Smiling Australian Shepherd dog at the Dog Lovers Festival Sydney with glowing festival signage and heart-shaped lights in the background.

Dog Lovers Festival – Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane

Forget Netflix nature docs — this is where 800 dogs take over the showgrounds and remind you that humans are just supporting characters. The Dog Lovers Festival is part shopping mall, part circus, part cuddle puddle — and if you’ve ever wanted to justify dropping $200 on organic paw balm, this is the place. Expect fur, chaos, and serotonin on tap.

Watch It in Action

Sneak Peek: Pure Pooch Pandemonium

Location

Sydney
Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
Fetch Tickets Here

Melbourne
Melbourne Showgrounds, Flemington VIC 3031
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Brisbane
Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
Fetch Tickets Here

Dates

Sydney: 23–24 August 2025
Melbourne: 25–26 October 2025
Brisbane: 16–17 May 2026
Duration: 2 days per city
Frequency: Annual
Website: dogloversfestival.com.au

Price

Adult: from $35
Kids & concessions available
Tickets via Eventbrite (strictly online)

The BioHax Take

This isn’t your average dog show. It’s Woodstock for woofers. Sydney sets the stage with Olympic Park going full paw-ty. Melbourne brings its pedigree polish, and Brisbane caps it off with a slobber-soaked, sunshine-state blowout. You’ll watch stunt dogs that make agility TikToks look like child’s play, discover gadgets you didn’t know your dachshund needed, and probably cry during the rescue parade. It’s unhinged, wholesome, and aggressively cute. Bring patience. Bring tissues. And maybe leave the black pants at home — you’ll be covered in fur.

Photo Credit: Dog Lovers Festival — Crowds exploring exhibitor stalls and live BackTrack dog training demonstrations at the festival.

Who It’s For

Families who want guaranteed squeals
Solo dog obsessives who know more breeds than people
Couples on a “let’s see if we’re ready for a puppy” date
Kids who think Paw Patrol is a documentary

What’s On Offer

Exclusive Shopping: One of Australia’s largest pop-up dog supermarkets — from smart collars to canine cupcakes, plus festival-only specials and free samples.
Exhibitors: 100s of stands flogging toys, treats, beds, tech, grooming, insurance, and trainers. If it’s got a paw print on it, it’s here.
Festival Specials: Exclusive discounts, competitions, and samples you’ll brag about later.
Amazing Attractions: Stunt dogs, agility rigs, educational showcases, rescue dog parades, and cuddle zones.
Star Talent: Celebrity trainers, dog-behaviour whisperers, and personalities who love dogs almost as much as you do.

Photo Credit: Dog Lovers Festival — From show-stopping dog breeds on display to talented pups driving toy cars, the festival blends cute with pure entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog with me?
Nope. Leave your pup at home. With 800+ carefully selected dogs on site, it’s already a canine carnival. Safety, hygiene, and sanity say no. (Assistance and service dogs? Absolutely welcome.)

Why can’t visitor dogs attend?
Because thousands of strange dogs in one space is the kind of chaos no human can control. We’d need vaccine checks, behaviour tests, and full-time referees. Instead, the festival dogs are hand-picked, monitored, and stress-free. Yours will thank you for the day off.

Is it safe for kids?
Yes. That’s why visitor dogs stay home — no surprise tail-pulling disasters. It’s family-friendly, child-proofed, and chaos contained.

What about tied-up dogs or dogs left in cars?
Hard no. Don’t do it. Security will report it. Festival over.

Will my dog miss out?
Not at all. You’ll come home with bags of treats, toys, and smug knowledge to improve their life. Plus, there are literally hundreds of dogs for you to cuddle while you’re there.

Where do I get tickets?
Eventbrite. Online only. Don’t buy from sketchy social media “sellers” unless you like paying for PDFs that don’t scan.

Do you accept Companion Cards?
Yes. Show the card and grab the right ticket type for your carer. Easy.

Can I change the name on my ticket?
Yep. Log into Eventbrite and edit your order. Or email info@dogloversfestival.com.au if you’re stuck.

Does my ticket cover Cat Lovers Festival too?
Yes. Two festivals, one ticket. But both must be on the same day. Cats aren’t about to wait.

Can I go both days on one ticket?
Nope. One ticket = one day.

I can’t find my ticket. What now?
Check your inbox, downloads folder, or spam for the Eventbrite email. Still missing? Eventbrite can re-send.

Refunds?
No refunds. If you can’t make it, gift your ticket to a fellow dog tragic.

Do I need to print my ticket?
Not unless you’re nostalgic for paper cuts. Phone scan works fine.

What if it rains?
The show goes on. It’s indoors and undercover. The dogs don’t mind a little drizzle anyway.

Are there hidden costs once inside?
Nope. All attractions and shows are included in your ticket. Just bring your card for food, drinks, and impulse shopping.

Cash or card?
The venue is cashless. Some exhibitors may take cash, but count on plastic.

Accessibility?
Yes. Accessible toilets, ramps, lifts, and parking are available. The venues are wheelchair-friendly.

Food & drinks?
Bring your own snacks or buy from the food vendors. Just no glass, no booze, and no tantrums when security confiscates them.

Can I buy or adopt a dog on the day?
No instant adoptions or impulse buys here. You can meet rescue groups and breeders, start the process, and plan your future fur-kid responsibly.

What’s the shopping like?
Think giant doggy department store. Beds, toys, tech, insurance, food, collars, fashion, supplements, photographers, groomers, vets, and brands you didn’t even know existed. Plus, show-only specials and free samples.

Storage for purchases?
Yes — free visitor storage in the Dome Foyer (10:30am–5pm). Hand-carried items only. No trolleys, no suitcases, no excuses.

Photo Credit: Dog Lovers Festival — From puppy-carrying fashionistas to fearless dogs launching into the DockDogs pool, the festival delivers both style and high-flying stunts.