Rochester’s Dog Festival Returns to Downtown This Month

Hosted by the Rochester Downtown Alliance, Dogs Downtown is more than just a dog-friendly outing it’s a full-on, tail-wagging festival. The event is free and open to the public, welcoming thousands of humans and their pups for an afternoon packed with interactive experiences, live music, and local flavor.

A Park Full of Paw-sibilities

The event, once held at Peace Plaza, has fully embraced its newer home in Central Park (225 1st Ave NW), offering more green space and room for activities. Whether you’ve got a couch-loving corgi or a fetch-obsessed retriever, there’s something here for every pup’s personality.

Expect:

• Agility courses and pop-up dog parks for adventurous dogs to burn off some energy.

• Cooling puppy pools to beat the September heat.

• Craft stations, pet caricatures, and even doggie photo booths for memory-making.

• A live DJ spinning tunes, plus games and giveaways for both pets and their people.

“It’s not just about dogs playing,” said one volunteer from last year’s event. “It’s about the Rochester community coming together in a joyful, inclusive way. And yes there are a lot of belly rubs.”

The Vendors Are Going to the Dogs (In a Good Way)

Dogs Downtown features a bustling vendor village with more than two dozen local businesses and artists. Expect everything from gourmet treats and handmade collars to dog behaviorists and pet wellness experts. Many vendors offer free samples, games, or raffles, adding to the street fair feel of the afternoon.

Dog-themed or not, the booths bring out some of Rochester’s best makers and community groups, reflecting the city’s growing culture of local engagement and support for small businesses.

Kindly complete this application form and email it to events@downtownrochestermn.com by September 22, 2025.

Eat, Drink, Sit (Stay)

Feeling hungry after chasing your golden around the splash zone? You're in luck. Several downtown restaurants near the park are dog-friendly, including Bleu Duck Kitchen, ThaiPop, Cafe Steam, Almadina, and Chester’s Kitchen & Bar, many with shaded patios and water bowls on hand.

Pro tip: get your food to-go and enjoy a shaded picnic while your dog makes new friends in the grass.

Good Dogs Only (Leashes, Please!)

While the event is open to all breeds and sizes, organizers ask that dogs be leashed, socialized, and up-to-date on vaccinations. With crowds expected, it’s a great event for well-mannered pups who enjoy lots of sights, sounds, and sniffs.

First-timers may want to bring:

• Water bowls and poop bags

• A towel for wet dogs

• A favorite toy or treats for encouragement

• A sense of humor especially if your dog photobombs someone else’s cartoon sketch

Why It Matters

In a world that’s often rushed and disconnected, Dogs Downtown is a refreshing reminder of what shared joy looks like. It’s an event where strangers become friends through the simple act of asking, “Can I pet your dog?”

More than just a pet event, it reflects Rochester’s commitment to community, inclusivity, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a lifelong dog parent or just dog-curious, it’s a rare chance to see your city through the eyes of your best furry friend.

📍 Dogs Downtown 2025 – At a Glance

• When: Saturday, September 20, 2025

• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Where: Central Park, 225 1st Ave NW, Rochester, MN

• Cost: Free

• Hosted by: Rochester Downtown Alliance

• Leashes required

For more information or to view the full vendor list (coming soon), visit: downtownrochestermn.com

Attendees are invited to share photos from this event by tagging @downtownrochestermn on Instagram for a chance to be featured. 🐶📸