Best Dog Events & Festivals in the UK (2026 Guide)

Looking for the biggest and best dog events in the UK in 2026?

From large dog festivals like DogFest and Dogstival to classic dog shows like Crufts, there are more dog-friendly events, dog shows, and days out with dogs in the UK than ever before! Whether you’re planning a weekend away or just looking for things to do with your dog, this guide covers some of the biggest and most popular events happening across the UK this year.

Goodwoof 2026

📍 Goodwood Estate, West Sussex
📅 16–17 May 2026

Goodwoof is a two-day dog event held at the Goodwood Estate, bringing together a wide mix of activities, competitions, demonstrations, and talks across the weekend. There are over 50+ activities ranging from have-a-go sessions like flyball, alongside their standout features such as:

Fido’s Lido (dog swimming area)
The Goodwoof Games and canine sports
Field & Trail demonstrations (including gundog and sheepdog displays)
Barkitecture, the architectural dog kennel design competition
The Wellness & Training stages with vets, behaviourists, and experts

In addition to the activity zones, the event includes Literary Corner (author talks and readings), open-air cinema, shopping areas, and food stalls, alongside spaces to explore across the estate!

One of the key highlights for 2026 is the Goodwoof Opening Parade celebrating rescue dogs!

DogFest 2026

📍 Multiple UK locations (see below)
📅 Dates throughout 2026

DogFest is one of the most widely attended dog events in the UK, with multiple locations across the country! It brings together a mix of competitions, activities, and social meet-ups, giving dogs and their owners plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the day.

We LOVE attending the The Agria Fun Dog Show!

Chicken Sporting her Frog Chérie Snoodle🐸🍒 at Dogfest!

DATES:
DogFest at FarmFest (Warwickshire): 22–24 May 2026 at NAEC Stoneleigh.
DogFest at Tatton Park (Cheshire): 20–21 June 2026 at Tatton Park.
DogFest on the Farm (Yorkshire): 12–13 September 2026 at Harewood House.
DogFest at the Palace (Oxfordshire): 3–4 October 2026 at Blenheim Palace

Paws in the Park 2026

📍 Sussex (May) & Kent (September)
📅 16–17 May & 19–20 September 2026

Paws in the Park is one of the largest outdoor dog shows in the UK.

It offers over 30 activities for your dog to try, including
dogstable, agility, flyball, mini paws, and gun dog scurries. There is
even the chance for your dog to make a splash at the K9 Aqua Zone
and Dash N Splash! 

With classes for all breeds and sizes at the fun dog show, plus over
70 trade stands to shop from, Paws in the Park is a must for all dog
lovers.


Images provided by Paws in the Park 

Pawfest 2026

📍 Betteshanger Park, Deal, Kent
📅 9–10 May 2026

Pawfest returns in May as a dog-friendly event in the UK focused on helping owners create lasting memories with their dogs.

Across the weekend, there’s a mix of live demonstrations, try-me activities, and interactive experiences, alongside features like the supersized dog ball pit and a large shopping village to explore. The event definitely has plenty of opportunities to take part throughout the day.

All About Dogs Show 2026

📍 Multiple UK locations
📅 Spring–Summer 2026 (see below)

The All About Dogs Show is a long-running dog show in the UK with a strong focus on participation. Visitors can take part in agility, flyball, and fun dog shows, as well as watch live demonstrations and explore a wide range of stalls. It’s designed to be interactive, making it a popular dog-friendly day out and one of our favourites! 

PS: If you’re searching for a All About Dogs discount code for 2026, you can get 10% off  tickets by using code CHICKEN10 at checkout.

Dippy the Iggy sporting Frog Chérie🐸🍒 at Newbury All About Dogs! Top right photo by the talented Wild Child Photography! 

DATES:
Suffolk (Easter): April 5th & 6th – Trinity Park, Ipswich (IP3 8UH).
Newbury: April 11th & 12th – Newbury Showground, Thatcham (RG18 9QZ).
Newark: April 25th & 26th – Newark Showground, Notts (NG24 2NY).
Hylands Park: May 3rd & 4th (Bank Holiday) – Chelmsford, Essex (CM2 8FS).
Norfolk: August 30th & 31st (Bank Holiday) – Norfolk Showground, Norwich (NR5 0TT).
Knebworth: September 12th & 13th – Knebworth House, Hertfordshire (SG1 2AX)

Pssstt...Click here for a reel glimpse of the fun! 

