Direct K9 Weekender 21-23 August 2026
There is plenty happening this weekend, whether your dog prefers a quiet market wander or would rather spend the day tearing after a lure. Brisbane has the biggest program, with PAWGUST in the Park, Night Feast and a full weekend of dog sport at Durack. Melbourne has markets, SprintDog and a private Mornington Peninsula adventure, while Adelaide brings an adoption day, a Cocker Spaniel meetup and obedience at Osborne.
Every event below was checked against an organiser, governing body or official event source at the time of publication.
Competition events are generally for entered dogs. We recommend to check event details to confirm if your dog can come too.
Melbourne
Doggy Day Out – Mornington Peninsula
Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August | Start between 8:30am and 10:00am
Self-drive route across the Mornington Peninsula
Make a full day of it with a private clue-based drive through the Peninsula, including dog-friendly trails, café treats, a winery lunch and a dog wash. Allow five to six hours, bring your own vehicle and book ahead through the official Doggy Day Out experience page.
Carlton Farmers’ Market
Saturday 22 August | 8:00am–1:00pm
Carlton North Primary School, entry from O’Grady Street, Carlton
Pick up Victorian produce, breakfast and coffee while your dog takes in the Saturday crowd. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash, and entry is by a voluntary $2 card donation. Check the details on the Carlton Farmers’ Market page.
Coburg Farmers’ Market
Saturday 22 August | 8:00am–1:00pm
Coburg Primary School, 92 Bell Street, Coburg
More than 30 Victorian producers gather at this weekly school-community market, with plenty of food options for the humans. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on lead. Visitor details are available from the Coburg Farmers’ Market organiser.
Australian Shepherd Club of Victoria RTB Performance Trials
Saturday 22 August | Events from 9:00am
Southern Obedience Dog Training Club, 56 Soden Road, Bangholme
Australian Shepherds will work across agility, jumping, obedience, rally and trick-dog tests, with a Most Versatile Aussie award also on the program. This is a restricted-to-breed competition and entries have closed, but the official performance schedule has the complete timetable.
Fitzroy Market and Fitzroy Mills Market
Saturday 22 August | 9:00am–3:00pm
Sunday 23 August | 10:00am–3:00pm
75 Rose Street, Fitzroy
Produce, vintage finds, handmade goods, food and live music make this an easy weekend wander. Dogs are welcome on lead, which is handy given that sniffing every stall seems to be part of the experience. See the latest details on the Fitzroy Market website.
The Rose Street Artists’ Market
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August | 10:00am–4:00pm
60 Rose Street, Fitzroy
This courtyard and undercover market is packed with independent art, design and handmade goods. It is pet-friendly, so your dog can come along while you browse. Opening hours and visitor information are on the Rose Street Artists’ Market website.
Dutch Shepherd Club of Victoria SprintDog Trial
Saturday 22 August | Start time not published
KCC Park, 655 Westernport Highway, Skye
SprintDog is exactly what it sounds like: dogs running flat out against the clock. The date and venue are confirmed, but final check-in and run times were not publicly available, so check the official Vic Dog Trials event page before travelling.
Night Market at Moon Dog Beach Club
Saturday 22 August | 4:00pm–8:00pm
Moon Dog Beach Club, 490 Nepean Highway, Frankston
The winter night market brings together handmade and second-hand stalls, DJs, fire pits, food and drinks. Dogs are allowed in the balcony beer garden only, so plan to stay in that area and check the Frankston City Council event page before heading over.
Bentleigh Sunday Market
Sunday 23 August | 7:00am–12 noon
Bentleigh railway station car park, Bent Street, Bentleigh
Early risers can rummage through this long-running trash-and-treasure market while supporting Rotary community projects. Dogs are welcome on leash and under effective control. The Bentleigh Market visitor FAQ has the current entry and dog rules.
Alphington Farmers’ Market
Sunday 23 August | 9:00am–1:00pm
2 Wingrove Street, Alphington
Head to the Alphington Community Food Hub for local produce, breakfast and a relaxed Sunday morning. Well-behaved dogs are permitted on leash, and entry is by a voluntary $2 card donation. See the official Alphington Farmers’ Market page.
St Kilda Esplanade Market
Sunday 23 August | 10:00am–4:00pm
Upper Esplanade, St Kilda
Take the dog for a foreshore walk and browse handmade goods, food and local makers along the Upper Esplanade. Dogs are welcome but must remain on lead. Check the St Kilda Esplanade Market website for visitor information.
