Ready for summer? It’s already upon us so you’d better jump in before it’s gone. And don’t forget to bring your dog with you, because our dogs enjoy it as much as we do.

Surely you and your dog already have discovered the things you enjoy doing most during summer, from Frisbee at the park to lazing around in the backyard after a wet round or two with the garden hose. But when you’re ready to explore new adventures, you’ve got a whole lot places and events to choose from. Here are five suggestions from Alcott that are guaranteed to deliver a lot of fun and many memories.

Kirkland, Washington, in the Greater Seattle area, hosts the annual Go Dog, Go! Canine Festival and Dog Walk, held this year on Saturday, July 28, at Juanita Beach Park. The agility-course try-its and more than 70 booths will keep you and your dog busy, as will the many free contests and games, the live music and entertainers. For dogs with a lot of spring in their step, there’s the Skyhoundz Disc Dogathon, which takes catching Frisbees to a whole new (and higher) level. The food vendors cater to both dogs and their owners to fortify you throughout the day. Admission is free!

San Diego, Miami and New York City will be celebrating the second annual National Dog Party Day on Friday, June 22, and you definitely don’t want to be the pooper at this one. The three-hour bash features plenty of activities, such as K-9 Karaoke, “Snoopy Sez” contests and, of course, lots to eat. Organized through a partnership between Four-Legged Mission and Pet Sitters International, this event promises much fun for good causes. The $25 admission goes to SNAP (Spay & Neuter Action Project), Bideawee and Paws 4 You Rescue. Click the link to find out the details on the party nearest you.

You don’t need to live on the coast to hit the beach with your pup. On Thursday, July 19, you both can go to the 10^th annual Paws Chicago Beach Party at the North Avenue Beach Boathouse. Live music, open bar, a dinner buffet and lots of lounging in the sand—with at least 500 owners and 100 dogs, most dressed in their finest beachwear. The $150 (for you) and $50 (for your dog) admission fee is all-inclusive and supports PAWS Chicago’s Adoption & Humane Center and its spay/neuter clinic. This event has become a highlight of every Windy City summer.

If you’re near the Twin Cities, you and your dog cannot miss the Bubble Bath Party held on the last Wednesday of the month all summer long at St. Louis Park in Minneapolis. For $15 you get a washing stall and lots of soapy suds and water, not to mention snacks, a raffle ticket and discounts on nail clippings and other pooch-pampering activities. These events are organized by Bubbly Paws dog grooming, and $5 of the fee is donated to various dog rescue centers in the area.

Wrap up the summer at Fido’s Festival USA, in Woodstown, NJ, on September 22 and 23. The Salem County Fairgrounds hosts the two-day event that combines a “Howlywood” theme with inventive dog activities and contests. From a pooch Walk of Fame parade to a glitz-and-glamour costume contest, to an obstacle course and off-leash play area to dock diving, this celebration of all things canine packs a lot of fun for your dog—and for you.

And there are so many more—from Poochapalooza in Marysville, WA, to Dog Days of Summer at Mutt Lynch Winery in Sonoma County, CA, to Boston’s Happy Tails Celebration.  To find the right ones for you, consult our wonderful pals at www.bringfido.com, where you’ll find so many things to do tha you and your pooch are going to need a serious nap when you’re finished.

As you know, bringing dogs to places with a lot of people as well as a lot of other dogs can be stressful sometimes, but the smart folks at Dogs Day Out Seattle offer these great tips for keeping things under control. Now, jump into summer, and bring your furry friend with you.