Dog owners take note: this free, family-friendly event could equal big fun for you and your pooch.

Tomorrow night, Friday July 30th, Chute Square in Northeast Minneapolis is hosting an evening of doggie socializing, strutting, and shopping. All you need to bring is your dog, your imagination, and a jonesing for a fun night.

The Northeast Dog Parade is an annual event to celebrate the proverbial “Dog Days of Summer.” The evening starts off at 5pm with a picnic in Chute Square Park, giving you and your beloved pooch a chance to mingle and meet other folks and their canine counterparts. Dog owners are encouraged to dress your pets in costumes or outfits for the evening.

At 6pm following the picnic, it’ll be time for owners and their dogs to assemble for the parade at Chute Square, on the corner of Central and University, then at 6:15 the parade begins. The proud pooches and their owners will have their very own police escort, via Officer Elliot Wong of the MPD, and will march through the business district, ending at Red Stag Supper Club. You can download a map of the parade route as well.

After the parade from about 6:30 until 8, you and Fido can gather in front of the Red Stag, Key North and Popular Front for Dogtail Hour and a Flea Market. Enjoy a cocktail, then go shopping with your pet. You can stroll through a number of dog-friendly vendors selling their wares. The sidewalk sale continues through Saturday.

While the event is free, of course, bring some cash for cocktails and shopping.

For more information, visit www.northeastminneapolis.com or call (612) 230-6400 if you have questions.