Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn celebrating dogs this weekend

Pet owners can spend some quality time with their dogs this weekend at two pooch-friendly events: Carol Stream's CSBarks Dog Festival and Glen Ellyn's Poochapalooza.

Both fests will give visitors the chance to see dogs display their skills and strength.

Poochapalooza will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Spring Avenue Dog Park, 185 Spring Ave.

Dogs will be able to enjoy an agility course and off-leash area while human visitors can watch canine performances and demonstrations, including a herding event with border collies from Heatherhope Farm.

Guests also can get animal-related information at booths, and each dog receives a VIP (Very Important Pooch) bag, complete with goodies.

"It's a great way to get to know the dog park ... as well as get to know others in the area with their pets," Recreation Supervisor Jessica Marquez said.

On Sunday, Carol Stream Park District's CSBarks runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ross Ferraro Town Center, Gary Avenue and Lies Road.

Residents can bring their dogs to the free event, which features demonstrations, activities and more than 70 vendors.

In one demonstration, guests will be able to see the Skydogz catch flying discs. There also will be an afternoon parade of breeds.

Pet lovers can have their own dogs participate in a variety of activities, including wiener dog races and a dog Olympics.

Community Relations Manager Kelly Carbon said the "crown jewel" of the event is the dock diving competition.

"(There are) three splashes during the day and the dogs will compete against one another to see how far they can jump off the dock into the pool of water," Carbon said. "Even if you don't have a dog, it's certainly a great activity to come and watch and cheer on the dogs."

Carbon said the festival will be an "action-packed, fun-filled day."

"This event was designed with the dog in mind," she said.