Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend - May
Hi, pack! May is officially here, which means Orlando just hit that sweet spot of cool mornings, patio-perfect evenings, and a calendar absolutely stuffed with reasons to get your pup out of the house. Cinco de Paw-yo! Mother’s Day! A big rivalry match! Memorial Day weekend! If you’re wondering what to do with your dog in Orlando this May, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything on our radar — including a few new Dougie’s specials that are just about to drop.
First things first: May is National Pet Month!
Basically a whole month dedicated to spoiling your best friend. You don’t need to tell us twice. Our new Scrub & Sip deal goes live this month. Drop your pup next door at The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel for a spa-day scrub, then stroll on over to Dougie’s for a discount beer or wine. Clean dog, cold drink, zero effort. That’s the kind of multitasking we can get behind.
Weekend of May 2–4: Cinco de Paw-yo is here!
Cinco de Mayo technically lands on a Tuesday this year, so naturally, Orlando’s partying all weekend. But here’s the catch: most of the big events downtown aren’t exactly tail-friendly. So we’re throwing our own fiesta. We just dropped brand-new margaritas and fresh quesadillas on the main menu! Bring your best bud, grab a marg, let your pup make some new amigos in the yard.
A full Cinco de Paw-yo rundown is coming soon. Stay tuned!
May 9–10: Mother’s Day weekend (yes, dog moms count)
We will die on this hill. Dog moms deserve the flowers, the brunch, AND the tail wags.
Some ideas for a dog-mom-approved Sunday:
Leu Gardens — moms get in free on Mother’s Day and leashed pups are welcome on the paths. The shade game in May is unmatched.
Lake Eola Farmers Market — Sunday mornings, dog-friendly, packed with local vendors. Lap the lake, then hit the market.
Brunch on our patio — mom relaxes, pup hits the splash zone, everyone wins. That’s the Dougie’s formula.
We’ve got a full dog-mom post dropping next week too — consider this your warm-up.
May 16: Orlando City hosts Atlanta — pre-game with us!
For the Lions fans in the pack: Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 PM. It’s going to be LOUD and it’s going to be fun. Inter&Co isn’t dog-friendly (we know, we know), but we’re just a few minutes up the road. Here’s the play: drop your pup off at Ark daycare next door in the morning, stop buy after work, watch the match with your dog on our 16’ jumbo tron.
Another new thing: Daycare Checkout Happy Hour
Launching this month: if you’re grabbing your pup from Ark daycare during our happy hour window, show your pickup receipt at the bar and we’ll hook you up with member drink pricing — member or not.
Why? Because half our daycare pickup crowd was already strolling over anyway. Might as well make it official. Tired dog, cold drink, zero guilt. You’re welcome.
Memorial Day weekend (May 22–25): mark your calendars
This is going to be a big one. Two things to put on the calendar right now:
Friday May 22 — Top Gun Night! We’re kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a patio screening of Top Gun, themed cocktails (Maverick margs and Goose shots, obviously), and a benefit for K9s For Warriors. A portion of the night goes directly to an incredible organization that pairs rescued service dogs with post-9/11 veterans. Mark it down.
While we have your attention: book summer boarding NOW
We say this every year. People wait. Then they call us in late June in a panic. So — consider this your friendly heads up, from one dog person to another. If you’re traveling anytime in June, July, or August, book The Ark today. Memorial Day weekend suites are almost gone. Fourth of July historically fills 90%+ by mid-June. Don’t be the person calling on June 28th hoping for a miracle.
Book online at www.arkpethotel.com or walk over to the front desk when you’re here. Easy peasy.
New at Dougie’s this month — the rapid rundown
Margaritas + fresh quesadillas — now on the main menu. Pair beautifully with the splash zone.
Scrub & Sip — bath at The Ark, drink on us while you wait. Match made in the Packing District.
Daycare Checkout Happy Hour — show your pickup receipt, get discounted beer and wine. No membership needed.
That’s the month! May is going to be one big wag. Come hang with us, bring your bestest boy or girl, and let’s make it a good one.
See you on the patio! — The Dougie’s Pack
