With the UK being a country that’s barking mad about dogs, more and more dog events and festivals are popping up where you can bond with your canines and fellow dog-loving humans.
Here are some pet event highlights in 2026/2027 that are paw-fect for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy together. We’ve also asked our resident canine expert, Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, for advice on how to keep your dog relaxed and happy when attending such events.
And if you'd like to treat your pup to a dog-friendly break (packed with dog-friendly days out, of course), click the button below to browse our collection of pet-friendly cottages.
DogFest
The canine-themed sensation that is DogFest has had a revamp for 2026, making this popular annual series of events even more special. For starters, the dog lovers and countryside advocates – TV presenter Matt Baker and celebrity chef James Martin – have joined the team. Let’s take a look at what visitors can expect from the events this year.
DogFest in the Countryside – Tatton Park, Cheshire | 20–21 June 2026
Fun is Baker-d right in at DogFest in the Countryside, where the main attraction will be TV presenter and Children in Need fundraising star, Matt Baker. He will be making appearances at The Baker’s Arms, a part-pub, part-live-stage that’s new for 2026. Then there’s a dog show, a giant ball pit, a pup pool party, and a 'dogstacle' course to keep spirited canines entertained!
DogFest on the Farm – Harewood House, Yorkshire | 12–13 September 2026
Renowned chef and TV personality, James Martin, will add some celebrity sparkle to DogFest on the Farm. He’ll be fronting the Kitchen Theatre, where visitors can expect live cooking demonstrations and practical dog nutrition advice. Alongside this, the weekend offers a DogFest dash, haybale hurdles, a photo booth – and much more.
DogFest at the Palace – Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire | 3–4 October 2026
Let’s face it, most dogs act like they’re royalty – and we agree! That’s why we love this event taking place in the grounds of Blenheim Palace. Pups will have a chance to strut their stuff in the Palace Parade, chill out in the Palace Lawn area, and enjoy breed meet-ups, as well as take part in DogFest favourites such as the 'dogstacle' course, a giant ball pit, and a big dog walk.
Dog Lovers Festival – Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire | 21–23 August 2026
Combining two of the greatest things on earth – dogs and music – Dog Lovers Festival is the ultimate dog-friendly event for fun-loving pooches and their families. Highlights include exceptional tribute bands, a mouthwatering array of street food, and a fun dog show.
There will also be plenty in the way of dog paraphernalia to buy, with opportunities to jazz up your dog's wardrobe with catwalk-worthy (dog-walk-worthy?) accessories and lots of practical kit on sale too. A host of stalls will be selling everything from leads and collars to toys and food.
All About Dogs
The clue is in the title when it comes to All About Dogs. This series of events takes place across the UK and is PACKED with fun activities and exciting things to see and do. Your four-legged friend can compete for the coveted Best in Show title at the Fun Dog Show – or how about trying flyball?
New for 2026 is the Canine Comedy Cinema, where your dog could be the star of the big screen! Alongside this, there are arena displays, fun photo ops, a doggy disco area, and special ‘Yellow Space Zones’ for anxious dogs.
Sound good? Check out the remaining All About Dogs events for 2026:
- Norfolk Showground, Norwich – 30–31 August
- Knebworth House, Stevenage – 12–13 September
The Big Bark
The Big Bark is a canine celebration like no other. It’s packed with activities and things to see and do. Among the highlights are the Wags Party Zone, a Puppy Zone for younger furries, and the photo booth. That’s not forgetting the amazing doggy displays and performances in the main arena, the dog show, and activities including Scurry, Agility, and Rally. What’s not to love?
Two Big Barks are coming up later this year:
- Towcester Racecourse – 5–6 September 2026
- Uttoxeter Racecourse – 26–27 September 2026
Paws in the Park – Kent Showground, Detling, Kent | 19–20 September 2026
Made for working, trained, and pet dogs, Paws in the Park seeks to bring the dog world together with a host of human and dog-friendly events. The arenas provide a wealth of entertainment, with demonstrations and displays, while fun dog shows, activities such as flyball, and scent work offer plenty of opportunity to get involved. Plus, there will be plenty of stalls to browse.
