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. 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,” Mathers commented “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.”
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.
“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.” Mathers commented “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/