Dog Events in Melbourne, Brisbane & Adelaide | 14–16 August 2026
This weekend has a good mix of dog festivals, social walks, dog-friendly markets and serious competition. Melbourne gets Pet Fest in St Kilda, Brisbane has Puppy Palooza and the final weekend of the Ekka dog program, while Adelaide has organised walks, live music and a full schedule at David Roche Park.
Every event below was checked against an original organiser, venue, council or governing-body source at the time of publication. Competition events are generally intended for entered dogs. Only bring a pet dog as a spectator if the organiser confirms it is allowed.
Melbourne
Gasworks Farmers’ Market
Saturday 15 August | 8:00am–1:00pm
Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park
This monthly farmers’ market brings fresh produce, food and community stalls into the Gasworks parkland. It is promoted as dog-friendly and entry is free. Check the Gasworks event page before heading out.
Carlton Farmers Market
Saturday 15 August | 8:00am–1:00pm
Carlton North Primary School, 60 Lee Street, Carlton North
Fresh produce, food, coffee and outdoor seating make this an easy Saturday morning outing. Well-behaved dogs are permitted on lead. The market requests a voluntary $2 card donation. Visitor details are on the City of Yarra market page.
Fitzroy Market and Fitzroy Mills Market
Saturday 15 August | 9:00am–3:00pm
Sunday 16 August | 10:00am–3:00pm
75 Rose Street, Fitzroy
The weekend market combines fresh produce, food, local makers, vintage pieces and second-hand finds. Dogs are welcome on lead and entry is free. Current dates and hours are on the official Fitzroy Market website.
CCRAV Social Walk at Yarra Bend
Saturday 15 August | From 10:00am
Yarra Bend off-leash area, Yarra Bend Park, Kew
The Curly Coated Retriever Association of Victoria is hosting a public social walk for dogs and handlers through Yarra Bend. Use the organiser’s map and check any final attendance instructions on the official Facebook event.
Pet Fest 2026
Saturday 15 August | 11:00am–3:00pm
O’Donnell Gardens, St Kilda
Pet Fest is the main Melbourne dog event this weekend. The free community festival includes dog-training demonstrations, agility, canine freestyle, pet photography and about 28 stalls. Bring a lead, water and enough space for dogs that would prefer not to say hello to everyone. Full details are on the Acland Street Village event page.
Bentleigh Sunday Market
Sunday 16 August | 7:00am–12 noon
Bentleigh railway station car park, Bent Street, Bentleigh
This weekly trash-and-treasure market raises money for Rotary projects. Dogs are permitted on lead, must remain under effective control and owners need to clean up after them. The recommended entry donation is 50 cents. The official market FAQ covers the visitor details.
Outdoor Hounds at You Yangs Regional Park
Sunday 16 August | 10:00am; allow two to three hours
Flinders Peak walk, You Yangs Regional Park, Little River
This small-group hike covers about 7.1 km and is rated moderate, with a maximum of eight dogs. Dogs must remain on lead and need to be suitable for a social group outing. Tickets are $20 per dog, but the booking page currently appears closed, so contact the host before travelling through the official Humanitix page.
St Kilda Esplanade Market
Sunday 16 August | 10:00am–4:00pm
Upper Esplanade, St Kilda
Take a foreshore walk and browse handmade goods, art and food stalls with your dog. Dogs are welcome but must remain on lead. Entry is free, with current details on the St Kilda Esplanade Market website.
Paint Your Dog
Sunday 16 August | 1:45pm; allow about three hours
Paint for Fun Studios, 252 Graham Street, Port Melbourne
Bring your dog into the studio as the live model for a guided painting session. Artistic ability is optional, although your dog may have strong opinions about the finished portrait. This is a ticketed class, with current prices and availability on the official Eventbrite listing.
Doggy Day Out: Mornington Peninsula
Friday 14, Saturday 15 or Sunday 16 August | Start between 8:30am and 10:00am
Self-drive route through Mornington, Safety Beach and Red Hill
This private clue-solving day includes a dog café, a pet-friendly winery, optional walking trails and a dog wash. Allow five to six hours and bring your own car. Bookings can include up to four dogs and eight people. Prices and availability are on the official Doggy Day Out page.
Bulla Agility Dogs Trial
Saturday 15 August | Judging from 8:00am and not before 1:00pm
Bulla Exhibition Centre, Uniting Lane, Bulla
Dogs and handlers take on open agility and jumping classes across multiple grades and height divisions. Check-in runs from 7:15am to 7:30am. The full program is in the official trial schedule.
Melbourne Lure Dog Club Trial
Saturday 15 August | Judging from 8:30am
Mentone Pony Club grounds, Learmonth Road, Bangholme
All breeds can compete across lure coursing and lure pursuit classes. Check-in runs from 7:30am to 8:00am. The appointed judge has changed to Stavroula Hantzis, so use the Dogs Victoria schedule updates alongside the original program before travelling.
