Key Facts:
- Sydney Cat Lovers Festival and Dog Lovers Festival to be held at Sydney Showground on 23-24 August 2026, with tickets on sale from 11 April (National Pet Day)
- Single ticket provides access to both festivals, featuring breed showcases, Pat-A-Pooch/Pat-A-Cat zones, adoption areas, and shopping marketplaces
- Dog Lovers Festival includes VitaPet Arena demonstrations and Kurgo® DockDogs aquatic competitions
- Event promises largest gathering yet with expanded breed showcases, expert talks, and entertainment programmes
- Personal pets cannot attend for health and safety reasons, but visitors can interact with showcase animals
Pet lovers have the ultimate reason to celebrate this April, with tickets for the Sydney 2026 Cat Lovers Festival and Dog Lovers Festival officially going on sale on National Pet Day (April 11), unlocking access to the most exciting and pet-obsessed weekend on the Australian events calendar.
Bursting with unforgettable moments, world class entertainment and hands on experiences, the Festivals will deliver more cats and dogs and more reasons than ever before to celebrate the pets we love.
Marking the occasion in the most fitting way possible, the Festivals have officially unveiled their highly anticipated Sydney dates, with tickets going on sale for what promises to be the most exciting celebrations yet.
These iconic Festivals will transform the Sydney Showground on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August into vibrant, tail-wagging and purr-filled weekend of everything we love about cats and dogs.
In a major win for animal lovers, every ticket provides access to both the Cat Lovers Festival and Dog Lovers Festival, delivering incredible value and a full day out of non-stop animal action.
The 2026 Dog Lovers Festival is set to be bigger than ever, bringing together an unmatched line-up of attractions designed to entertain, educate and inspire.
The exclusive shopping experience includes a massive Dog Expo featuring the latest products, services and innovations for dog lovers plus The Marketplace which champions Australia's boutique dog businesses. There will also be hundreds of exclusive Festival Specials and competitions, meaning you can treat your beloved pet while keeping your budget happy!
Visitors can expect high-energy action in the VitaPet Arena, where Australia's most talented dogs showcase their skills through agility, training demonstrations and jaw-dropping performances.
A major crowd favourite, Kurgo® DockDogs will bring adrenaline pumping aquatic action to the Festival, with incredible canine athletes launching into a giant pool in thrilling long jump, high jump and speed retrieval competitions.
The ever-popular Breed Showcase, will return larger than ever, giving visitors the chance to meet, compare and learn about a huge variety of breeds from family favourites to rare and unique dogs, alongside passionate experts.
Pat-A-Pooch, will offer visitors unforgettable opportunities to connect with dogs of all shapes and sizes, while the Adoption Zone, provides a meaningful way to meet with the organisations supporting dogs find their forever homes.
Audiences will once again be treated to a packed schedule of interactive stages, expert talks and entertainment.
The Cat Lovers Festival will continue to deliver a dynamic and immersive experience dedicated entirely to feline fans.
At the heart of the event is the Breed Showcase, where visitors can meet a diverse range of cats from elegant and rare breeds to adorable household favourites, while learning directly from the knowledgeable breeders and experts.
The ever-popular Pat-A-Cat zone, offers relaxed, hands-on moments with friendly felines, while the Adoption Zone connects visitors with groups working to fine loving homes for cats in need.
Visitors can also explore the bustling Marketplace, filled with boutique brands, exclusive products and festival-only offers for cat lovers.
Event Director Paul Mathers said launching ticket sales on National Pet Day is a perfect fit.
"National Pet Day is all about celebrating the incredible role pets play in our lives, so it's the ideal moment to launch tickets for our Sydney Festivals," he said.
"In 2026, we're delivering our biggest events yet, with more breeds, more experts and more opportunities for visitors to connect, learn and be inspired."
Tickets for the Sydney Cat Lovers and Dog Lovers Festival go on sale on National Pet Day, Saturday 11th April, with early bird ticket pricing available for a limited time. Visit: www.dogloversfestival.com.au and www.catloversfestival.com.au for
