Fall is right around the corner, but there’s still plenty of time to get your pup out and about before the weather turns. Here are five great dog-friendly events happening in the Naperville-Aurora area this September, and we’ll be at two of them!
Ashley Whippet Invitational K-9 Frisbee World Championships
- Date: Saturday-Sunday, September 5-6
- Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm both days
- Location: Nike Sports Complex | 288 W. Diehl Rd., Naperville
- Website: ashleywhippet.com
Naperville has hosted this world championship disc-dog competition since 2003, and it’s the longest-running event of its kind anywhere. Teams of dogs and handlers from across the country (and sometimes overseas) compete in toss-and-catch and freestyle rounds over Labor Day weekend. Admission and parking are free for spectators, so bring a chair and watch some seriously impressive catches.
Annual Dog Daze at Fishel Park
- Date: Saturday, September 12
- Time: 12:00 – 3:00 pm
- Location: Fishel Park | 1036 Grove St., Downers Grove
- Website: dgparks.org
The Downers Grove Park District throws a full afternoon of dog-friendly fun at this free annual event. Expect a non-competitive agility course, a splash zone, a pet pampering station, a doggie fashion show, a photo booth, and a peanut butter licking contest for the pups. Their people can browse food trucks and pet vendors while enjoying live music.
Tails on the Trails
- Date: Sunday, September 13
- Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Location: The Morton Arboretum | 4100 IL-53, Lisle
- Website: mortonarb.org
👉👉👉 Central Bark will be here! Come find our booth, where we’ll have fun treat packages for sale. Come say hi!
This is one of just a handful of days each year dogs are welcome on the Arboretum’s 16 miles of trails, and it comes with a pet expo featuring local vendors, adoption information, and ways to connect with area shelters. Dogs are welcome on the trails until sunset. A dog admission ticket is required ($7, or $6 for Arboretum members) in addition to regular Arboretum admission.
Black Cat Ball 2026
- Date: Friday, September 25
- Time: 6:00 – 11:00 pm
- Location: Mesón Sabika | 1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville
- Website: naperhumane.org
Naperville Area Humane Society’s signature gala brings together cocktails, dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions for a good cause. Every ticket supports NAHS’s work finding homes for animals in need. It’s a dressier night out, but a great one if you want to support local pet welfare in style.
Growlers for Howlers
- Date: Sunday, September 27
- Time: 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Location: Two Brothers Roundhouse | 205 N Broadway, Aurora
- Website: adoptpetshelter.org
👉👉👉 Central Bark will be here too! We’re sponsoring a booth at one of our favorite events of the year. Come say hi!
This is a laid-back afternoon of craft beer, food, and live music, all benefiting A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter. Your ticket includes two beverages plus entry into the raffle and 50/50 drawing, and you’ll get the chance to meet some adoptable dogs along the way. Every ticket helps provide food, shelter, and medical care for A.D.O.P.T.’s animals.
Looking for more dog events near you?
There’s still time to enjoy the dog parks throughout Naperville and Aurora while the weather holds.
And as always, don’t forget to come by Central Bark Aurora-Fox Valley and sign up for our enrichment dog day care program. We can’t wait to see you!
