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Two big cultural moments are kicking off this week — and your dog is invited to both.

The World Cup is here.
Pride month is here.

And the city is showing up for both in a big way.

Not your scene?

There's Shakespeare in the park and free ice cream.

NYC is delivering on all fronts this week — loud and celebratory or quiet and easy, your dog fits right in either way.

In this week’s email:

  • You Scream: Free Van Leeuwen🍦made just for doggos.

  • Serve: Pride month is upon us and your dog is included.

  • GOOOOOOOOOOOAL: World Cup Mania officially starts now.

Summer starts here (free gummies!)

The sun is here and we're back outside!

Longer days, lighter hangs, and THC gummies that fit the vibe. Grab a free pack of gummies from Cycling Frog! Just cover $4.99 shipping. Fruity, perfectly dosed, and made for campfires, park days, and whatever summer turns into.

Must be 21+ and only valid on 10ct bags of gummies.

NOT VALID IN OH, CA, CO, AL, LA AND NJ.

Tuesday June 2nd

Ollie & Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck Pop-Up @ Union Square Park, on Tue, 2 Jun, 11:00–15:00

Ollie and Van Leeuwen have collaborated on a non-dairy Peanut Butter & Banana scoop made with coconut cream and oat milk — free for dogs. Humans get free scoops of classic Van Leeuwen flavors.

Julius Caesar @ Central Park, on Tue, 2 Jun, 19:00

NY Classical Theatre's panoramic, movement-based staging of Julius Caesar plays on the grass at West 103rd St — no seats, which makes it one of the more dog-accommodating cultural evenings in the city. Free, leashed, and worth the blanket.

Wednesday June 3rd

Dog Crafts @ Bryant Park Art Cart, on Wed, 3 Jun, 11:30–13:30

AKC Museum of the Dog educators run a free weekly dog-themed craft workshop on Bryant Park's upper terrace — new craft each week, all materials included, no registration needed. Dogs welcome in the surrounding outdoor space; runs every Wednesday through August.

Wagular Wednesdays @ Sojourn Social, on Wed, 3 Jun, from 17:00

Every Wednesday this UES bar dedicates its enclosed back patio to dog owners — yappy hour pricing for humans, a barkcuterie board for the dog, and a crowd that skews heavily toward other dog parents. No RSVP needed; decide the day of.

Thursday June 4th

Bark After Dark: World Cup Pup @ AKC Museum of the Dog, on Thu, 4 Jun, 18:00–20:00

The museum's after-hours social series returns with a World Cup theme — explore the collection with your dog alongside live music, themed photo-ops, and canine activities. Dogs are encouraged to sport team colors; tickets typically sell out in advance.

Puppy Party @ JustFoodForDogs, on Thu, 4 Jun, 18:30

A free weekly session for puppies restricted from regular group play — structured, sanitized, and run by experienced professional trainers. One of the more purposeful socialization options in the city; email RSVP required, walk-in availability not guaranteed.

Friday June 5th

Sip & Paint a Pet Portrait @ Barking Dog UES, on Fri, 5 Jun, 17:30–19:30

Artist Michele Cahill pre-sketches your dog's portrait so you arrive ready to trace and paint — one-on-one instruction while you dine, with a duplicate portrait painted alongside you. Pre-payment required; send a photo of your pet in advance.

Dog-Friendly Comedy Show: Pride Edition @ Boris & Horton, on Fri, 5 Jun, 19:00–21:00

Boris & Horton's comedy night gets a Pride makeover — LGBTQ+ comedians, the After Dark menu, and dogs welcome throughout. All ticket sales benefit local animal rescues.

Saturday June 6th

FIDO Prospect Park Coffee Bark, on Sat, 6 Jun, 07:30–08:30

FIDO's monthly park social on the Long Meadow lawn — free coffee, fresh pastries, and dog biscuits during off-leash hours below the Picnic House. A low-key Saturday morning that connects you with the people who actually care about this park.

Woof Fest: Paws for Pride 2026 @ Manhattan West Plaza, on Sat, 6 Jun, 12:00–15:00

NYC's premier Pride Month dog event — now in its sixth year — with live drag performances, a Walk of Pride catwalk contest at 13:30, vendor activations, and a partnership with The Good Dog Foundation. Complete the waiver in advance for a free collapsible water bowl at check-in. Note: sensitive or reactive dogs may find the crowd and noise levels challenging.

Summer Bash for Pets @ Heart of Chelsea, on Sat, 6 Jun, 11:00–14:00

Simultaneous block parties celebrating Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group's two new clinics in Greenpoint and the West Village — doggy photo booth, custom pet portraits, free giveaways, and food from the Woof Bowl truck. Two neighborhoods, one morning.

Sunday June 7th

Petco Love Mega Adoption Event @ Union Square Park, on Sun, 7 Jun, 11:00–16:00

Union Square Park transforms into a rescue hub with 200–400 adoptable dogs and cats from multiple networks — same-day adoptions available for pre-approved applicants. Live music, kid-friendly zones, and free giveaways from major pet brands.

Smorgasburg @ Prospect Park, on Sun, 7 Jun, 11:00–18:00

NYC's largest weekly food market — 100+ vendors, a full outdoor bar, and dogs officially welcome at the Sunday Prospect Park location. Early June is a sweet spot before peak summer crowds. Note: dogs are not permitted at the Saturday Williamsburg location.

Tony Awards Viewing Party @ Boris & Horton, on Sun, 7 Jun, 15:00–19:00

The 79th Annual Tony Awards air live — Boris & Horton rolls out the red carpet with pup-arazzi photo ops, best dressed awards for dogs, small bites, and hosting by AD Deca. Dress to impress; that includes your dog.

Ask a Dog Expert

Ever wondered if too much free ice cream is bad for your dog?

With Van Leeuwen handing out free scoops this week, it's a fair question. We're building a section where Dog World readers get real answers from the people who actually know — vets, trainers, groomers, and more.

Hit reply and send it in.

Get out there this week — the weather is finally on your side.

And if something about your pup has been on your mind, send it over. It might be the next question we put to an expert.

The World Cup. Pride. Free ice cream. Shakespeare in the park. Your dog has opinions — get out there and find out which side they're on.

And if the ice cream question is still nagging at you, hit reply. It might just be our next expert answer.

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