American Staffordshire Terrier Club Weight Pull
Sunday 16 August | Competition starts at 9:00am
KCC Park, 655 Westernport Highway, Skye
Dogs compete in an ANKC weight pull event, with check-in from 8:15am to 8:45am. Entry, class and equipment requirements are set out in the official event schedule.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Lure Trial
Sunday 16 August | From 9:00am
Mentone Pony Club grounds, Learmonth Road, Bangholme
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Victoria hosts lure coursing and lure pursuit at Bangholme on Sunday morning. Event information and the original schedule link are available through the DogzOnline event record.
Samoyed Club of Victoria Championship Show
Sunday 16 August | Judging from 9:30am
KCC Park, 655 Westernport Highway, Skye
The Samoyed Club’s 77th championship show includes breed, special and property classes. Judging begins at 9:30am, with the complete program in the official ShowManager schedule.
Chihuahua Club of Victoria Shows
Sunday 16 August | Open show at 9:30am; championship show not before 11:00am
KCC Park, 655 Westernport Highway, Skye
Chihuahuas take the ring for an open show followed by a championship show. The official open-show schedule confirms the morning program, with the championship show following no earlier than 11:00am.
Brisbane
Bardon Friday Markets
Friday 14 August | 4:00pm–8:30pm
Corner Baroona Road and Rainworth Road, Bardon
Food, drinks, live music and picnic-rug socialising make this an easy Friday evening option. The market is dog-friendly and sits beside an off-leash dog park. Details are on the Bardon Markets Friday page.
Night Feast
Friday 14 August | 4:30pm–9:00pm
Saturday 15 August | 4:00pm–9:00pm
Sunday 16 August | 3:00pm–8:00pm
Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Night Feast combines outdoor dining, art and live music across all three nights. Dogs are welcome on lead in the outdoor event areas but cannot enter the indoor venues. Entry is free, with food and drinks purchased separately. Check the official Night Feast website.
Twilight on Cambridge
Friday 14 August | From 5:00pm
Cambridge Parade, Manly Harbour Village, Manly
Street food, boutique stalls and music return to Cambridge Parade for a relaxed bayside evening. Pets are welcome and must remain on lead. The organiser has not published a finish time for this session, so check the Manly Harbour Village website before heading over.
West End Markets
Saturday 15 August | 6:00am–2:00pm
Davies Park, corner Montague Road and Jane Street, West End
More than 150 stalls cover produce, food from around the world, crafts and live music. Dogs are welcome on lead and water bowls are provided. Entry is free. Current details are on the official West End Markets page.
Carseldine Markets
Saturday 15 August | 6:00am–12 noon
133 Dorville Road, Carseldine
A shaded Saturday market with fresh produce, breakfast, artisan goods and community stalls. Dogs are welcome on lead and water bowls are available. Entry is free. See the official Carseldine Markets page.
Kelvin Grove Village Market
Saturday 15 August | 6:00am–1:00pm
Blamey Street at Musk Avenue, QUT Urban Village, Kelvin Grove
Fresh produce, world food, crafts, second-hand stalls and live music fill the Urban Village precinct. Dogs are welcome and entry is free. Visitor details are on the official market FAQ.
Jan Powers Farmers Markets: Powerhouse
Saturday 15 August | 6:00am–12 noon
Brisbane Powerhouse forecourt, Lamington Street, New Farm
This weekly market brings produce, food and community vendors to the Powerhouse forecourt. Dogs are welcome, making it a straightforward option for an early walk and breakfast. Current information is on the Jan Powers Farmers Markets website.
Nundah Farmers Markets
Sunday 16 August | 6:00am–12 noon
Nundah Train Station car park, Station Street, Nundah
Fresh produce, food and live entertainment fill the station car park each Sunday. Dogs are welcome on lead and water bowls are provided. Entry is free. See the official Nundah Markets page.
Bardon Sunday Farmers Market
Sunday 16 August | 7:00am–12 noon
Corner Baroona Road and Rainworth Road, Bardon
Fresh produce, bakery goods, coffee, handmade products and live music return to Bardon on Sunday morning. The organiser describes the market as dog-friendly. Check the Bardon Markets Sunday page for current details.
Milton Markets
Sunday 16 August | 7:00am–1:00pm
Little Cribb Street, Milton
Produce, street food, lifestyle stalls and live entertainment make this one of Brisbane’s larger Sunday market options. Dogs are welcome on lead and water bowls are provided. Entry is free. See the official Milton Markets page.
Manly Creative Markets
Sunday 16 August | 8:00am–2:00pm
Little Bayside Park, The Esplanade, Manly
This bayside market has crafts, food, coffee and entertainment in a pet-friendly setting. Dogs need to remain on lead. Check the Manly Harbour Village calendar for current information.
Riverside at the Gardens Market
Sunday 16 August | 8:00am–3:00pm
Corner Alice and Albert streets, City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City
Food, crafts, fashion and live entertainment line the riverside at the City Botanic Gardens. Dogs are welcome and entry is free. The official market FAQ covers visitor details.
