October Dog-Friendly Events in Severna Park, MD: Your 2025 Guide to Fall Fun with Your Pup
October in Severna Park, Maryland delivers the perfect combination of crisp autumn weather and exciting community events—making it the ideal month to explore the area with your four-legged companion.
As summer’s heat fades and cooler temperatures settle over Anne Arundel County, dogs become more energetic and eager for outdoor adventures. This comprehensive guide highlights specific dog-friendly events taking place throughout October 2025, from pet costume contests to fall festivals where your furry friend is welcome to join in the fun.
Before heading out to any of these events, consider scheduling a grooming appointment to ensure your dog looks and feels their best. Fresh nail trims are particularly important for festival season—overgrown nails can become uncomfortable during extended walking on pavement and hard surfaces. A clean, well-maintained coat also makes post-event cleanup much easier when your pup inevitably collects leaves, dirt, and outdoor debris during their adventures.
Major October Dog-Friendly Events
Kinder Farm Park Fall Fun Day – Saturday, October 11
Location: Kinder Farm Park, 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road, Millersville
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Admission: No gate fee; tickets sold at event for specific activities
While Kinder Farm Park’s annual Fall Fun Day is primarily a family event, leashed dogs are welcome to accompany their owners through many areas of this beloved 288-acre park. This is one of the park’s signature annual fundraisers, hosted by the Friends of Kinder Farm Park.
Event Highlights:
- Pumpkin patch (tickets required)
- Hayrides through the scenic park
- Straw maze for kids
- Scarecrow-making classes ($20, registration required in advance)
- Face painting by professional artists
- Local craft and food vendors
- Farmhouse tours of the historic Kinder Family home
- Demonstrations by Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company
- Farm animal encounters (observe from appropriate distance with dogs)
Dog-Friendly Aspects: While some activities like the hayrides may not accommodate dogs, your pup can enjoy walking the park grounds, visiting vendor areas, and experiencing the autumn atmosphere. The park’s regular walking trails remain open during the event, offering a quieter alternative if your dog prefers less crowded areas.
Planning Your Visit: October weather in Maryland can vary, so check forecasts and dress in layers. Bring water for your dog, as they may not be available at all vendor locations. The event takes place rain or shine, so be prepared for potential muddy conditions that will require post-event paw cleaning.
Maryland Corn Maze “Bring Your Dog Weekend” – November 1-2
Location: Maryland Corn Maze, 389 Gambrills Road, Gambrills
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Saturdays), 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sundays)
Admission: $17.95 online (discounts available for groups and military)
While technically falling just after October, the Maryland Corn Maze’s “Bring Your Dog Weekend” is worth marking on your calendar. This is the ONLY weekend when dogs are allowed at this popular attraction, which has been named one of the 25 best corn mazes in the United States.
2025 Theme: “Get Lost in the Land of Oz… It’s Going to Be Wicked!” – perfectly timed with the Wicked: Part Two movie release.
What’s Included:
- Access to the 8-acre corn maze with GPS-coordinated smartphone game
- 16-foot viewing tower (staff can assist if you get truly lost!)
- Farmyard activities including giant hillside slide
- Bounce pad and tire mountain
- Petting zoo (supervise dogs carefully)
- Hay pyramid and rope ladders
- Corn cannons and slingshots
- Fresh apple cider donuts and corn dogs
- Photo opportunities throughout the farm
Dog Requirements: All dogs must be leashed and well-behaved. They should be comfortable around crowds, children, and farm animals. This is an active environment with lots of sensory stimulation—if your dog is reactive or anxious in busy settings, consider whether this event is appropriate for them.
Additional October Activities in the Severna Park Area
Fall Festivals at Homestead Gardens – Weekends Throughout October
Location: Homestead Gardens, Davidsonville
Days: Saturdays and Sundays throughout October
Dogs are welcome year-round at Homestead Gardens, making their weekend fall festivals an excellent recurring option throughout the month.
