The Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival is returning to the Showgrounds in Bowen Hills for a two-day celebration of all things canine. After a two-year break, the event will take over the precinct on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026.
Organisers say this year’s edition is the biggest and most exciting they have ever delivered. The festival will run from 9:00am to 5:00pm each day at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
A Massive Shopping and Breed Showcase
The event will feature a bustling Dog Expo with more than 100 pet brands on site. Visitors can expect exclusive event-only deals on nutrition, treats, toys, and accessories.
A major highlight is the expanded Breed Showcase, supported by Dogs Queensland. The programme will feature more than 30 different dog breeds.
Attendees can meet family favourites like Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Beagles. The showcase also includes rare and remarkable breeds such as the Borzoi, Peruvian Hairless Dog and Yakutian Laika.
New Outdoor Action and Entertainment
The 2026 festival introduces a dedicated outdoor arena to showcase dogs in action. New activities include dog sledding and flyball.
Making its Australian debut is Scurry Dog, a fast-paced sport that brings gun-dog style challenges into a fun format for everyday dogs.
The popular VitaPet Arena will return with high-energy demonstrations. Leading experts and personalities appearing include Dr Katrina Warren, Kelly Gill, The Wonderdogs, Brooke Ellis, Lara Shannon and stars of ABC’s Muster Dogs.
Adoption and Community Connection
For those looking to connect with rescue animals, the Adoption Zone will link visitors with dogs seeking loving homes.
The Pat-A-Pooch experience will also return, inviting guests to spend quality time with a wide range of friendly canines.
Festival Director Paul Mathers said excitement is reaching fever pitch as Brisbane prepares for the event.
“We’re just over a week away from bringing Brisbane the biggest and most exciting Dog Lovers Festival we’ve ever delivered,” Mathers said.
He noted that the new format creates a true festival environment where visitors can explore indoor and outdoor experiences.
“With more dogs, more attractions and more opportunities to connect than ever before, this is set to be an unforgettable weekend for every dog lover,” he added.
Important Visitor Information
To ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors and participating dogs, organisers are asking people to leave their own pets at home.
Final tickets are on sale now via the official festival website. The event promises a weekend full of fun, entertainment and plenty of puppy smooches for everyone from devoted dog owners to families.
