Planning a Dog-Friendly Day Around the Hagley Car Show — September 20

Worth-the-drive Sundays are what road-tripping co-pilots live for. On Sunday, September 20, the Hagley Car Show rolls out along the Brandywine at Hagley Museum and Library, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

What It Is

Billed as 'the Best Car Show in Delaware,' Hagley spreads 500+ cars — from the early 1900s to the 2000s — across gorgeous museum grounds along the creek. The 2026 edition carries a special feature honoring American independent automakers, the scrappy underdogs of automotive history. Admission is by the carload, and advance tickets are required (public on-sale opened July 15). It's a scenic, all-day show with genuinely rare metal.

First, the Honest Part About Dogs

This event is listed as 'check with host' for dogs, with the note: museum grounds — confirm current pet policy with Hagley. Museum properties frequently limit or prohibit pets, so please don't assume your dog can come. Before making any plans, confirm the current pet policy and buy your carload tickets straight from Hagley at hagley.org.

Two Ways to Play It

If Hagley confirms that leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome, terrific — bring your co-pilot and use the tips below. If pets aren't permitted on the grounds this year, don't force it: enjoy the show yourself and build the rest of the day around your dog. The Wilmington and Brandywine Valley area is loaded with dog-friendly parks, trails, and patios, and our Dog Adventure Plotter makes it easy to map a route so your pup gets a great day too — never a long wait in the car.

If Dogs Are Welcome, Pack Smart

  • Leash on the whole visit. Historic grounds, big crowds, and priceless cars call for a close, clipped-in dog at all times.
  • Water and a collapsible bowl. A five-hour show demands real hydration breaks — bring plenty and offer it often.
  • Chase the shade. The creekside setting has lovely tree cover; use it as your reset spot between laps of the field.
  • Mind the ground. Sun-baked paths and gravel get warm. If the back of your hand can't take seven seconds, paws can't either.
  • Never leave your dog in a parked car. With admission by the carload it's tempting to leave a pup behind 'just for a bit' — don't. Interior heat rises fast and dangerously. A dog's break is with you.
  • High-value treats. Crowds and history-rich distractions call for a reward worth focusing on. Our single-ingredient freeze-dried treats pocket easily and keep a good dog calm and attentive.
  • Clean up every time — it's how dogs earn a welcome at special venues.

Line Up the Next One

Whether your dog joins you at Hagley or meets you afterward, there's always another outing on deck. Browse the full Events Board for upcoming dog-friendly car events — including plenty of casual meets that are far more relaxed about leashed pups than a museum show.

Ella, our shotgun-seat co-pilot, is all for road trips that end in head scratches. Confirm the pet policy and tickets with Hagley, plan the day around what's best for your dog, and enjoy one of the region's finest fall shows. Wheels down, tails up.

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