Activities Include:
- Meeting barnyard animals (maintain safe distance with dogs)
- Hayrides through the property
- Pumpkin selection and picking
- Hay maze exploration
- Face painting and pony rides (for kids)
- Live music performances
- Seasonal food sampling
- Antique farm equipment displays
2025 Critter Crawl – Pet Costume Contest
Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Time: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM | Judging starts at 2:30 PM
Location: Homestead Gardens Davidsonville – Beer Farm
Showcase Your Pet’s Halloween Spirit and Support a Great Cause!
Get ready for our annual Homestead Gardens Critter Crawl, a fun-filled pet costume contest that celebrates Halloween in style while benefiting the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. This year, we’re excited to host this festive event during our Fall Festival, adding an extra layer of excitement and community spirit to the day.
Dress up your furry, feathered, or scaly friends in their best Halloween costumes for a chance to win incredible prizes and gain bragging rights as the most creative or adorable pet of the day. The event is sponsored by VCA South Arundel, ensuring a high-energy, enjoyable experience for all participants.
Event Details:
- Registration: Sign up by October 25th at midnight to secure your spot in the contest. Simply complete the form provided on the website to enter.
- Check-In: Begins at 2:00 PM on October 26th at our Davidsonville location.
- Judging: Takes place promptly at 2:30 PM. Make sure to arrive early to ensure your pet is ready to impress!
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate Halloween with your pets and support a worthy cause. Join us for the Critter Crawl, have fun, and help raise funds for the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.
Annapolis Town Center Events
The Annapolis Town Center regularly hosts pet-friendly events throughout October. Beyond Barktoberfest, the shopping district welcomes leashed dogs to walk the outdoor areas, and several restaurants with outdoor seating accommodate well-behaved pets.
Location Advantages:
- Just 15 minutes from Severna Park
- Pet-friendly outdoor shopping district
- Water bowl stations at many establishments
- Fall decorations create photo-worthy backdrops
- Easy parking in nearby garages
Parks and Trails Perfect for October Adventures
Kinder Farm Park Daily Visits
Beyond the Fall Fun Day event, Kinder Farm Park offers year-round dog-friendly spaces that are particularly beautiful in October.
Dog-Specific Areas:
- Designated off-leash dog park areas where your pup can socialize
- Paved walking trails through fall foliage
- Open meadows perfect for leashed walks
- Farm animal viewing areas (maintain appropriate distance)
October Advantages: Cooler temperatures make extended walks comfortable, and fall foliage creates stunning scenery. Weekend mornings attract the local dog community, offering excellent socialization opportunities for friendly pups.
Park Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
Admission: $6 per vehicle (Anne Arundel County residents); slightly higher for non-residents
Dog Policy: Dogs must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas; owners must clean up after pets
Baltimore & Annapolis Trail (B&A Trail)
The B&A Trail transforms into an autumn showcase during October, with trees displaying brilliant fall colors along the paved pathway.
Trail Details:
- 13+ miles of paved trail (multiple access points near Severna Park)
- Completely flat terrain suitable for all fitness levels
- Wide enough to accommodate walkers, joggers, and cyclists
- Paved surface remains accessible even after rain
October Highlights:
- Peak fall foliage typically occurs mid-October
- Cooler temperatures eliminate hot pavement concerns
- Morning walks offer the best light for photos
- Weekend mornings feature active walking community
Dog Etiquette: Keep dogs on leash, step aside for cyclists, and always carry waste bags. The trail’s popularity means you’ll encounter many other users—practice good recall and leash manners.
Preparing Your Dog for October Events
Health and Safety Essentials
Weather Considerations: Maryland’s October temperatures typically range from the 50s to low 70s. Short-coated or small dogs may need sweaters on cooler days, especially if you’ll be stationary at events rather than continuously walking.
Hydration: Even in cooler weather, active dogs need water access. Bring a collapsible bowl and bottled water to all events. Festival excitement and activity increase hydration needs.
Paw Care: Check paw pads before and after events. Rough concrete, gravel paths, and extended walking can wear on pads. Dogs unaccustomed to long walks should build stamina gradually before attending all-day events.
Tick Prevention: Maryland ticks remain active through October, particularly in wooded areas and grassy parks. Ensure your dog’s tick prevention is current and perform thorough tick checks after woodland adventures. Check ears, between toes, and under collar areas where ticks prefer to hide.
