Sydney's most joy-filled weekend for pet lovers is back! The Sydney Cat Lovers Festival and Dog Lovers Festival will return to the Sydney Showground on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August 2025, offering two extraordinary events for the price of one.
With just one ticket, visitors can access both Festivals, creating an unmissable celebration of our furry companions – from whiskered wonders to loyal four-legged legends. Whether you're a devoted feline fan, a passionate dog person, or both, this is a weekend to learn, connect, shop and be inspired.
At the heart of Hall 6, the Sydney Cat Lovers Festival will once again pounce onto the scene with two full days dedicated to celebrating our feline friends. Cat lovers can meet dozens of breeds, get up close in the Pat-A-Cat Zone, and hear from Australia's top experts on everything from behaviour and communication to adoption and nutrition.
The WHISKAS® Stage will feature an exciting line-up of talks from well-known personalities including Dr Katrina Warren, Saba Sayyed, Rose Horton, and US-based kitten rescuer and social media sensation Hannah Shaw, widely known as the Kitten Lady. Her deeply engaging Saving Kittens Workshop is set to be a major highlight, offering invaluable advice for aspiring foster carers.
New to this year's line-up is CatKwiz, an energetic live game show inspired by the much-loved format of RockWiz, but with a feline twist. This interactive trivia experience invites audience members to test their knowledge on everything from breed quirks to pop culture cats, with plenty of laughs along the way.
Back by popular demand, Kitty Cosplay returns on the Saturday, with cat lovers of all ages dressing up as their favourite feline breeds and characters in a fun, feel-good parade that showcases creative costumes and purr-sonalities. Plus the popular Feline Natural Breed Showcase will present loads of rare and popular breeds
Meanwhile, just a short stroll away, the Sydney Dog Lovers Festival will be bursting with tail-wagging fun across The Dome.
Fan favourite, Farmer Dave Graham returns to bring his Super dog Spectacular to festival goers. From Kurgo DockDogs® leaping through the air in the giant pool, to Mini Dog Races, Temptation Alley, and the awe-inspiring K9 SuperWall, the energy will be non-stop on the VitaPet Arena.
The ADVANCE™ Stage will feature an all-star line-up including Jamie the Dog Trainer, Lara Shannon, Sam March from The Dog House, and Marlene Brewer & Hudson from ABC's Muster Dogs, offering insights into training, behaviour and deepening the bond with your canine companion.
With hundreds of dogs across dozens of breeds, engaging activities like the Barney Bed Pat-A-Pooch, and expert education at every turn, the Dog Lovers Festival is a celebration of unconditional love.
Across both Festivals, the Adoption Zone will provide the chance to meet cats and dogs looking for loving forever homes, with expert support to help guide the adoption journey.
The Festivals also feature expansive shopping precincts, with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest in pet food, tech, wellness, accessories, toys and more – perfect for those who love to spoil their best friends.
Event Director Paul Mathers said the events are an annual highlight for pet lovers across the country and continue to evolve to deliver even more joy and connection.
"There's something really special about the Cat & Dog Lovers Festivals. They bring together a beautiful mix of education, entertainment and community in a way that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds."
"Whether you're a long-time pet parent, planning to adopt, or just love animals, the weekend is designed to make you smile, learn something new, and feel part of something bigger."
With an inclusive atmosphere, world-class content, and a wide appeal from first-time pet-parents, to dedicated adopters, and pure pet fanatics the Festivals truly celebrate the universal joy that cats and dogs bring to our lives.
