Which Shoreline Events Are Right for Your Dog?
- marywlcx
- May 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 6

A Guide to Matching Your Pup’s Personality to the Season
Shoreline’s outdoor season is filled with opportunities to bring your dog along, but not every pup will enjoy the same type of outing. Some dogs are social butterflies who love crowds. Others would rather sniff in peace.
If you’re wondering whether to bring your dog to a summer event, this guide can help you decide what’s a good match and when it might be better to leave them in the care of a trusted walker or sitter.
Is Your Dog a “Festival Pup” or a “Chill Walker”?
Every dog has their own comfort zone. Some enjoy new people, live music, and unfamiliar dogs. Others prefer quiet green space and predictable routines.
Before heading to an event, ask yourself:
Does my dog enjoy meeting new people and dogs?
How do they handle loud sounds or crowded areas?
Will I be able to give them my attention during the event?
Are they comfortable on leash in stimulating environments?
There’s no right or wrong answer. It’s simply about what works best for your dog.
Event Types by Energy Level
Once you know your dog’s personality, you can match it to the type of outing.
Low-Key and Familiar
Neighborhood pop-ups or community garage sales
Leashed strolls through local farmers markets during early hours
Park concerts from a shaded, quiet corner
Moderate Stimulation
Dog-friendly fitness or craft markets
Outdoor art walks with wider paths
Leashed group meetups at off-peak times
High-Energy and Social
Pups on Parade and other dog-centered festivals
Crowded weekend markets
Community festivals with lots of people and live entertainment
When in doubt, arrive early before it gets too busy and have an exit plan in mind.
Know Before You Go
Here are three Shoreline-area favorites to keep on your radar this summer:
Shoreline Farmer's Market: Leashed dogs are welcome every Saturday starting June 1. Early mornings are less crowded.
Pups on Parade: Designed for dogs, this event is full of tail wags and dog lovers. Great for social pups but may be overwhelming for shy ones.
Celebrate Shoreline: A festive community celebration where on-leash dogs are invited. Choose your time based on your pup’s comfort with noise and crowds.
Prep Essentials for a Smooth Day
Whether you’re attending a quiet market or a full-on festival, make sure you bring:
Short, non-retractable leash
Water and collapsible bowl
Treats for focus and redirection
Poop bags
Towel or mat for breaks
Optional but helpful: hand sanitizer, especially if you’re meeting other dogs or vendors.
Watch for the “Ready to Go” Signs
Even confident dogs can tire out quickly in stimulating environments. Look for:
Heavy panting
Attempting to pull away or hide
Loss of focus
Yawning or shaking off
If you see any of these, take a break or call it a day. Building positive experiences helps your dog feel good about future outings.
What If It’s Not a Fit?
Not every event is made for every dog, and that is okay. Some dogs are happier at home with a frozen Kong or a midday walk while you enjoy the event. Our dog walking team can provide that support if you need it.
Get Our Weekly Dog-Friendly Event Roundup
Want help choosing dog-friendly events that fit your pup’s style? Each week, we send out a curated roundup of local activities in Shoreline, Edmonds, and Lake Forest Park, with notes on crowd levels and dog accessibility. Sign up here to get the list delivered straight to your inbox.
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