Dog Days of Winter

Bring your pups out for fun on the Whitewater Center’s one-of-a-kind ice skating rink.

Check-In Location: River Center

Price: $12 per person

Dogs on Ice Opens: 10:00am

Dogs on Ice Closes: 4:30pm

Registration: Pre-registration is highly recommended. Day of registration is available only if capacity allows it.

Once registered, you may come anytime during the Dogs on Ice open period (10:00am-4:30pm).

About this Activity: Activities at the Whitewater Center are inherently dangerous. Ice can be slippery, wet, or sharp, and it is recommended that dogs wear boots or other paw coverings. Dogs without paw coverings should only be on the ice for 40 minutes or less, and paws should be washed afterward to remove residue from the ice. Close-toed shoes or ice cleats are required for humans. All dogs must be off-leash when on the ice rink and accompanied by their owners. Dogs must be on leash at all other times. No food or toys will be allowed on the ice rink. Capacity on the rink will be monitored for safety.

Grab a leash and hit the trails with your canine companion. Choose between a 5K trail race or a 1-mile walk around the whitewater channel. The last day to Pre-Register is Thursday, February 5th.

Packet Pick-up: Friday, February 6th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Dickson Center.

Race Day Check-In Location: Ridge Pavilion

Race Start Time: Saturday, February 7th at 10:00am

Dog Jog 5K Trail Race Price: $42 (Pre-Register)  $47 (Day of Registration)

1 Mile Walk Price: $25 (Pre-Register) $30 (Day of Registration)

Dog Days of Winter features local pet brands and services at the Whitewater Center. Swing by the various tents to get dog gear, treats and more.

Time: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

The Whitewater Center is partnering with pet adoption centers around the Charlotte area to find homes and improve the lives of animals. Shelters and rescue organizations will be located throughout vendor village.

Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Build a bowl made with healthy ingredients to reward your pup. View the menu here.

Price: $10

Location: Overlook Barn

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

Decorate a homemade dog treat with dog-friendly toppings.

Price: Free

Location: Big Drop Pavilion

Time: 1:00pm

Join us for a Canine Acupressure Class to learn simple, hands-on techniques that promote relaxation, improve digestion, and address common concerns like anxiety and allergies. Led by a Nationally Certified Canine Acupressure Practitioner, this class is perfect for pet owners who want to take an active role in their dog’s wellness.

Location: South Ridge

Time: 12:00pm

Agility is a fast paced and competitive dog sport involving a course of 10-25 obstacles that the dog and handler must navigate together for the fastest time. Watch dogs zoom through the agility course and get a chance to try it out for yourself (space permitting). Presented by Happy Dogs Training.

Location: River Jam Stage

Time: 10:30am, 12:30pm

Want to put your dog’s manners to the test? Join us for AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing with the professional trainers at Happy Dogs Training.

The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program promotes training and responsible dog ownership. The Canine Good Citizen test involves 10 items that the dog and its owner must complete to earn their title, including a test of obedience, sit-down-stay, and passing by a strange dog without saying “hello”.

The CGC program evaluates essential real-world skills like polite leash walking, reliable responses around distractions, calm greetings, and basic obedience. This is a great opportunity for dogs working toward therapy work, advanced training, or simply becoming a more confident, well-mannered companion.

Location: River Jam Stage

Time: 11:30am

Register at the Happy Dogs Training tent for $15 per dog. Availability is limited.

Try out UltiMutt’s mini obstacle course featuring obstacles like hoops, jumps and more.

Location: Levee

Time: 10:00am-4:30pm

The Enrichment Clinic, hosted by Zoom Room, introduces what enrichment is and why it matters for your dog. The clinic will cover basics of scent work, canine fitness activities and at-home enrichment practices before opening the floor to questions.

Location: Levee

Time: 2:00pm