There couldn’t be a more perfect time than the dog days of summer for pets to take center stage at the First Wednesday Art Walk. The fifth annual Art Walk/Pet Walk will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4 at venues throughout downtown Jacksonville.

Pets will be allowed and welcomed at many of the venues. Owners are welcome to bring any type of pet including cats, dogs, birds and hamsters.

The Florida Theatre will be pet central. There will be exhibits promoting pet health, pet art, pet adoptions and pet safety. Hemming Plaza will also have animal friendly activities. Springfield Animal Care and Rescue will be set up at the Central Fire Station and several venues, like the Bee Gallery and Chamblin’s Uptown, will showcase pet-focused works.

While pets may not be allowed in every venue, there will be plenty of outdoor locations for owners and their pets to enjoy the art walk. Several restaurants offer pet-friendly outdoor dining, including Café NOLA at MOCA and London Bridge Eatery and Pub.

More information about the First Wednesday Art Walk including a map of participating venues is available here.