Edition Dog Live – NAEC Stoneleigh, Coventry | 17–18 October 2026
This October’s Edition Dog Live welcomes vet and broadcaster Dr Paul Manktelow as the event’s official veterinary expert. With 20 year’s veterinary experience, and TV credits including Channel 4’s Crufts coverage and ITV’s This Morning, Paul is an exciting addition to the lineup.
Fun is guaranteed for dogs and owners alike; as well as a packed schedule in the main arena, there will be a play zone, an enrichment zone, a fun dog show, a picnic party – and even a bespoke doggy pub called The Sniff Inn! Be sure to visit the Breed Village, showcasing the rarest breeds in the UK.
Crufts – The NEC, Birmingham | 4–7 March 2027
Not only the biggest dog show in the UK, but the biggest in the world; no canine calendar is complete without Crufts. The finest pedigree dogs from across the planet, and their owners, come here in the hopes of winning the much-coveted title of 'Best in Show' – having first had to battle it out in their breed and dog category.
There are also plenty of other things here for dog lovers, from the amazing agility displays to the thousands of stalls, where you can find some fantastic doggy products yet to hit the shelves. The pinnacle of events for dogs, Crufts is not to be missed.
Canine Cottages social media executive Hannah Milsom had a wonderful time at Crufts this year: “One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing the incredible connection between dogs and their owners. The whole event had such a positive atmosphere, and it was amazing to see so many people brought together by their love of dogs.”
Goodwoof – The Kennels, Goodwood, Chichester | 15–16 May 2027
When we say Goodwoof is a canine extravaganza, we mean it! The iconic event boasts more than 50 unique activities for dogs and their humans to enjoy. The 2027 opening parade will put the gorgeous golden retriever in the spotlight, so if you own one or more of the beautiful doggos, why not head along and join the parade? There's even the bonus of a group photo outside glorious Goodwood House.
From the Have-a-Go Area and Fido’s Lido to the Fastest Dog races and Canicross, this year’s event was a pawsome spectacle, and we’re sure Goodwoof 2027 will be even better!
Dogstival – Burley Park, New Forest | 5–6 June 2027
In the spectacular venue of Burley Park in the New Forest, surrounded by open fields and woodlands, join thousands of enthusiastic dog owners at this fabulous dog show. Dogstival is not all about dogs; there are some of the best food and drink producers from across the New Forest, as well as live music and even a vintage funfair!
Watch some of the exciting demos and displays, show off your pup at the Top Dawg Show Ring, and soak up the exhilarating shows and stunts at the Naturo Main Arena. Dogs with a discerning palate will want to find their way to The Healthy Hound Kitchen, while party pups will be tapping their feet at the Hound Dog Music Stage. Breed Meets, the Fun Dog Show, and a water area add to the fun.
How to keep your dog happy at a dog-friendly event
Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, canine behaviourist and our resident dog expert, has a few tips to help your dog avoid feeling overwhelmed when they attend a dog-friendly event.
It’s a busy, noisy environment where they will encounter many other dogs and plenty of people; Emma’s advice will help you help your canine companion to navigate the situation – and hopefully have fun!
Ask before letting your dog greet another dog. Emma says: “Keep an eye out for signs that your dog or the other dog might be feeling a bit nervous, such as avoidance, ears back, licking lips, and tail low, and give space to dogs that are wearing a yellow nervous harness or lead.”
Try to avoid too crowded areas to give your dog space. “Don't ignore signs of fatigue and overstimulation in your dog,” says Emma. “Signs include disinterest, yawns, licking lips, excessive panting, or drooling, whereas signs of overstimulation include hyperactivity, restlessness, and maybe even reactivity.”
Take regular breaks, advises Emma, “ideally in a quiet, covered area so they can rest and maybe even enjoy some dog-friendly snacks.”
Keep offering your dog water and look out for any dog water points.
Keep your dog on a lead so they can stay close to you, unless of course in a designated off-lead area.
Dog-friendly holidays in the UK
Turn your doggy day out into a short break or week-long holiday. Decide which of these doggy events you'd like to attend, and bring along your pup (or pack!) for a dog-friendly holiday to remember. Take a look at our collection of dog-friendly holidays, where you can treat both yourself and the pooch!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.