by Kelsey Warren-Bryant
Fall is here! As milder temperatures help to cool the summer heat, it’s the perfect time to go outside and enjoy a special event with your pet. Several pet-friendly events are scheduled in the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas this fall. Mark your calendars — it’s going to be an exciting season for pet lovers!
9/28, 5-9 p.m.
The Norman Twilight Market Pop-Up Shops and Art Show
210 James Garner
Avenue, Norman
The Norman Twilight Market is a free event featuring pop-up shops, artwork, and food trucks from more than 65 local vendors and artists. Your leashed pet is welcome to stroll down the streets with you as you listen to live music, try local snacks, play yard games, and meet adoptable dogs.
9/29, 1–4 p.m.
Bark Walk 2024
Scissortail Park,
Oklahoma City
The Boxer Rescue of Oklahoma presents its 13th annual Bark Walk. This free event combines a walk at 1 p.m. with a festival that runs from 12 to 4 p.m. Festival attendees can enjoy music, food trucks, raffles, several local vendors, and a kids’ zone with a bounce house, games, and face painting.
For the pets, there will be $10 nail trims, $20 microchipping, adoptable pets, and pet contests with six categories — fastest tail wagger, dog/owner look-alike, “I’m so ugly I’m cute,” best underbite, best dressed, and cutest mutt.
10/2, 4–9 p.m.
Pet Industry Night
Bar K, Oklahoma City
Pet Industry Night takes place on the first Wednesday of every month and includes anyone working in the pet industry in an evening of mingling and festivities. Whether you’re a groomer, a veterinarian, a shelter or rescue worker, or a dog walker, this event is for you. Attendees receive free entry for their dogs, half-priced snacks, $1 off domestic drafts, and $3 off cocktails. Get to know other people in the pet industry!
10/10, 6–7:30 p.m.
Pack Pint Run
Red Coyote Running and Fitness, Oklahoma City
All are welcome at the Pack Pint Run, including runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs. The run is described as an easy three-mile trail, and you can make it as long or as short as you want. After the run, participants with valid IDs are welcome to a drink from COOP Ale Works.
10/13, 4:30–7 p.m.
Howl-O-Ween
The Paw Spa Elite,
Oklahoma City
Show off your dog’s best costume at the Paw Spa Elite’s Howl-O-Ween event. Pets will be up for adoption, and vendors, food, games, photo opportunities, and inflatables will be available.
10/26, 6–8 p.m.
Barks & Broos Bash 2024
Bar K, Oklahoma City
This annual Halloween event returns to Bar K! Bring your dog in costume and receive free admission, then enjoy a drink and an evening of Halloween fun.
11/9, 7–11 p.m.
Fifth Annual Mutt Misfits Masquerade
Mutt Misfits Animal Rescue Society
Step into an enchanting, Alice in Wonderland–inspired evening at the fifth annual Mutt Misfits Masquerade. Enjoy live entertainment, an open bar, food, dessert bar, silent auction, raffles, and more. This event is for people 21 and older, and formal attire is encouraged. All proceeds go to support the Mutt Misfits Animal Rescue Society.
Own a Cat, Not a Dog?
It’s true that dogs often have most of the fun when it comes to public events, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have adventures with your cat this fall season. If you are looking to do some fall travel, consider renting an RV from $75 to $299 per day, and take your cat along for the ride.
If you prefer a less mobile experience, some hotels have cat-friendly rooms. Hotel chains with advertised cat-friendly options include Best Western, Drury Hotels, Hilton, La Quinta, Motel 6, and Quality Inn. Be sure to call first to check the local hotel pet policies before booking.
