Back

Melbourne's Most Pawsome Weekend of the Year Returns!

Pet Projects

Key Facts:

• The Cat Lovers Festival and Dog Lovers Festival will be co-located at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, following record-breaking attendance of 26,409 visitors at the 2026 Sydney events.
• The Cat Lovers Festival will feature a Melbourne debut of Cat Chat - intimate, interactive sessions with leading feline experts including Dr Katrina Warren - alongside a Pat-A-Cat attraction, an expanded Breed Showcase, an Adoption Zone, and a Cat Expo and Marketplace.
• The Dog Lovers Festival will include the return of Kurgo® DockDogs, this time moved indoors for a closer spectator experience, as well as The Dog Bowl outdoor arena hosting a Canine Disc Competition on Saturday and a Flyball Competition on Sunday.
• Both Festivals will offer extensive marketplaces featuring the latest products, services, and innovations for cats and dogs, along with breed club information, adoption groups, educational presentations, and family-friendly activities.
• One ticket grants access to both Festivals, which run from 9.30am to 5pm each day; further information and tickets are available at catloversfestival.com.au/melbourne and dogloversfestival.com.au/melbourne.

Fresh from attracting record crowds in Sydney, the Cat Lovers Festival and Dog Lovers Festival are heading to Melbourne with an even bigger celebration of Australia’s favourite furry friends.

The co-located Festivals will take over Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, bringing together hundreds of cats and dogs, leading animal experts, spectacular entertainment, adoption groups and an enormous range of exhibitors and specialty retailers.

The Melbourne events follow the outstanding success of the 2026 Sydney Festivals, which attracted 26,409 unique visitors across the weekend.

“We are excited to bring the momentum to Melbourne with two huge Festivals filled with entertainment, education, interaction and shopping. Whether you love cats, dogs or both, this will be one of the most enjoyable weekends of the year,” said Event Director, Jason Humphris.

Following an enthusiastic response from Sydney audiences, Cat Chat will make its Melbourne debut in 2026, giving visitors the chance to join relaxed, interactive conversations with some of Australia’s leading feline experts.

Festival favourite and renowned media veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren will lead the line-up, sharing trusted, practical advice and answering questions from cat owners and enthusiasts.

Cat Chat moves beyond the traditional stage presentation, creating a more intimate environment in which visitors can participate in the conversation, share their experiences and receive helpful guidance on feline health, behaviour, nutrition and wellbeing.

Visitors can meet friendly felines at the much-loved Pat-A-Cat attraction before discovering an even greater variety of cats at the expanded Breed Showcase.

For those considering welcoming a new family member, the Adoption Zone will connect visitors with adoption groups and cats searching for loving forever homes.

The Cat Expo and Marketplace will bring together boutique brands, innovative start- ups and imaginative creators, showcasing the latest products and services for cats. From handmade collars, stylish accessories and gourmet treats to wellness products, and cutting-edge cat tech, visitors will find plenty of inspiration for keeping their cats happy, healthy and pampered.

Meanwhile, just next door, the co-located Dog Lovers Festival will deliver an equally impressive celebration of everything Australians love about their canine companions.

Dog lovers can prepare for high-flying, tail-splashing thrills when Kurgo® DockDogs returns to Melbourne, with its giant pool moving indoors.

The crowd-favourite attraction will see talented dogs charge down the dock before launching themselves into a pool in spectacular displays of speed and agility.

With Kurgo® DockDogs indoors visitors will be closer than ever to every leap and splash. Outside, The Dog Bowl will return with an action-packed program showcasing the skills of these remarkable dogs and their handlers.  

The action begins on Saturday with an exhilarating Canine Disc Competition presented by Canine Disc Victoria, featuring dogs launching, leaping and flying through the air in displays of speed, agility, athleticisms and teamwork.

On Sunday, the pace steps up again with a high-speed Flyball Competition, which will see teams race over hurdles, trigger a box, retrieve a ball and sprint back against the clock and their competitors. With fast runs, big jumps and plenty of braking from the sidelines, The Dog Bowl will give visitors two full days of excitement.

“The combination of Kurgo® DockDogs indoors and The Dog Bowl outdoors will deliver non-stop action across the weekend,” Jason Humphris said.

“These dogs are amazing athletes, but what audiences respond to most is the joy they display and the incredible bond they share with their handlers.”

The Dog Lovers Festival will also feature a huge range of exhibitors and a massive Marketplace showcasing the latest products, services and innovations for dogs.

Visitors can browse everything from food, treats and toys to beds, accessories, grooming products, training services, health and wellbeing solutions and new pet technology, with free samples, competitions and exclusive Festival offers available throughout the weekend.

Breed clubs will help prospective and existing owners learn more about different dogs and their individual needs, while the Adoption Zone will introduce visitors to adoption groups working to find suitable homes for dogs in care.

Across both Festivals, visitors can expect educational presentations, breed information, opportunities to interact with cats and dogs, family-friendly activities, photo moments, food and refreshments, and countless opportunities to celebrate the unconditional love animals bring to people’s lives.

“The Cat and Dog Lovers Festivals are much more than a day out, they help people become better-informed pet owners, support responsible pet care and adoption, and provide an important platform for rescue groups, breed clubs and pet-focused businesses.”

The Melbourne Cat Lovers Festival and Dog Lovers Festival will be held at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, from 9.30am to 5pm on both days. One ticket provides access to both Festivals.

For more information visit and to secure your ticket: catloversfestival.com.au/melbourne/ | dogloversfestival.com.au/melbourne/

Contact details:

To organise interviews, ticket giveaway or  media access, please contact: 

Vicky De George
Media & PR
0405 151 485
[email protected]