Downtown Skokie Pups & Purrs Pet Picnic
Thursday, July 23, 2026 • 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A family-friendly summer festival benefiting Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.)
Buy Picnic Packs
Get ready for a tail-wagging summer evening in Downtown Skokie! The 2nd Annual Pups & Purrs Pet Picnic is one of Downtown Skokie's newest summer traditions, bringing together pets, families, great food, local businesses, and plenty of fun—all while supporting Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.).
Bring your dog, your family, and your friends for an evening filled with delicious food from Downtown Skokie restaurants, live entertainment, pet activities, local vendors, giveaways, and opportunities to meet fellow animal lovers.
The event takes place in a dedicated outdoor festival space behind Take Flight Spirits, RJ Breaks, and Kneads & Wants Bakery, creating a safe, comfortable, pet-friendly environment where guests can relax, picnic, and enjoy the evening together.
Event entrance is through the alley off the Lincoln Avenue parking lot at the head of Warren Street.
Admission Options
There are two ways to attend the Pet Picnic.
Picnic Pack + Admission
The best way to enjoy the event is with one of our Picnic Packs, created by participating Downtown Skokie restaurants and food businesses.
Each Picnic Pack includes:
A picnic-style meal
Admission for one dog and all accompanying humans
One complimentary Pup Cup
Access to all event activities and entertainment
Choose from a variety of delicious picnic meals including sandwiches, pizza, flautas, pastries, salads, desserts, snack boxes, and more.
Drinks, Cocktails & Sweet Treats
Your Picnic Pack is just the beginning!
Throughout the evening, Take Flight Spirits will serve cocktails, beer, wine, and other beverages from a special outdoor bar in the picnic area. It's the perfect way to relax, sip a handcrafted cocktail, and enjoy a summer evening with friends.
Looking for something sweet? Kneads & Wants Bakery will be open throughout the event, serving premium ice cream, milkshakes, coffee, desserts, baked treats, and refreshing beverages. Homemade dog treats will also be available for purchase so every member of the family can enjoy something special.
VIP Picnic Tables
Reserve the best seat at the Pet Picnic!
For $150, you'll receive a reserved picnic table for six guests, plus:
One gallon of lemonade or iced tea
Cups for your group
A 6-pack of Kneads & Wants chocolate chip cookies
Reserved dog water bowl
VIP Tables require the purchase of six Picnic Packs, one for each seat at the table. Those Picnic Packs include meals, admission, and six complimentary Pup Cups.
Bring as many dogs as you'd like—each dog simply needs a Pet Pass or Picnic Pack.
Pet Pass
Already have dinner plans? No problem!
Purchase a Pet Pass and enjoy everything the Pet Picnic has to offer.
Advance Purchase: $10 per dog
At the Event: $15 per dog
Each Pet Pass includes:
Admission for one dog and all accompanying humans
One complimentary Pup Cup
Access to all event activities and entertainment
Admission is based on the number of dogs attending—not the number of people.
Community Raffle
Take a chance to win exciting prizes donated by our generous sponsors and local businesses! Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event (cash only), with proceeds helping support Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.). You don't have to be present to purchase tickets, but winners must be present to claim their prize
What to Expect
There's something for every member of the family—whether they walk on two legs or four! Spend the evening exploring the festival, enjoying great food, making memories with your pet, and connecting with fellow animal lovers.
The Pup Cup
Cheer on the cutest competition of the summer! Our Pup Cup is a playful puppy soccer experience where young pups can chase soccer balls, make new friends, and have a blast in a safe, enclosed play area.
Wild Face Painting
Transform into your favorite animal with colorful, full-face artistic designs. Whether you want to become a tiger, puppy, butterfly, or something completely wild, our talented face painters will bring your imagination to life.
Pup Paint Studio
Create a one-of-a-kind keepsake as your pup becomes the artist! Dogs will create their own colorful masterpiece for you to take home as a lasting memory of the Pet Picnic.
Free Giveaways
Visit our sponsors and vendors throughout the evening to collect free pet products, treats, samples, coupons, and other fun giveaways. Thanks to generous partners like Pet Supplies Plus, there will be plenty of goodies for both pets and their people.
Pet Selfie Station
Capture the perfect photo with your four-legged best friend at our themed photo station. It's the perfect place to create a fun keepsake from the evening.
Community Raffle
Try your luck in our Community Raffle featuring gift cards, pet products, experiences, and other great prizes donated by local businesses and sponsors.
Local Vendors
Explore booths featuring local businesses, pet-focused vendors, community organizations, and event sponsors. Discover unique products, services, and resources while supporting the businesses that make Downtown Skokie special.
Food, Drinks & Sweet Treats.
Your Picnic Pack is just the start! Visit Take Flight Spirits' outdoor bar for handcrafted cocktails, beer, wine, and other beverages, then stop by Kneads & Wants Bakery for premium ice cream, milkshakes, desserts, coffee, homemade dog treats, and refreshing drinks throughout the evening.
Whether your pet loves making new friends, chasing a soccer ball, creating art, or simply relaxing beside you on a picnic blanket, there's something for everyone to enjoy at the 2nd Annual Pups & Purrs Pet Picnic.
Supporting C.A.R.E.
A portion of every admission and Picnic Pack benefits Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.), a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing homeless animals and finding them safe, loving homes.
By attending, you're helping support animals in need while also supporting Downtown Skokie's restaurants, shops, and small businesses.
Important Information
Dogs must remain leashed at all times.
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Most Picnic Pack meals are served cold or at room temperature.
Water stations will be available for pets.
The event will be be held rain or shine unless severe weather requires cancellation.
Become a Sponsor
Help make the 2nd Annual Pups & Purrs Pet Picnic a success while showcasing your business to hundreds of local pet owners and families. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses of all sizes and include recognition through event marketing, on-site signage, social media, and more. Your support helps create an unforgettable community event while benefiting Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) and strengthening Downtown Skokie.
Help Pets Find Their Forever Homes
Can't attend the Pet Picnic? You can still make a difference. Every donation to Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) helps provide lifesaving care and supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of homeless animals throughout our community.