed. This is for adoptable animals only, no personal pets. Images will be available for download after the event, via a link on this page and our business pages."
Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8:15 am to 12:30 pm
University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is excited for another year of the Hoof N Woof 5k! ALL PROCEEDS support Ruff Start Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of animals in need. They strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving home and their family has the knowledge and resources needed to give them the life they deserve. Please join us in supporting an incredible cause and make a difference in the community!"
Saturday, April 5, 2025, starting at 10:00 am
Wandering Leaf Brewing Co., St. Paul, MN
Benefitting: Warrior Dog Rescue
"Looking for a yoga class with an adorable twist? Join us at Bruhaven Craft Company and enjoy 45 minutes of yoga, where adorable dogs/puppies from Warrior Dog Rescue will roam freely around the room while you go through the yoga flow sequence. No previous yoga experience needed. Yoga mats are not provided. Participants must be 18 years or old unless accompanied by an adult that has also purchased a ticket to that same class."
Saturday, April 12, 2025, starting at 2:30 pm
Indoor Zoomies Indoor Dog Park, Minnetonka, MN
Benefitting: Save-A-Bull Rescue of Minnesota
"Looking for a yoga class with an adorable twist? Join us at Bruhaven Craft Company and enjoy 45 minutes of yoga, where adorable dogs/puppies from Warrior Dog Rescue will roam freely around the room while you go through the yoga flow sequence. No previous yoga experience needed. Yoga mats are not provided. Participants must be 18 years or old unless accompanied by an adult that has also purchased a ticket to that same class."
Saturday, April 19, 2025, starting at 12 pm
BŪCH Fermentary & Taproom, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Healing Hearts
"Join us for a pawsitively amazing experience at our Rescue Puppy Yoga Class! Stretch, relax, and find your inner zen while adorable rescue puppies roam around you. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to unwind and play with some furry friends. Get ready for a tail-wagging good time!"
Friday, April 26, 2025, from 10 am - 12 pm
Honey & Rye, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Benefitting: The Bond Between
"Join us at Honey & Rye to celebrate spring with a makers market and adoption event! Stop by to shop from local vendors, enjoy great company, and meet adoptable pups looking for their forever homes. We hope to see you there!"
Saturday, May 3, 2025, starting at 9 am
Minnesota State Fairgrounds (International Bazaar), Falcon Heights, MN
Benefitting: Animal Humane Society (AHS)
"The Walk for Animals is Animal Humane Society’s largest and most important fundraising event of the year. This one-mile walk, fundraiser, and celebration benefits the thousands of dogs, cats, and critters AHS serves every year, and we're excited to bring you and your pets even more fun, food, and chances to make a difference this year. On Saturday, May 3, join thousands of animal lovers and their pets at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to help more vulnerable, local animals receive the medical care, compassion, and second chances they deserve — one step at a time."
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Mission Animal Hospital, Eden Prairie, MN
Benefitting: Mission Animal Hospital
"Run, walk, skip, dance or prance! This two-mile route takes you from Mission Animal Hospital around Lake Smetana and back in time to enjoy the carnival. We expect most people to complete the route (walking) in about 60 minutes. Pet and family friendly!"
Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 9 am - 1:30 pm
Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Benefitting: Helping Paws, Inc.
"Whether you prefer to wag, walk, roll, or run, there will be both long and short courses to choose from. Bring your friends and family! You can even form teams in advance to raise money for Helping Paws. Join us for the celebration, meet our assistance dogs, and get your Paws In Motion."
Saturday, May 18, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"On Sunday, May 18th, at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Ruff Start Rescue will host the 3rd Annual Tails and Trails, a fundraising walk benefiting Ruff Start Rescue. The best part is that your dogs are welcome to join you for activities and on the course! This event promises to be a tail-wagging good time. So, grab your leash, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to make a difference for rescue animals at Ruff Start Rescue."
Dog Sports & Activities:
Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
Battle Creek Recreation Area, Maplewood, MN
Organized by: Jack and the Pack & K9 Powered Sports
Cost: $50
"Join K9 Powered Sports and Jack and the Pack at Battle Creek Recreation Area for the Dog Days of Winter clinic & Open Skijoring! The Clinic will be for those who are new to skijoring and would benefit from some foundational mushing skills/information. If you don’t have any skijoring gear, we will bring gear for you and your dog to try and also buy if you’d like. You must already be comfortable with skate skiing and have your own skis. Day pass required $15. Sign up @jackandthepack.com or K9Powered.org"
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Location: Northern Lights Trail Loop, Maple Grove, MN
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, 2025, starting at 9 am
Organizer: Twin Cities Dog Powered Sports Club
Booster Park, East Bethel, MN
Admission: $25/dog/match
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Any Minnesota State Park
Admission: Free
"On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone - no vehicle permits needed!"
Date: TBD
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Location: TBD
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Add an Event:
Am I missing a Twin Cities pet event? Do you have an upcoming event you'd like to add to a future blog post? Please submit your event here to get it added to this list! Thank you!
About Scruff Life Photography:
Hi, I'm Lauren, the pet-loving photographer behind Scruff Life Photography! Based in Minnesota, I specialize in capturing the unique bond between people and their beloved pets. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your life or are cherishing the years spent with a lifelong companion, I’m here to help you preserve those special moments. Pets are family, and their stories deserve to be celebrated with timeless, professional photos you’ll treasure forever. Let’s create something meaningful together — reach out today to schedule your pet photo session!
