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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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!