10 Barktastic Summer Event Ideas for Your Dog Bar Business

Summer is the perfect time to turn up the fun and get tails wagging at your dog bar. Hosting creative, pet-friendly events draws in new guests and builds a loyal community of pet parents who love sharing experiences with their furry companions. Whether you're a seasoned pet business owner or just starting out, these summer event ideas will keep pups and their people coming back for more.

1. Paint Your Pet Night

Unleash your customers' creativity with a paint-and-sup evening where guests recreate their pup's portrait. Offer canvas kits, guidance from local artists, and even dog-safe "Pawcasso" art stations for dogs to make their mark. It's fun, interactive, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Marketing Tips:

• Share past participant portraits and behind-the-scenes reels on Instagram Stories.
• Offer early-bird pricing or a limited-edition canvas for the first 10 sign-ups.
• Create an event page and encourage pet parents to post or send in their pet's reference photo beforehand.

2. Breed Meetups

Host social gatherings for popular or quirky dog breeds — think "Frenchie Friday," "Doodle Date," or "Corgi Carnival." These themed meetups create a sense of belonging for pet parents and spark easy socialization for the dogs.

Marketing Tips:

• Create shareable digital flyers for each breed group to distribute on breed-specific Facebook groups.
• Run a "cutest photo contest" leading up to the event to generate buzz.
• Invite local breed-specific rescues or clubs to co-host.

3. Foam Parties

Take a page from Gingr customer, Tucker's Tap Yard, where dogs run wild in mountains of foam while their owners cool off with local brews or refreshing slushies. Foam parties are a huge summer hit! They're easy to host, make for great pet action photos, and allow pups and their parents to cool off in a fun way.

Marketing Tips:

• Tease foam party footage on TikTok and tag local dog influencers.
• Offer branded towels or water bowls as event souvenirs.
• Send SMS reminders to regulars a few days before the event.

4. Christmas in July

Gingr customer, The Watering Bowl, knows how to keep things festive with their Xmas in July event. Think Santa hats, poolside treats, holiday-themed dog photos, and a touch of mistletoe fun — without the winter chill. It's a clever twist on a popular summer celebration that involves our favorite furry friends.

Marketing Tips:

• Run a "12 Days of Christmas in July" countdown on social media with daily sneak peeks.
• Partner with a local pet photographer for themed photoshoots (Santa Claws and Rudoglph, anyone?).
• Encourage guests to dress their dogs in holiday gear for a best-dressed contest.

5. Dog Pool Parties

Set up kiddie pools, splash zones, and misting stations to keep dogs cool while they romp around. Add frozen dog treats, pet-safe "pupsicles," and tropical cocktails for the humans. Bonus: theme it like a "Bark & Splash Bash" or "Pooches & Piña Coladas."

Marketing Tips:

• Offer an "Early Access Splash Pass" for members or VIPs.
• Launch a referral challenge: bring a friend and get a free treat.
• Share slow-mo videos of dogs diving into pools on Reels and TikTok.

6. Yappy Hour

Offer happy hour specials for pet parents while pups enjoy dog "beer" or biscuit tastings. Combine this with casual playtime to turn slow weekdays into lively community hangouts.

Marketing Tips:

• Feature weekly dog "bartenders" (guest pups) on social media.
• Post polls asking fans to choose the week's signature dog drink flavor.
• Display a punch card to reward regular Yappy Hour visitors.

7. Fursty Thursday

Another fun idea from Tucker's Tap Yard is "Fursty Thursday," a weekly themed night with drink specials and pup-centric activities. Themed days like this create routine traffic and brand consistency that regulars love.

Marketing Tips:

• Pin your weekly calendar on Instagram Highlights.
• Encourage customers to tag your bar in photos with a unique hashtag (e.g., #FurstyThursday).
• Create special drink menus and specials for both humans and dogs.

8. Doggy Talent Show

Invite guests to show off their pup's quirkiest skills, from "fastest zoomies" to "heaviest sleeper." Offer small prizes and photo ops to make every contestant feel like a star.

Marketing Tips:

• Use live polling to let the audience vote for winners.
• Share contestant bios and fun facts before the event.
• Partner with local pet shops for prize sponsorships.

9. Outdoor Movie Night

Host a dog-friendly movie under the stars. Supply blankets, popcorn, and themed treats while screening a canine-themed flicks (can't go wrong with "Air Bud" or "Homeward Bound"). It's a low-key event that encourages relaxed bonding.

Marketing Tips:

• Create retro-style movie posters with featured dog breeds.
• Set up a photo booth with movie props.
• Allow RSVP via your Gingr portal and offer reserved blanket spots.

10. Adoption Pop-Ups & Local Collabs

Partner with local pet rescues for doggy adoption days or invite small pet vendors and bakers for a weekend market vibe. This supports your community while drawing in a like-minded audience.

Marketing Tips:

• Cross-promote with partner organizations for broader reach.
• Livestream dog meet-and-greets on Instagram.
• Create a "Meet the Pets" highlight reel with profiles and stories.

Inspiration in Action: Gingr Customers Making It Happen

With just a little creativity, your dog bar can become the go-to summer destination for pups and their people. Whether you try one or 10 of these ideas,

At The Watering Bowl in Austin, the events calendar is packed with personality.Their creative themes keep things fresh and festive all season long. They engage their community with fun ideas that promote bonding, laughter, and repeat visits. You can check out their latest event lineup here.

Meanwhile, Tucker's Tap Yard in Indiana proves that consistency and creativity can coexist. With regular themed nights every weel and special adoption events throughout the season, their approach to summer fun is a perfect model for other dog bar businesses.

Both bars also use Gingr to streamline scheduling, simplify member management, and keep track of busy event RSVPs.

Make this Summer One to Remember — Without the Hassle

Gingr is here to help you manage bookings, memberships, and event check-ins—so you can focus on making tails wag.
Need help streamlining your dog bar business operations? Book a demo to see Gingr in action!