Behavioral Considerations
Crowd Comfort: Not every dog enjoys bustling festival environments. Signs of stress include excessive panting (beyond temperature), tucked tail, pinned ears, hiding behind you, or refusing normally-loved treats. Respect these signals—it’s okay to leave early or choose quieter activities.
Socialization Assessment: Events with multiple dogs require good social skills. Your dog should be comfortable with: other dogs approaching, children reaching to pet them, loud noises, and novel sights like costumes or decorations.
Training Refreshers: Before attending crowded events, practice:
- Loose-leash walking in distracting environments
- “Leave it” command for dropped food
- Calm greetings with other dogs and people
- Recall response even with exciting distractions
Grooming for Events
Professional grooming before October events provides multiple benefits beyond appearance:
Practical Benefits:
- Clean coats shed less and pick up less debris
- Trimmed nails prevent discomfort during extended walking
- Well-maintained coats dry faster if your dog gets wet
- Ear cleaning reduces infection risk after outdoor exposure
Seasonal Coat Management: Many dogs experience coat transitions during October as they shed summer fur while growing winter undercoat. Professional grooming manages this transition more effectively than home brushing alone, reducing excessive shedding and preventing mats.
Convenience Factor: Mobile grooming services bring professional care directly to your driveway, eliminating transportation stress and saving time—particularly valuable when weekends fill with festival plans.
Event Etiquette: Being a Responsible Dog Owner
Leash Laws and Regulations
Anne Arundel County requires dogs to be leashed in public spaces except designated off-leash areas. Even exceptionally trained dogs should remain leashed at events—it’s both legally required and considerate of others who may be uncomfortable around off-leash dogs or have reactive pets.
Proper Leash Length: Use a standard 4-6 foot leash at crowded events. Retractable leashes can tangle with other attendees and don’t provide adequate control in busy environments.
Waste Management
Always carry multiple waste bags and clean up immediately. Many events provide waste stations, but never assume they’ll be conveniently located when you need them. Leaving waste behind creates problems for the entire dog community and can lead to pets being banned from future events.
Interaction Guidelines
Before Allowing Greetings: Always ask permission before allowing your dog to interact with other dogs or people. Not all dogs want to meet new friends, and not all owners appreciate uninvited approaches—even from the friendliest pups.
Reading Other Dogs’ Signals: Learn to recognize when other dogs are uncomfortable. Signs include stiff body posture, raised hackles, lip licking, yawning, or turning away. Respect these signals and give space.
Child Interactions: Supervise all interactions between your dog and unfamiliar children. Even gentle dogs can become overwhelmed by enthusiastic young admirers. Teach children to ask before petting and approach calmly.
Final Thoughts
Severna Park’s reputation as a pet-friendly community shines particularly bright during October when outdoor events and perfect weather combine to create memorable experiences for dogs and their owners. From costume contests to corn mazes, festival attendance to trail hiking, the options accommodate every dog’s temperament and energy level.
The key to successful October adventures lies in matching activities to your individual dog’s preferences and comfort zone. A high-energy young dog might thrive at Barktoberfest’s bustling atmosphere, while a senior pup might prefer peaceful morning walks through Kinder Farm Park’s trails. Neither choice is better—what matters is prioritizing your dog’s enjoyment and wellbeing.
Preparation sets the foundation for positive experiences. Well-groomed dogs are more comfortable during activities, and owners who understand event etiquette contribute to maintaining Severna Park’s welcoming environment for all community members—both two-legged and four-legged.
As October’s leaves change and autumn settles over Severna Park, grab the leash, call your dog, and discover the adventures waiting throughout Anne Arundel County. Whether exploring familiar parks with fresh perspective or venturing to new destinations in neighboring communities, this October can create lasting memories celebrating the special relationship you share with your four-legged family member.
Remember to check event websites for the most current information, weather policies, and any updates to dog policies. Some events may require advance registration or have capacity limits. Planning ahead ensures you and your pup don’t miss out on Severna Park’s best October offerings.
