2nd Annual Pups & Purrs Pet Picnic Returns to Downtown Skokie July 23

Downtown Skokie's favorite four-legged tradition is back! The 2nd Annual Pups & Purrs Pet Picnic takes place Thursday, July 23 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, a family-friendly summer festival benefiting Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.).

Bring your dog, your family, and your friends for an evening of great food, live entertainment, pet activities, local vendors, and giveaways. The fun takes place in a dedicated outdoor festival space behind Take Flight Spirits, RJ Breaks, and Kneads & Wants Bakery. The event entrance is through the alley off the Lincoln Avenue parking lot at the head of Warren Street.

There are two easy ways to attend:

Picnic Packs include a picnic-style meal from a Downtown Skokie restaurant, admission for one dog and all accompanying humans, a complimentary Pup Cup, and access to all activities. Choose from fresh salads and shareable sides from Libertad, sandwiches from Kneads & Wants, pizza from Village Inn, flautas, and more.

Pet Passes are perfect for those who already have dinner plans. Each pass includes admission for one dog and all their humans, plus a complimentary Pup Cup. Advance passes are $10 per dog, or $15 at the event.

Want the best seat in the house? Reserve a VIP Picnic Table for six, complete with lemonade or iced tea, a 6-pack of chocolate chip cookies, and a reserved dog water bowl.

Throughout the evening, guests can sip handcrafted cocktails from Take Flight Spirits' outdoor bar, cheer on the puppy soccer action at the Pup Cup, visit the Pup Paint Studio and Pet Selfie Station, enjoy face painting, collect vendor giveaways, and try their luck in the Community Raffle.

Best of all, a portion of every admission and Picnic Pack goes directly to C.A.R.E. to help homeless animals find safe, loving homes.

Event Details:
What: 2nd Annual Pups & Purrs Pet Picnic
When: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 5:00 to 9:00 PM
Where: Downtown Skokie, behind Take Flight Spirits, RJ Breaks, and Kneads & Wants Bakery (enter through the alley off the Lincoln Avenue parking lot at the head of Warren Street)
Tickets: downtownskokie.community/petshop

Dogs must remain leashed at all times, and the event will be held rain or shine unless severe weather requires cancellation. See you (and your pup) there!