Top 10 Tips to make the most of the Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival 2026!

Brisbane will be bursting with puppy love on May 16 & 17 as dog lovers from across Queensland and beyond come together for one of the greatest dog-dedicated festivals on the planet.

The Dog Lovers Festival is headlining the Brisbane Showgrounds for two unforgettable days packed with incredible dog breeds, action-packed dog sports, must-see attractions, expert presenters and the best brands in the pet world.

With so much happening across the weekend, a little planning goes a long way. Here are our top tips to help you make the most of your day, so you don’t miss a single tail-wagging moment.

1. Fetch Your Tickets Early 

Tickets are limited and expected to sell fast.

If you haven’t secured yours yet, now’s the time
👉 Fetch your tickets here

Lock it in early so you can relax and focus on enjoying the ultimate day out for dog lovers.

2. Download the Festival App 

Your paw-fect festival companion!
Get the free Festival App to:

• Browse the full event schedule
• See all exhibitors and special deals
• Navigate with an interactive map
• Enter exclusive competitions with a tap!
• Plus, it’s the ONLY way to access hundreds of exclusive competitions and giveaways from our exhibitors.

Trust us, this app will help you squeeze every drop of fun out of your dog-filled day.

Download on Apple | Download on Google Play

3. Getting There Is Easy 

Getting to the Festival is simple and hassle-free, whether you’re coming from the CBD or further out.

Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
Just 1.5km from the CBD and around 15 minutes from the airport.

Public transport is your best friend:

• Train stations at Bowen Hills & Fortitude Valley are under a 10-minute walk
• Regular buses stop right outside the precinct
• CityGlider and City Loop services make getting around easy
• With 50 cent fares, it’s never been easier to get there

Other options:

• Taxi & rideshare drop-offs right at the entrance
• Bike racks available along King Street
• Onsite parking is available via Gate 5 on O’Connell Terrace or via Gregory Terrace near the Royal International Convention Centre (card only, no pre-booking). Digital screens will direct you to the nearest available car park.
• If Showgrounds parking is full, we recommend street parking in Fortitude Valley or nearby car parks.
• See our one-page parking guide here for all options.

The easiest move? Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to arrive and start exploring.

4. Explore the Best Brands & Festival Deals 

This is your chance to discover the latest and greatest in the dog world.

From premium food and treats to toys, accessories, tech and more, the Festival is packed with hundreds of brands ready to spoil your pooch.

You’ll also find exclusive festival deals you won’t get anywhere else.

👉 Explore all exhibitors and festival specials here

Come ready to discover, shop and treat your dog (and yourself).

5. Don’t Miss the Action Across the Festival 

There’s something happening everywhere you turn and you’ll want to experience it all.

• VitaPet Arena: incredible dog sports, live demos and expert training sessions
• Outback Arena: fast-paced, high-energy entertainment you’ll feel from the sidelines
• Breed Showcase: meet loads of incredible breeds up close
• Adoption groups: connect with organisations helping dogs find loving homes
• SASH Ask-A-Vet: real advice from trusted experts

Plan your must-see moments so you don’t miss the highlights. Explore all attractions here

6. Join the Dog Sporting Legends Challenge 

Get ready to go walkies on a winning mission

Spot Dog Sporting Legends for your chance to win amazing prizes to pamper your pooch!

Here’s how it works:

• Track down 8 legendary sporting dog cards hidden around the Festival
• Scan the QR code next to each canine champ
• Use the Festival App to keep tabs on which legends you’ve found
• Once you’ve spotted all 8, you’ll go in the draw to win the ultimate dog-lover’s prize pack!

From furry footballers to canine Olympians, it’s a tail-wagging adventure packed with fun and prizes.

Start sniffing them out and let the games begin!

7. No Visitor Dogs (and Why)

As much as we absolutely love dogs, visitor dogs unfortunately aren’t permitted at the Festival.

This is to help ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of:

• The hundreds of dogs already participating with exhibitors and performers 
• All our amazing human visitors (especially kids!) 
• And, most importantly, your own dog – big crowds, loud noises, and lots of stimulation can be overwhelming or stressful for many pups.

We also can’t pre-check every visiting dog’s behaviour, health, or vaccination status, which is super important when bringing so many dogs (and people!) together under one roof.

But don’t worry – you’ll still get your full doggo fix! 

You’ll be able to:

• Meet and cuddle hundreds of dogs from all breeds and backgrounds
• Learn from top vets, trainers, and behaviour experts
• Snap pics with Insta-famous pups and fun photo ops
• Discover amazing adoption groups and breeders
• Score freebies, samples, and festival-only deals on the best dog products
• Soak up a full day of entertainment, education, and tail-wagging fun!

It’s the ultimate day out for dog lovers – and when you come home with treats, tips, and toys from the Festival, your dog will thank you! Click here to read our full Dog Policy

8. Meeting Dogs: Do’s & Don’ts 

We know you’ll want to meet every dog and honestly… we get it.

To keep things safe and enjoyable for everyone, here are a few simple guidelines:

Do:

• Let the dog come to you
• Ask the owner before interacting
• Stay calm and gentle
• Supervise children at all times

Don’t:

• Grab, yank or hug the dog
• Lean over them
• Approach suddenly or loudly
• Disturb a resting dog
• Touch their face or tail

If a dog needs a break, handlers may move them away. Always respect their space and direction.

👉 Download our quick guide here 

9. Pack Smart 

There is no visitor storage available at the Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival. We recommend bringing your own bags to carry your purchases, and kindly ask that beach trolleys and large suitcases are left at home.

If you need to drop items back to your car, pass-outs are available at the entrance so you can re-enter the Festival.

10. Stay Fuelled & Enjoy the Day 

There’s a lot to see, so take your time.

With food trucks, coffee spots and seating areas throughout the venue, you can recharge whenever you need and keep the good vibes going all day.

Bonus Tip: Get Social 📲

Join the dog-loving community and share the fun:

• Tag your favourite moments with #DogLoversFestival
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for updates, sneak peeks and competitions

Let the Dog Fun Begin! 

Whether you’re coming solo, with friends or bringing the whole family, the Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival is the ultimate celebration of everything we love about dogs.

Book your tickets, plan your day and get ready for a weekend you won’t forget.

Event Details

📅 Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 May 2026
📍 Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills

Need tickets or more info?
👉 Visit the official Dog Lovers Festival website