Mark Your Calendar for These Fall Animal Events

If there’s anything that everyone from all walks of life can agree on, it’s our love for animals. That would explain why there are numerous events throughout the year that celebrate our furry friends. That trend continues over the upcoming season, as many Fall animal-centric events may be coming to an area near you. There’s something here for everyone, from festivals that celebrate possums and majestic horses to famous events, like the National Dog Show. We provided links to each event so you can learn more. As the leaves change this upcoming season, we hope you enjoy at least one of these fantastic attractions.

PossumFest – September 6

One of the absolutely must-attend Fall animal-centric events this year is PossomFest, which is held in Cumberland, Kentucky. From noon to 8 pm, you can visit the town and enjoy a day of light-hearted fun while you celebrate the beloved possum and everything it represents. There’s plenty to do, including visiting over 100 food trucks and enjoying local bands on three big stages. Of course, there will also be plenty of live possums in attendance that you and the kids can pet and enjoy. There’s even a t-shirt design contest. Enter before the event begins, and you could go down in PossumFest history!

Mustang Classic – September 4–6

This September, head to Lexington, Kentucky, for the Mustang Classic, where you can watch amazing horses show off their skills and abilities. You’re welcome to come watch the horses or enter your own mustang into the contest and compete for wonderful prizes. Once a winner is crowned, you can then tour the area and get food and treats from the local vendors. This is an event that all horse lovers should attend.

American Royal Livestock Show & Rodeo –
Various Dates September – November

Farm animal enthusiasts should head to Kansas City, MO, this Fall to check out the American Royal Livestock Show & Rodeo. It’s like going to the old-school county fairs but with so much more to enjoy. There are livestock shows, horse shows, rodeos, and more vendors than you can shake a stick at. Additionally, there’s a golf tournament, educational programs, and you can observe the Arabian horse, one of the oldest horse breeds in history. Check the website for the events you want to see because there’s stuff going on throughout Autumn. 

Pawtoberfest – September 13

One of the most highly anticipated Fall animal-centric events of the year is Pawtoberfest, which is held in Colorado Springs, CO. This is a celebration of dogs and dog culture, and since the funds go to help the Humane Society, it’s all for a good cause. If this year’s celebration is anything like 2024, then there will be a lot to enjoy, including the chance to purchase fancy merch, food trucks, vendors, and educational shows. Plus, there are great contests, like a kissing contest, a pet/owner lookalike show, and an award for the best pet trick. It’s an all-day event that’s worth a try.

Fall Fiber Festival & Montpelier Sheep Dog Trials – October 4-5

This is an interesting annual event that’s all about animals and traditional fiber techniques. What does that mean? You have to come to check it out. Basically, the Fall Fiber Festival is a celebration of what you can create with the wool of sheep. Events and activities include arts and crafts demos and classes, animal exhibits, and competitions. This event is also a celebration of sheep dogs and their incredible athleticism as they work on farms and help to herd the sheep. Come for the education and stay for the food vendors, workshops, and friendly companionship with other animal lovers.

BirdFest & Bluegrass – October 4

Fowl fans get ready for the best ovarian festival in the world at the BirdFest and Bluegrass Festival in Ridgefield, Washington. This is an annual event that primarily celebrates the goings on at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, where birds can live their best lives. There’s a ton to do there, from watching endangered birds to enjoying vendors, hiking trails, and more. This year, there will be a crafts table, tasty food, and musical acts, including great bluegrass artists. If you own a guitar, you can bring it and strum along. With over 60 booths to explore, there will be plenty of pastries, handmade gifts, and ceramics to go around. Along the way, you and your kids can learn a ton about the world of birds and why they’re so precious to our world.

Right Whale Festival – November 1-2

One of the most highly anticipated Fall animal-centric events is the Right Whale Festival held in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Come here for a celebration of the wonderful world of whales. More specifically, this event is a celebration of the return of the North Atlantic right whale, which comes back near the coast to give birth to and nurse their babies. After you’re done whale watching, you can enjoy the other festivities, including athletic events, food trucks, interactive displays, arts and crafts tables, and more. If you ever wanted to get involved in a “save the whales” initiative, this is a good place to start.

Maryland Alpaca & Fleece Festival – November 8-9

This Fall, head over to the town of West Friendship, Maryland, and check out the amazing Maryland Alpaca & Fleece Festival that is about all things alpacas, fleece, and fiber. Many consider this to be the best fiber festival on the entire East Coast, so you don’t want to miss it. If you love knitting, crocheting, or otherwise producing goods from fiber, then this is a great place to start. If you don’t create but you love to shop, this is also a great festival for you. There are also fun activities for the kids, including a youth performance show. If you’re in the area, be sure to check it out.

World Animal Day – October 4

One of the most celebrated days around the globe is World Animal Day, and there are many fun and educational events to commemorate the big day. You can check this map to see all of the activities happening around the world and see if there is one in your neck of the woods. At this moment, the big event in North America will be the F.R.I.E.N.D.S Sanctuary Open Day, which is a celebration of horses and the greater animal kingdom. More events are sure to be added as we get closer to the date, so stay tuned!

Lake Superior Zoo Boo – Weekends of October 11th, 18th & 25th

If you live near the areas of Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin and you love going to the zoo, then you’re in for a spooky fun time this year! The Lake Superior Zoo is having its annual Halloween event throughout the month of October. When you visit, you can see all of your favorite animals plus endless other activities, including food trucks, scavenger hunts, games for the kids, and more. There will be booths for face painting, a pumpkin patch, and an extensive craft show. The locals love this event, and you can join in the fun in 2025.

5th Annual Boerne Barktoberfest – October 18

Residents of Texas, get ready, Bartoberfest is coming this Fall to the city of Boerne. Presented by the Hill Country Animal League, this annual festival celebrates all things dogs with many activities, including races and contests for the dogs. There’s plenty for humans to enjoy as well, such as local food and vendors, music, raffles, and a petting zoo for the kids. There will also be adoption agencies there, so if you have ever wanted to bring a sweet dog into your home, this is your chance. Check out the website for more details and see what you have to look forward to this October.

National Dog Show – November 15–16

Finally, who can forget one of the most famous Fall animal-centric events of all, the National Dog Show! You can watch the show on TV or be there in person. Tickets are still on sale. Of course, this is the amazing annual event where we celebrate the best dog breeds in the country and watch them do the tricks that they’ve been learning all year long. You are not allowed to bring your pet as a spectator, but if you think your pup has what it takes, consider applying to have them compete in the big show.