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Paws & Pumpkins: 8 Dog-Friendly Fall & Halloween Events in San Antonio

Celebrate Fall With Your Pups in San Antonio

The leaves are turning, pumpkin spice is in the air, and our pups are ready for some fall fun! Halloween and autumn in San Antonio aren’t just for humans; there are plenty of dog-friendly ways to celebrate, too. From costume contests and pumpkin patches to trick-or-treating, there’s something this season for every pet parent to enjoy.


We’ve rounded up the 8 best dog-friendly Halloween and fall events happening in San Antonio so you can mark your calendars, plan your adventures, and make memories with your pups.


1. Garden Ridge Market Days – Fall Festival & Market – October 11


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Location: Northeast Bible Church, NE San Antonio

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

A fall festival with a dog-friendly twist! Enjoy over 200 local food, craft, and farm vendors, plus:

  • Kids’ trick-or-treating with vendors (costumes optional)

  • Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Contest with $500+ in prizes

  • Princess meet-and-greet with Anna & Elsa

  • Alpaca photo/walk experience

  • Free kids’ activities like scavenger hunts, chalk art, and crafts

Whether you’re shopping, snacking, or entering your pup in a costume contest, this is a great way to enjoy autumn with your doggy friend.


Location: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For garden-loving dog owners, the San Antonio Botanical Garden offers exclusive dog days for members. Stroll scenic pathways with your pup, enjoy fall flowers, and take in some fresh air. Remember: dogs must be leashed, up-to-date on vaccines, and some areas are off-limits.


3. Free Pet Vaccination & Microchipping Event – October 12

Location: Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood, San Antonio, TX

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Keeping your pets healthy is always in style! San Antonio Animal Care Services is offering free vaccinations and microchipping for up to 1,000 pets. Registration is required, so make sure to reserve your spot at saacs.info/megavaxx.

This is a wonderful opportunity to check off important wellness tasks while enjoying some fall vibes.


4. Trivia Nights at The Dog Co. Icehouse – October 7, 14, 21

Location: The Dog Co. Icehouse

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Not just for your pup, but a fun night out for dog lovers! Join free trivia nights, compete for prizes, and meet fellow pet parents. It’s a great way to enjoy fall evenings while celebrating your love for dogs.


5. Boerne Barktoberfest – October 18


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Location: Boerne Main Plaza, Boerne, TX

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This Oktoberfest-inspired event is a celebration of pets, people, and community. Highlights include:

  • Local beer vendors & food trucks

  • Rescue pet adoptions & petting zoo

  • Doggy dash races & costume contests

  • Silent auction supporting affordable spay/neuter and wellness care

If you want a mix of festive fun, community engagement, and dog-friendly activities, Barktoberfest is a must-attend.



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Location: 3903 N Saint Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The San Antonio Zoo is bringing the fun to a whole new level with Dog Day during ZOO BOO! Presented by PNC. It’s a day filled with adventure, enrichment, and all things dog-friendly. The first 150 dogs through the gate even receive a complimentary fall-themed bandana.

Here’s what’s happening:

  • Paws for Big Hearts Adoptions | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Zootennial Plaza

  • DJ Mayhem | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Great Lawn

  • Doggy Costume Contest | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Great Lawn

  • Dog Trick-or-Treating | 1 p.m.–2 p.m. | Go Wild!

  • Human Trick-or-Treating | 4 p.m.–5 p.m.

Tickets are $27.99 per dog, in addition to regular zoo admission, or you can use your zoo membership. Spots fill quickly, so grab your Dog Day ticket soon!


Location: Helotes City Hall, 12951 Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Another opportunity to focus on your pet’s health! Hosted in partnership with Mobile Petcare of Texas, this clinic offers:

  • Vaccinations

  • General wellness care

  • Microchipping

A simple step, like a microchip, can make a huge difference in keeping pets safe if they ever get lost.



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Location: 4710 Texas 151, San Antonio, TX 78227

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Dogtober is a fall festival like no other, bringing together everything we love about autumn—plus adoptable pets looking for forever homes! If your pup loves pumpkins, hayrides, or even puppy yoga, this is the place to be.

Highlights include:

  • 200+ adoptable pets ready for adoption

  • Pumpkin patch & fall photo spots

  • Foster pet parade & pet costume contest

  • Puppy yoga sessions

  • Craft zones for kids

  • Live music & food trucks

  • 50+ local vendors

It’s family-friendly, festive, and perfect for celebrating the season while supporting our local pet community.


Tips for Attending Dog-Friendly Fall Events

  1. Leash up & be safe: Keep your pup leashed unless otherwise allowed.

  2. Bring water & snacks: Especially for longer events.

  3. Check vaccination requirements: Most dog-friendly events require up-to-date vaccines.

  4. Costumes optional (but adorable!): Many events offer contests. Be creative! Check the info and sign up to pawticipate!

  5. Plan ahead: Some events are ticketed or have limited spots. Check the websites or call ahead to


Final Paw-some Thoughts

Fall in San Antonio isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and crisp mornings—it’s also about celebrating our furry family members! From zoo adventures to pumpkin patches, costume contests to wellness clinics, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season with your pup.

Whether you’re looking to adopt, socialize your dog, or simply enjoy autumn vibes together, San Antonio’s fall events make it easy to include your four-legged friends in the fun.

We hope to see you out there enjoying all these events and making memories with your pups. Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us (@pawtimefavoritepetsittingllc), our team loves seeing happy tails and smiling faces!


Happy Fall from the Paw Time Favorite Pet Sitting Team!


 
 
 

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