Melbourne Lure Dog Club SprintDog Trial
Sunday 23 August | Start time not published
KCC Park, 655 Westernport Highway, Skye
KCC Park hosts another day of SprintDog on Sunday, this time run by the Melbourne Lure Dog Club. The competition is confirmed, but the public timetable was not available when checked. Look for updates on the official Vic Dog Trials listing.
Club L’Epagneul Breton Retrieving Ability Test for Gundogs
Sunday 23 August | Start time not published
KCC Park, 655 Westernport Highway, Skye
Gundogs will be tested on their retrieving ability at KCC Park on Sunday. The date and venue are confirmed, although the judging time and assembly point were not published. Check the current Dogs Victoria events calendar before travelling.
Brisbane
Dogs Queensland 1–4 System Championship Shows
Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August | Judging times not published
Dogs Queensland Sports Grounds, 247 King Avenue, Durack
Durack hosts a three-day championship conformation program run by the Dogs Queensland Conformation Judges Subcommittee. The live judging order was not available in the research material, so use the current ShowManager Queensland diary for any late details.
Fridays at The Bardon Markets
Friday 21 August | 4:00pm–8:30pm
Corner of Baroona Road and Rainworth Road, Bardon
Grab dinner, find a patch of picnic space and settle in for live music at this relaxed dog-friendly market beside a leash-free dog park. There is no visitor entry fee or booking requirement listed. Check the Bardon Markets Friday page for current details.
Night Feast – Closing Weekend
Friday 21 August | 4:30pm–9:00pm
Saturday 22 August | 4:00pm–9:00pm
Sunday 23 August | 3:00pm–8:00pm
Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
It is the final weekend of Night Feast, with outdoor food, art, performances and live music around Brisbane Powerhouse. Dogs are welcome on leash but must stay outside the venues. Entry is free, and the Night Feast FAQ covers the dog policy and opening times.
West End Markets
Saturday 22 August | 6:00am–2:00pm
Davies Park, Montague Road and Jane Street, West End
One of Brisbane’s bigger Saturday markets, with fresh produce, food, handmade goods and live music. Dogs must be leashed and appropriately restrained, and water bowls are provided. More information is on the West End Markets website.
Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets
Saturday 22 August | 6:00am–12 noon
133 Dorville Road, Carseldine
Start the weekend with produce, breakfast, artisan stalls and live music. The market is pet-friendly, with dogs required to stay leashed and appropriately restrained. Entry and parking are free. See the Carseldine Markets organiser page.
Queensland Sighthound Association Lure Coursing Trial
Saturday 22 August | Check-in 6:30am–7:00am; judging from 7:30am
Dogs Queensland Sports Grounds, 247 King Avenue, Durack
Sighthounds and lure-pursuit competitors take on a course of about 700 metres at Durack. Entries have closed, but the full classes, judges and check-in details appear in the official Dogs Queensland schedule.
Field and Retrieving Association for Gundogs Retrieving Trial
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August | Vetting at 7:30am; judging from 8:00am
Dayboro
Novice, Restricted and All Age dogs will compete over two days using artificial game. The public schedule gives Dayboro as the locality but not the street address, so competitors should obtain the assembly point from the organiser. Details are in the official Dogs Queensland schedule.
Dogs Queensland State Agility Committee Trials
Saturday 22 August | Vetting 1:00pm–1:45pm; judging from 2:00pm
Dogs Queensland Sports Grounds, 247 King Avenue, Durack
Saturday afternoon brings three agility trials and three jumpers trials across multiple grades. Entries are closed, but there should be no shortage of fast dogs and ambitious handling. See the official Dogs Queensland schedule for the full program.
Witches Night Market – Welcome to Spring
Saturday 22 August | 2:00pm–8:00pm
Petrie Park and Petrie School of Arts, 1018 Anzac Avenue, Petrie
This free themed night market promises unusual gifts, cosplay and a Witches Walk. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash in the outdoor park area, so keep your dog outside and under control. Check the organiser’s event announcement before attending.
Nundah Farmers Markets
Sunday 23 August | 6:00am–12 noon
Nundah train-station car park, Station Street, Nundah
The Nundah market covers produce, food, craft and lifestyle stalls, with free entry for visitors. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed and appropriately restrained. Opening details and the pet policy are on the Nundah Markets website.
