- Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival returns in May 2026 at Brisbane Showgrounds, featuring its largest event to date across two days
- Largest-ever Breed Showcase will display over 30 dog breeds, including rare varieties like Borzoi and Yakutian Laika, with support from Dogs Queensland
- Event includes popular attractions such as Pat-A-Pooch zone, Adoption Zone, and new sports activities including Flyball and the Australian debut of Scurry Dog
- Expanded festival footprint features new outdoor zones and a comprehensive expo showcasing pet products, nutrition, accessories and technology
- Festival returns after two-year hiatus, running 16-17 May 2026, from 9am to 5pm daily
The Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival is set to deliver its biggest and most dog-filled event yet in 2026, with a record number of dogs bound for the Brisbane Showgrounds for two unforgettable days of canine celebration.
Taking place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May, the Festival will bring together loads of wonderful dogs, across a supersized program of attractions, giving visitors the ultimate opportunity to meet, learn about, and connect with incredible dogs of all shapes, sizes and personalities.
At the heart of the Festival will be the biggest ever Breed Showcase, proudly supported by Dogs Queensland, featuring more than 30 breeds and offering visitors the chance to engage directly with verified, reputable breeders and passionate experts from official breed clubs.
Visitors can expect to come face-to-face with some of Australia’s most beloved pups, from the always friendly Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever, and the playful Beagle, to gentle giants such as the Great Dane, Saint Bernard and Irish Wolfhound.
Adding to the excitement, the Breed Showcase will feature an incredible mix of rare and lesser-seen breeds, including the striking Borzoi, the eye-catching Peruvian Hairless Dog, the impressive Pyrenean Mountain Dog and the distinctive northern Yakutian Laika, giving visitors a unique opportunity to discover dogs they may never have encountered before.
With all participating Breed Clubs being official members of Dogs Queensland, visitors can feel confident they are receiving trusted advice and insights from credible sources when considering their next furry family member.
Beyond the Breed Showcase, the Festival will be alive with dogs and top products for dogs across every corner of the event.
The hugely popular Pat-A-Pooch zone will once again give visitors the chance to connect with a wide variety of friendly dogs, from small companion breeds to larger, affectionate family favourites.
For those looking to adopt, the dedicated Adoption Zone will connect animal lovers with adoption groups and dogs in need of their forever loving homes, reinforcing the Festival’s strong message around responsible pet ownership and adoption.
Action and excitement will take centre stage in the Festival’s high-energy dog sports arenas. The inaugural program for The Outback Arena will feature the ever-popular Flyball, Dog Sledding and the Australian debut of Scurry Dog, a competitive, UK export using gun dog skills in a fun sport for pet dogs. While the VitaPet Arena will feature a packed schedule of entertainment, demonstrations and educational sessions.
The Expo will feature a massive array of Dog loving brands, showcasing everything from premium nutrition and tasty treats to interactive toys, stylish accessories, and pet-friendly tech, making it the ultimate place to stock up for your dog, with countless products focused on their well-being and happiness.
Festival Director, Paul Mathers, said 2026 would mark a new era for the Brisbane event.
“This is without doubt the biggest celebration of dogs we’ve ever delivered in Brisbane, with loads of dogs and more ways for visitors to connect with them,” he said.
“The entire Festival is filled with our four-legged friends, from adoption and education through to sport, entertainment and hands-on experiences, but it is also an unmatched opportunity for dog lovers to shop everything they need for their pets in one place.
“With an enormous range of brands onsite, visitors can discover, compare and buy everything from premium food and treats to toys, accessories and the latest must haves, all at great value and exclusive Festival pricing.”
“Whether you are looking to meet popular breeds like Labradors and Poodles, discover rare breeds you’ve never seen before, or stock up on essentials or spoil your dog with something new, this is the Festival for you!”
Returning after a two-year hiatus, the 2026 Festival will feature an expanded footprint across the Brisbane Showgrounds, including new outdoor zones and a reimagined layout that creates Queensland’s ultimate dog lover destination.
With more dogs, more experiences and more opportunities to celebrate our favourite canine companions, the Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival is set to be the biggest and most exciting one yet.
For more information and tickets, visit: https://dogloversfestival.com.au/brisbane/
Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, 2026
9am to 5.00pm daily
Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
https://dogloversfestival.com.au/brisbane/
Contact details:
For media enquiries:
Vicky De George
Ph: 0405 151 485