Puppy Palooza: Pups at the Pub
Sunday 16 August | 10:00am–2:00pm
Grand View Hotel, 49 North Street, Cleveland
Puppy Palooza is Brisbane’s main dog social this weekend, with pet stalls, pet photography and a relaxed pub atmosphere. There are optional best-dressed and best pub-pup-name activities, but this is a social day rather than a formal competition. Entry is free and walk-ins are welcome. Select the Beer Garden when booking dog-friendly dining through the Grand View Hotel event page.
Ekka Dog Competition
Friday 14 August | Final breed judging
Saturday 15 August | General Specials
Sushi Hub Canine Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
The final two days of the Ekka dog program cover Friday’s breed judging and Saturday’s General Specials. The Canine Pavilion is open from 9:00am to 5:30pm, although judging times follow the detailed competition schedule. Ekka admission applies and ordinary pet dogs cannot attend. Check the official Ekka Dog Competition page before visiting.
Sunday Dog Shows and Junior Handler Final at Durack
Sunday 16 August | From 8:30am
Dogs Queensland Sports Grounds, 247 King Avenue, Durack
Durack has six programs running across Sunday:
- Queensland Sighthound Association Championship Show from 8:30am
- Toy Dog Club of Queensland Open Show from 8:30am and Championship Show from 9:00am
- Tibetan Spaniel Club of Queensland Open Show from 8:30am and Championship Show not before 10:00am
- Sporting Terrier Club of Queensland Championship Show from 9:00am
- Dogs Queensland Junior Handler State Final from 10:00am
- Gundog & Heavy Breeds Club of Queensland Championship Show from 10:30am
The current judging order is set out in the official Durack ring plan. Check it before travelling because the Gundog & Heavy Breeds program has had judge changes, and the ring plan contains a naming typo for the Tibetan Spaniel Club.
Adelaide
Adelaide Hills Farmers Market
Saturday 15 August | 8:30am–12:30pm
23 Mann Street, Mount Barker
Seasonal produce and local food make this a relaxed Saturday morning option in the Adelaide Hills. Dogs are welcome on lead. Visitor information is available through the Adelaide Hills Farmers Market website.
Saturday Greyhound Walk at Victoria Park
Saturday 15 August | 9:15am
Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi, Adelaide
Southern & Western Adelaide Greyhound Walkers are hosting a casual group walk for greyhounds, other sighthounds and their people. Use the event page for the organiser’s meeting marker and any final instructions. Details are on the official Facebook event.
Ruby Zoontjens Duo
Saturday 15 August | 7:00pm–9:00pm
The Suburban Brew Glynde, 26–30 Provident Avenue, Glynde
The Ruby Zoontjens Duo brings live acoustic music to the Glynde taproom on Saturday night. Dogs are welcome on lead in the outdoor areas. Check the venue’s August program for current booking advice.
Gilles at the Grounds
Sunday 16 August | 9:00am–3:00pm
Brick Dairy, South Boulevard, Adelaide Showgrounds, Wayville
Gilles combines fashion, design, vintage and artisan stalls with food, live entertainment and grassed areas. The market remains dog-friendly, subject to the organiser’s behaviour rules. Visitor details are on the Gilles at the Grounds website.
Uraidla Market
Sunday 16 August | 10:00am–3:00pm
Uraidla Institute, 1197 Greenhill Road, Uraidla
This Adelaide Hills market brings together locally made crafts, goods and fresh produce. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on lead. The date and location are confirmed on the Adelaide Hills Council event page.
Guided Walk: Rundle Park / Kadlitpina
Sunday 16 August | 2:00pm–3:30pm
Meet at the Light Horse Memorial, Rundle Park / Kadlitpina, Adelaide
This guided 1.5 km walk explores the history and features of Park 13. Dogs are welcome on lead. Tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for children or concession holders, plus the booking fee. Reserve a place through the official Humanitix page.
Lazy Sunday Blues: Nate & Stinky Trio
Sunday 16 August | 3:00pm–6:00pm
The Suburban Brew Glynde, 26–30 Provident Avenue, Glynde
Finish the weekend with a blues session at The Suburban Brew. Dogs are welcome on lead in the outdoor areas. Current details are in the venue’s August program.
SA Poultry & Kennel Club Championship Shows
Saturday 15 August | 9:00am and not before 12 noon
Sunday 16 August | 9:00am and not before 12 noon
David Roche Park, Cromwell Road, Kilburn
Four all-breeds championship-show sessions run across the weekend. Saturday and Sunday morning award Best and Runner-up, while Sunday afternoon is a Group Only session. The judging panel has changed, so use the official Dogs SA schedule and check for any late notices before travelling.
Dogs SA Earthdog Tests
Sunday 16 August | Not before 10:00am, 11:00am and 12 noon
Earthdog area, David Roche Park, Cromwell Road, Kilburn
Eligible terriers and Dachshunds work through three formal earthdog test blocks on Sunday. Spectators are welcome, but that does not mean unentered pet dogs can attend. Confirm the latest information through the Dogs SA upcoming events page.
Event details can change, particularly where weather, judging schedules or bookings are involved. Check the linked organiser page before leaving home. Have a fantastic weekend.