Many churches invite people to bring their pets for the Blessing of the Animals in early October. This special event has become a much-loved part of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, which takes place October 4. The events take place on different dates this time of year. Saint Francis of Assisi was a Catholic friar in the 12th and 13th centuries who founded the religious order of the … [Read more...] about Blessing of the Animals events at Churches in the Triangle
Pets
Barktoberfest at Boxyard RTP Oct. 24
Barktoberfest is a free event at Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Drive, Durham, North Carolina, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. It's being presented by Beyond Fences and Triangle Canine Club. Features of Barktoberfest Barktoberfest typically features: Check back soon for the 2026 details. … [Read more...] about Barktoberfest at Boxyard RTP Oct. 24
Triangle Barkitecture — pet architecture and design competition at Downtown Cary Park Oct. 10
Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina, is hosting Triangle Barkitecture, a one-of-a-kind design competition that has architects, designers, students and creative minds creating unique, pet-inspired architecture. Triangle Barkitecture takes place October 10, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., and is free to attend. This pet architecture competition features over 20 unique builds … [Read more...] about Triangle Barkitecture — pet architecture and design competition at Downtown Cary Park Oct. 10
Oktoberfest at Lafayette Village in Raleigh, including the 9th Annual Wiener Dog Races Oct. 3
Enjoy an Oktoberfest celebration at Lafayette Village, 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be live music, seasonal brews, German-inspired food, Scarecrows on the Square, and more. It's free to attend. The celebration will also feature the Annual Wiener Dog Races! All Wieners are required to be classified as a Dachshund breed to be … [Read more...] about Oktoberfest at Lafayette Village in Raleigh, including the 9th Annual Wiener Dog Races Oct. 3
Pup-kin Fall Event at Mitchell Mill Animal Hospital Rescue Oct. 10
Mitchell Mill Animal Hospital Rescue, at 4012 Mitchell Mill Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Pup-kin Fall Event on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's free to attend. Meet some costumed pups who are available for adoption. Also, enjoy game, prizes and trunk or treat fun. … [Read more...] about Pup-kin Fall Event at Mitchell Mill Animal Hospital Rescue Oct. 10
Triangle Oktoberfest at Booth Amphitheatre — October 2-3 (free if you bring a wiener dog)
The popular Triangle Oktoberfest returns to Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, 2026. This is an authentic German festival focused on family fun, traditional Bavarian food, local and authentic German beers from Munich. Kids activities include live music, inflatables face painting yard games, beer, arts and crafts, and more. The … [Read more...] about Triangle Oktoberfest at Booth Amphitheatre — October 2-3 (free if you bring a wiener dog)
Blessing of the Animals at Duke University Chapel Quad Oct. 4
Duke University Chapel is hosting a Blessing of the Animals worship service on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 3 to 3:30 p.m. It takes place outdoors on the Duke Chapel Quad, 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, North Carolina. Dogs, cats, and other animals will join ministers and the Durham Children's Choir for this Blessing of the Animals worship service on the Duke Chapel Quad. Pet owners are welcome to … [Read more...] about Blessing of the Animals at Duke University Chapel Quad Oct. 4
Animal Festival at Christus Victor Lutheran Church on Oct. 3
Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1615 E NC Hwy 54, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting an Animal Festival on October 3, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your two-legged, four-legged, feathered, or furry friends and join Christus Victor for a fun-filled Animal Festival. At the event, participants will celebrate the joy our animals bring to our lives with an animal blessing, community, and … [Read more...] about Animal Festival at Christus Victor Lutheran Church on Oct. 3
Blessing of the Animals at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Raleigh Oct. 4
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2723 Clark Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Bring your beloved pets or simply come to enjoy a joyful evening of worship, dinner, and music at the church's annual Blessing of the Animals. … [Read more...] about Blessing of the Animals at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Raleigh Oct. 4
Blessing of the Animals at Trinity Episcopal Church on Oct. 10, including food trucks, face painting and more
Trinity Episcopal Church, 1128 S Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, is hosting its annual Blessing of the Animals event on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 12 to 3 p.m. It's free to attend. The event includes: … [Read more...] about Blessing of the Animals at Trinity Episcopal Church on Oct. 10, including food trucks, face painting and more
