What's On: Melbourne's Dog & Cat Lovers Festivals Return for One Paw-some Weekend!
Pet Projects
- The Melbourne Dog Lovers and Cat Lovers Festivals will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, from 9:30am to 5pm each day, with one ticket granting entry to both festivals.
- Cat lovers can see Hannah Shaw (the Kitten Lady) live, visit the Pat-A-Cat and Breed Showcase areas, join interactive expert talks at Cat Chat, and shop leading brands at the Cat Expo and Marketplace.
- Dog lovers can meet hundreds of dogs across dozens of breeds, watch Canine Disc and Flyball competitions in The Dog Bowl, see high-flying dogs at Kurgo® DockDogs, and experience the brand-new outdoor Outback Arena showcasing dog sports.
- Both festivals feature adoption zones where visitors can learn about dogs and cats seeking forever homes, festival-exclusive product specials, and a range of food trucks throughout the day.
- Visitors are not permitted to bring their own pets to either festival; full details on this policy are available on the festival websites.
Get ready for the ultimate paw-some weekend as the Melbourne Dog Lovers and Cat Lovers Festivals return to the Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026!
Victoria’s biggest celebrations of dogs and cats bring together wagging tails, wonderful whiskers, expert advice, spectacular entertainment and shopping , all with one ticket giving you entry to both Festivals!
Whether you’re a proud pet parent, thinking about welcoming a furry friend or simply love dogs and cats, this is your weekend.
🐱 For the cat lovers:
- See Hannah Shaw, the Kitten Lady, live in Melbourne as she shares inspiring rescue stories, expert insights and practical kitten-care advice. You can also meet Hannah at an exclusive breakfast, available as a paid add-on.
- Encounter hundreds of beautiful and exotic cats across dozens of breeds at Pat-A-Cat and the Breed Showcase.
- Join Cat Chat, an interactive space to connect with leading experts and explore the feline topics you care about most.
- Shop leading cat brands in the Cat Expo and boutique Marketplace, with toys, treats, accessories, enrichment products and more.
🐶 For the dog lovers:
- Meet hundreds of dogs across dozens of breeds at Pat-A-Pooch and the Breed Showcase.
- Watch two epic dog sports competitions in The Dog Bowl, with Canine Disc on Saturday and Flyball on Sunday.
- Enter the splash zone at Kurgo® DockDogs, where high-flying pups launch into a massive 100,000-litre pool.
- Experience the brand-new Outback Arena, where high-octane dog sports meet the spirit of Victoria’s regional and rural showgrounds. This outdoor showring showcases fast-paced action and impressive canine athletic feats that simply can’t be contained indoors!
- Shop leading dog brands in the Dog Expo and Marketplace, with treats, toys, accessories, tech and more.
🐾 Plus, enjoy plenty across both Festivals:
- Discover Festival Specials and Featured Products available only at the Festivals.
- Connect with adoption groups in the Adoption Zones and learn about dogs and cats looking for loving forever homes. Please note that adoptions will not take place on-site.
- Enjoy delicious food trucks to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
- Perfect for families, couples and groups of friends, this is your chance to celebrate the unconditional love of dogs and the unique magic of cats in one unforgettable weekend.
Please leave your own dogs and cats at home. Visitors cannot bring pets to either Festival. Visit the Festival websites to learn why.
Every Dog Lovers Festival ticket includes FREE ENTRY to the Cat Lovers Festival, and every Cat Lovers Festival ticket includes FREE ENTRY to the Dog Lovers Festival on the same weekend.
Get your tickets today and let the tail-wagging, purr-filled fun begin!
Event location
Melbourne Showgrounds
Event hours
Saturday 17 October 2026: 9:30am–5pm
Sunday 18 October 2026: 9:30am–5pm
Contact details:
For media opportunities:
Vicky De George
Ph: 0405 151 485
Email: [email protected]