Dogstival 2026

📍 Burley Park, New Forest
📅 30–31 May 2026

Dogstival is of the most popular dog events in the UK, and returns to the New Forest for another weekend of dog-friendly festival fun! 

Across the event, you’ll find everything from dog swimming pools, paddleboarding, and agility to flyball, lure racing, scent work, and the Barkour adventure playground. New for 2026 includes a splash pool for smaller dogs and a dog skatepark! All alongside main arena displays and activity zones running throughout the weekend.

Beyond the activity areas, there’s plenty more to explore, including interactive experiences like dog-themed food sessions, quizzes, and breed meet-ups, plus over 130 shopping stalls, making it one of the most well-rounded dog day out in the UK.

The festival also includes foam parties, paddling pools, live music, DJs, and a 100-piece rock choir, alongside street food, comedy, and entertainment across both days.

It’s designed as a full weekend experience, combining dog activities, live entertainment, and shopping.

The Big Bark 2026

📍 Lydiard Park, Swindon & Towcester Racecourse, Towcester
📅 9–10 May 2026 (Swindon) +  5th-6th September (Towcester)

The Big Bark is a dog-friendly event in the UK where visitors and pups can explore Have-A-Go zones like agility, hoopers, scent work, and scurry runs, alongside live arena performances and demonstrations from trainers and working dogs.

There are also fun dog show classes, as well as dedicated areas like the Puppy Zone for socialisation and confidence-building, and the Wags Party Zone with games and interactive activities.

For downtime, the event includes a Chill Zone where dogs can take a break away from the main activity, plus a photo booth to capture the day. Alongside this, there’s a shopping village, food stalls, and expert advice areas, with trainers and specialists available throughout the event.

With a mix of activities, demonstrations, and dedicated spaces for both play and rest, it offers a well-rounded dog day out in the UK, especially for those based in the South West!

Ps. WE LOVE THIS EVENT! I had the privellege of working it last year, and had a ball with Chicken and our best friend's Rosie, Choc Ice & Griff.

Chicken wears Bunana🍌🐰

 

Woofstock UK 2026

📍 Powderham Castle, Devon
📅 12–14 June 2026

Woofstock is a dog-friendly festival in the UK that combines live music with dog activities.

It includes camping options, competitions, and entertainment across a full weekend. Visitors can attend for the day or stay for the full event!

Edition Dog Live 2026

📍 NAEC Stoneleigh Park
📅 17–18 October 2026

Edition Dog Live is an indoor dog event in the UK, making it a useful option later in the year.

It includes activity areas, demonstrations, shopping zones, and breed meet-ups, all within a covered venue.

Dog Events Near the Cotswolds & Gloucestershire?

If you’re based in the Cotswolds or Gloucestershire, there are several dog-friendly events near you worth considering:

Head here for a full list of local events!

These are some of the more accessible dog days out near the Cotswolds, depending on how far you’re happy to travel.

Planning a Dog Day Out

If you’re heading to any of these events, it’s worth thinking about comfort, especially for longer days out.

If its colder conditions, making sure your dog has something comfortable and practical to wear can make a big difference when you’re out all day, particularly if the weather changes or you’re moving between different environments.

it’s always worth bringing the basics with you. Water, a portable bowl, treats, and poo bags are essentials, and if you’re planning to stay a while, something like a blanket or mat can give your dog a place to settle and relax.

Crowds, noise, and lots of stimulation can be a lot, so keep an eye on how your dog is feeling throughout the day. Taking breaks, finding quieter areas, and not putting pressure on doing everything can make a big difference.

If your dog is nervous or new to events, it can help to start small, go at their pace, and leave early if needed. A shorter, positive visit is always better than pushing them too far!

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of dog events, dog shows, and dog-friendly festivals in the UK now.

From large-scale festivals to traditional shows and activity-based days out, there’s something happening throughout the year. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or just looking for new things to do with your dog, even one of these events can turn into a really memorable day out!

Did we miss one?
Let us know!