Top 10 Tips to Make the Most of the Sydney Dog Lovers Festival 2025!
Australia’s ultimate paw-ty for dog lovers is back! The Dog Lovers Festival returns to Sydney Showground on Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 August 2025, and it’s shaping up to be our most tail-wagging event yet.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a returning pack member, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you get the very best out of your day. From watching talented pups perform and meeting your favourite dog breeds, to stocking up on doggo goodies and learning from expert vets and trainers — here’s how to make the most of your dog-filled adventure.
Got a more specific question about the Dog Lovers Festival? Then sniff out our FAQs here.
1. Snag Your Tickets Early
Tickets are flying out the doggy door!
It’s best to secure your tickets now as they are online only.
Still need tickets? Fetch them here!
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 a Walk in the Park
No matter how you travel — by train, car, ferry, or rideshare — getting to Sydney Olympic Park is easy and convenient.
We event have a free shuttle bus will run on a loop from P1 to the Festival from 8am – 6pm both days of the Festival
Location: Sydney Showground, Grand Parade, Sydney Olympic Park NSW View on Google Maps
Public Transport:
- Olympic Park Station (T7 Line) is right outside.
- Frequent trains from Lidcombe.
- Approx. travel times: Central – 30 mins, Parramatta – 18 mins.
- Plan via Transport NSW or call 131 500.
Driving & Parking:
- Pre-book parking here to guarantee your spot.
- Check Sydney Showground’s website for entry gates and parking fees.
- A free shuttle bus will run on a loop from P1 to the Festival from 8am – 6pm both days of the Festival
Ferry:
- Olympic Park Ferry Wharf is just 3km from the venue.
- Travel time: Circular Quay – 33 mins, Parramatta – 18 mins.
Taxi or Rideshare:
- Ask your driver to drop you at The Dome entrance.
Accessibility:
- The venue is fully accessible with ramps, lifts and accessible toilets.
- More info here.
4. Score Deals & Discover New Brands
With hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest dog food, treats, toys, tech, and accessories — it’s a shopping paradise for dog lovers! Many brands offer exclusive festival-only discounts and giveaways.
To access any of the festival specials, competitions and free samples, you will have to scan the QR code within the Festival App. Download the Festival App and get more info here.
5. Don’t Miss the Action All Around the Festival!
Get ready for a day packed with fun at the Dog Lovers Festival!
Watch amazing agility and working dog demos at the VitaPet Arena, and catch expert talks on the ADVANCE™ Stage. Don’t miss the high-flying action of Kurgo® DockDogs or explore the latest dog products at the Dog Expo and Marketplace.
Celebrate dog breeds at the ADVANCE™ Breed Showcase, meet adoptable pups at the Adoption Zone, and get expert advice at SASH Ask-A-Vet.
Download the Festival App to plan your day and make sure you don’t miss a thing!
6. Double the Fun at the Cat Lovers Festival
Your Dog Lovers Festival ticket also gets you free access to the Cat Lovers Festival next door! Just ask for a pass-out at the door and cross over to enjoy even more pet-tastic fun.
7. Join the Dog Sporting Legends Spotting Challenge!
Get ready to go walkies on a winning mission 🐾
Spot Dog Sporting Legends from The Dog Down Under for your chance to win over $4,000 worth of 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!
When: 9:30am – 5pm Daily
Where: 8 Locations Around the Festival
8. No Visitor Dogs (Sorry!)
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
9. Pack Light (But Smart!)
You’ll likely leave with a haul of goodies — so bring a tote or comfy backpack to keep hands free for pats and photos.
Bonus Tip: Use our free Visitor Storage service to drop off purchases throughout the day!
You’ll find Visitor Storage in the Dome Foyer.
Open 10:30am–5pm. No suitcases or trolleys allowed.
We don’t sell bags on-site, so BYO bag.
10. Stay Fuelled and Take Breaks
There’s a lot to see and do — but don’t forget to recharge!
With rest areas, food trucks, coffee carts, and seating zones across the venue, you’ll be able to paws, relax, and refuel whenever you need.
Bonus Tip: Get Social!
Join the dog-loving community online:
Tag your favourite moments with #DogLoversFestival
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for updates, sneak peeks, and giveaways.
Let the Dog Fun Begin!
Whether you’re coming solo, bringing the whole family, or planning a pawsome day out with friends, the 2025 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’ll never forget!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 August 2025
Location: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Need tickets? Want more info?
Visit the official Dog Lovers Festival website
