Are you looking to mark your calendar with some fun dog-themed events? From pet expos to the largest dog shows and agility events to major pet adoption events, we have you covered!
Dogs are welcome at many pet expos (don’t miss our post on taking your dog to a pet expo) although generally not at dog shows, unless competing.
NOTE: Check–and doublecheck–events as you make your plans. Along with checking the official website, be sure to check social media pages for additional updates.
Have we missed any of your favorites? Email us at editors@dogtipper.com! And if you’re in search of cat shows and festivals, don’t miss our calendar of cat shows and expos on our sister site, CatTipper!
United States
Arizona
Cynosport Dog Agility World Games
- When: 2026 TBA
- Where: Scottsdale, Arizona
This annual event is presented by the United States Dog Agility Association, Inc. (USDAA), the world’s largest independent authority for the sport of dog agility. The multi-day event features four agility championships:
- The Grand Prix of Dog Agility® World Championships
- $10,000 Dog Agility Steeplechase®
- Dog Agility Masters® International Three-Dog Championship
- Masters Challenge Biathlon℠
California
Bark in the Park San Jose
- When: 2026 TBA
- Where: William Street Park in downtown San Jose
This one-day event ranks as the largest dog festival in the US.
New Year Classic – Kennel Club of Palm Springs
- When: Jan. 2-5, 2026
- Where: Indio, California
Held the first weekend in January, this large show is considered the largest dog show west of the Mississippi River and one of the four largest AKC shows in the nation.
Photo of Scooter, 2023 winner.
Photo owned by Eileen Tanner. Shared with Sonoma-Marin Fair Marketing.
World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest
- When: 2026 TBA (the Ugliest Dog contest will take place just one day during the fair, which runs for five days)
- Where: Petaluma, California
The “World’s Ugliest Dog Contest” is an annual event held in Petaluma, California, at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. It’s a light-hearted and fun competition that aims to celebrate dogs that may not fit the traditional standards of beauty, but are still lovable and cherished by their owners.
Florida
AKC National Championship
- When: Dec. 2026
- Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
AKC Obedience Classic
- When: December 2026
- Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
Georgia
AKC National Agility Championship
- When: March 19-22, 2026
- Where: Temecula, California
Groom’d (formerly Atlanta Pet Fair and Conference)
- When: March 13-15, 2026
- Where: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, Lawrenceville
Idaho
Family Pet Expo
- When: May 9, 2026
- Where: Boise
Along with shopping opportunities for pets, this pet-friendly expo will feature services including grooming, microchipping, vaccination and more.
Illinois
Great American Dog Show
- When: Sept. 4-6, 2026
- Where: Wheaton
Hosted by the International Kennel Club of Chicago, this multi-day event features a dog show, agility, scent work, trick dogs, an AKC Meet and Greet, vendors and much more.
Maryland
World of Pets Expo
- When: Jan. 23-25, 2026
- Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Frankenmuth Dog Bowl
- When: May 22-25, 2026
- Where: Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Billed as the “World’s Largest Olympic-Sized Festival for Dogs,” this event dates back to 2008. Features almost 30 events (including nearly two dozen your dog can take part in).
Missouri
North America Diving Dogs National Championship
- When: 2026 TBA
- Where: TBA
Nebraska
AKC National Tracking Invitational
- When: 2026 TBA
- Where: TBA
Featuring handler and dog teams that have earned the AKC Champion Tracker Title.
New Jersey
Super Pet Expo
- When: Jan. 9-11, 2026
- Where: NJ Convention and Exposition Center, Edison
A dog-friendly expo, this event offers insight into pet training, nutrition and health through talks from animal experts; pet entertainment; the opportunity to shop among more than 150 vendor booths; adorable adoptables from area rescue organizations, and much more!
New York
AKC Meet the Breeds® New York
- When: Feb. 7-8, 2026
- Where: Javitz Center, New York City
Meet over 100 different dog breeds and learn about their origins, personalities and more. This large event also features demonstrations of dog agility, working dogs and more. This is a family-friendly event and you are invited to participate in games and photo opportunities including a Kid’s Zone with crafts, fun, and more.
Long Island Pet Expo – Suffolk
- When: Feb. 28-March 1, 2026
- Where: Brentwood, NY
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
- When: Jan. 31, Feb. 2-3, 2026
- Where: Javits Convention Center and Madison Square Garden, New York City
The longest nationally televised live dog show (since 1948!) and the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the country, Westminster is a name familiar to all dog lovers. Along with the conformation dog show, the event includes Dock Diving, the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship (both open to both purebred and mixed breed dogs).
Ohio
AKC Rally National Championship
- When: July 18-19, 2026
- Where: Wilmington, Ohio
AKC National Obedience Championship
- When: June 16-17, 2026
- Where: Wilmington, Ohio
All-American Columbus Pet Expo
- When: March 13-15, 2026
- Where: Columbus, Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Lehigh Valley Pet Expo
- When: Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2026
- Where: Allentown, PA
National Dog Show
- When: weekend before Thanksgiving; televised on Thanksgiving Day
- Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, Oaks, Pennsylvania
The Kennel Club of Philadelphia has hosted their dog show since the 1870s–and it became a national favorite with the airing of the National Dog Show Presented by Purina®, televised every Thanksgiving Day. The show itself is held the weekend prior to Thanksgiving and includes not only the conformation dog show but also Meet the Breeds and many vendors. Dogs that are not competing are not permitted at this event.
Greater Philadelphia Pet Expo
- When: March 6-8, 2026
- Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Pet Expo
- When: Nov. 2026
- Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh
One of the largest pet expos in the nation, this event spans over two acres of exhibits and demonstrations including adoption areas, disc and trick dog demonstrations, diving dog shows, and more.
Texas
Buda Wiener Dog Races
- When: April 25-26, 2026
- Where: Buda City Park, Buda, Texas
This massive dog festival (so big you’ll need to catch a shuttle bus to the event!) features, yes, Dachshund races as well as vendors, a barbecue cookoff and a pet parade. It’s all held in “The Wiener Dog Capital of Texas”, just south of Austin.
Heart of Texas Dog Show
- When: Oct. 2026
- Where: Bell County Expo Center, Belton
AKC-affiliated, annual, all-breeds dog show for Central Texas including Obedience & Rally Trials, Agility Trials and vendors.
Houston World Series of Dog Shows
- When: July 15-19, 2026
- Where: NRG Center, Houston, Texas
This Texas-sized event typically includes not only a conformation dog show but also agility, obedience, rally, barn hunt, Frisbee and much more, along with hundreds of vendors.
River City Cluster of Dog Shows
- When: July 10-12, 2026
- Where: Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas
This large event spans over 150,000 square feet of indoor climate-controlled space and features dog shows with international competitors and vendors.
Virginia
Super Pet Expo
- When: March 13-15, 2026
- Where: Manassas
Wisconsin
Green Bay Pet Expo
- When: TBA
- Where: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Now in its second decade, this event features vendors, dock diving dogs, a K-9 unit demonstration and more. Leashed dogs welcome.
International Shows, Expos and Events
Canada
Canadian Pet Expo
- When: April 3-5, 2026
- Where: Mississauga, Ontario
Canada’s largest indoor pet event includes celebrity pet appearances, grooming demonstrations and over 300 vendors.
United Kingdom
Crufts
- When: March 5-8, 2026
- Where: NEC Birmingham
With over 18,000 dogs entered in this canine extravaganza, Crufts ranks as the world’s largest dog show.
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