PAWGUST in the Park at The Bardon Markets
Sunday 23 August | 7:00am–1:00pm
Corner of Baroona Road and Rainworth Road, Bardon
This is the most dog-focused social event on Brisbane’s calendar this weekend. Expect pet stalls, dog-wash services, treats, accessories, puppycinos, live music and a Guide Dogs raffle. Bring your dog and see the full program on the official PAWGUST in the Park page.
Milton Markets
Sunday 23 August | 7:00am–1:00pm
Milton Green, Cribb Street, Milton
More than 130 food, farmers and lifestyle stalls fill Milton Green on Sunday morning. Dogs are welcome on leash and water bowls are provided. Entry is free, with current visitor details on the Milton Markets website.
American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Queensland Lure Coursing Trial
Sunday 23 August | Check-in 6:30am–7:00am; judging from 7:30am
Dogs Queensland Sports Grounds, 247 King Avenue, Durack
Sunday’s all-breeds lure coursing trial uses a course of about 700 metres and gets moving early. Entries have closed, but the judging and class details are available in the official Dogs Queensland schedule.
Redcliffe Markets
Sunday 23 August | 8:00am–2:00pm
Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe
Take the dog for a seaside market morning with produce, food, handmade goods and entertainment along Redcliffe Parade. Dogs must remain leashed and appropriately restrained, and water bowls are provided. See the Redcliffe Markets organiser page.
Puppy Yoga & Brunch at Hotel Indigo Brisbane
Sunday 23 August | 8:30am
Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre, 35 Turbot Street, Brisbane City
The puppies are supplied for this small-group yoga session, which is followed by a grazing breakfast at Izakaya Publico. Your own dog stays home. Tickets were listed from $75.43 when checked and should be booked through the official Eventbrite page.
Dances with Dogs Competition
Sunday 23 August | Vetting at 8:00am; judging from 9:00am
Dogs Queensland Sports Grounds, 247 King Avenue, Durack
Dog-and-handler teams will perform routines across all Dances with Dogs classes on Sunday morning. Entries have closed, but the full competition details and judging information are in the official Dogs Queensland schedule.
Adelaide
Plant 4 Bowden Friday Night Market
Friday 21 August | 5:00pm–late
Plant 4 Bowden, 5 Third Street, Bowden
Ease into the weekend with food stalls, eateries, drinks and communal outdoor seating. Dogs are welcome in Plant 4’s outdoor seating and play area, but access inside the food hall is not confirmed. Plan around the outdoor area and check the Plant 4 What’s On page.
Adelaide Hills Farmers Market
Saturday 22 August | 8:30am–12:30pm
23 Mann Street, Mount Barker
Local produce, breakfast, live music and lawn space make this a solid Adelaide Hills option. Dogs are expressly welcome, provided they stay on lead and under control. Visitor details are available from the Adelaide Hills Farmers Market.
Greyhounds As Pets Adoption Centre Opening Day
Saturday 22 August | 11:00am–2:00pm
Greyhounds As Pets, 55 Cardigan Street, Angle Park
Meet adoptable greyhounds and have a look through the new Angle Park adoption centre at its official opening celebration. The organiser has not invited visitors to bring their own dogs, so leave yours at home unless GAP SA says otherwise. Check the City of PAE event page before attending.
Brighton Sunday Market
Sunday 23 August | 7:30am–12 noon
Brighton Secondary School, 305 Brighton Road, North Brighton
Browse produce, food, plants, craft, collectables and pre-loved goods around the school grounds. Dogs on lead and under control are welcome outdoors, but only guide and service dogs may enter the gymnasium. See the Brighton Sunday Market website for visitor information.
Cocker Spaniel Club of South Australia Funday
Sunday 23 August | 9:30am–10:30am, weather permitting
North Adelaide Fenced Dog Park, Robe Terrace, North Adelaide
Cocker Spaniels take over the small-dog area for an informal club meetup and a bit of social time. This one is weather dependent, so check the official Facebook event before loading the dog into the car.
Port Adelaide Obedience Dog Club Trial
Sunday 23 August | Start time not published
Peter Cousins Reserve, LeFevre Community Centre, 541 Victoria Road, Osborne
Port Adelaide Obedience Dog Club hosts a formal obedience trial at Peter Cousins Reserve. The date and venue are confirmed, but a reliable judging time was not available in the public page text. Check the Dogs SA schedules page for the latest information.
Event details can change, particularly where weather, bookings or judging schedules are involved. Check the linked organiser page before leaving home.