Dog Events in Melbourne, Brisbane & Adelaide | 28–30 August 2026

International Dog Day was earlier this week, but plenty of venues have sensibly decided that one day is not enough. Melbourne and Brisbane have the biggest social programs, while Adelaide has adoption, brewery and dog-sport options spread across the weekend.

There are also plenty of regular markets that welcome dogs, plus scent work, agility, trick dog, lure coursing, Earthdog and conformation for anyone who enjoys watching dog sport.

Competition events are generally for entered dogs. Only bring a pet dog as a spectator if the organiser has confirmed it is allowed. Event details can change, so check the linked page before leaving home.

Melbourne

Doggy Day at the Boroondara Farmers Market

Saturday 29 August | 8:00am–12:30pm
Patterson Reserve, 484 Auburn Road, Hawthorn East

The regular farmers market is handing part of the morning over to the dogs, with free training sessions, veterinary advice, treats, activities and a small novelty competition. Dogs are welcome and entry is a $2 donation. See the City of Boroondara event listing before heading over.

Dogs of 1 Club – International Dog Day

Saturday 29 August | 10:00am–11:00am
Crane Terrace, 1 Hotel Melbourne, 9 Maritime Place, Docklands

This one-hour gathering beside the Yarra includes puppuccinos, treats, dog portraits, paw-print keepsakes and a best-dressed prize. Tickets are $10, with proceeds supporting Lort Smith Animal Hospital. Book through the Dogs of 1 Club Eventbrite page.

Dogs Day Out at Rippon Lea Estate

Saturday 29 August | 10:00am–4:00pm
Rippon Lea Estate, 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick

Rippon Lea is opening its gardens to dogs for a full day of picnics, food trucks and wandering around the estate. Hear No Evil – Australian Deaf Dog Rescue will also be there. Dogs enter free and must stay on lead; they can explore the gardens but not the mansion. Adult tickets are $15, with other ticket options available through the Rippon Lea Estate event page.

Paws & Pints at The Continental Sorrento

Saturday 29 August | During afternoon service
The Promenade at The Continental, 1–21 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento

The Conti is marking International Dog Day with a relaxed afternoon in its dog-friendly outdoor spaces. There will be $5 house-made dog beers, with the day supporting Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue. Walk in or book a table through The Continental’s what’s-on page.

Festival of the Hound

Sunday 30 August | 11:00am–5:00pm
BrewDog Pentridge, E-Division, 1 Champ Street, Coburg

Hounds get top billing at this rescue fundraiser, although the wider dog community is welcome too. Expect dog-market stalls, games, raffles, rescue groups, hound art and treats, with proceeds supporting Dolly’s Fund. Capacity is limited and an optional art class can be added to your ticket. Book through the Festival of the Hound page.

Doggy Day Out – Mornington Peninsula

Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August | Start between 8:30am and 10:00am
Self-drive route across the Mornington Peninsula

If you want to make a full day of it, this private clue-based adventure sends you and your dog around the Peninsula for trails, cafe treats, a winery lunch and a dog wash. Allow five to six hours and bring your own car. Bookings cover one to eight people and up to four dogs; prices start at $135 per adult with a two-adult minimum. Details are on the AmazingCo Doggy Day Out page.

Saturday dog-friendly markets

Saturday 29 August | Various times

There are several easy options if your dog is happier browsing breakfast stalls than entering a best-dressed contest.

• Carlton Farmers’ Market | 8:00am–1:00pm | Carlton North Primary School, O’Grady Street entrance, Carlton. Well-behaved dogs on lead are welcome at this weekly produce and breakfast market. Check the Carlton Farmers’ Market page.
• Coburg Farmers’ Market | 8:00am–1:00pm | Coburg Primary School, 92 Bell Street, Coburg. Another dog-friendly Melbourne Farmers Markets option, with entry from Urquhart Street and a voluntary $2 donation. See the Coburg Farmers’ Market page.
• Fitzroy Market and Fitzroy Mills Market | 9:00am–3:00pm | 75 Rose Street, Fitzroy. Dogs are welcome on lead among the produce, vintage, second-hand and artisan stalls. The Fitzroy Market also runs on Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Check the Fitzroy Market website.
• The Rose Street Artists’ Market | 10:00am–4:00pm | 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy. This pet-friendly art, design and maker market runs on both Saturday and Sunday. Dogs need to remain on lead. Visitor details are on The Rose Street Artists’ Market website.

Sunday dog-friendly markets

Sunday 30 August | Various times

• Camberwell Sunday Market 50th Birthday | 7:00am–12:30pm | Market Place, Camberwell. The market is celebrating 50 years with special programming alongside its usual vintage, craft and food stalls. Friendly dogs are welcome on lead. See the City of Boroondara event page.
• Alphington Farmers’ Market | 9:00am–1:00pm | 2 Wingrove Street, Alphington. Well-behaved dogs can join you on lead for produce, breakfast and a wander around the community food hub. Check the Alphington Farmers’ Market page.
• St Kilda Esplanade Market | 10:00am–4:00pm | Upper Esplanade, St Kilda. Dogs are welcome on lead at this weekly foreshore market, which brings together handmade goods, food and local makers. More information is available on the St Kilda Esplanade Market website.

Werribee Obedience Dog Club Scent Work Trial

Sunday 30 August | Start time not published
Werribee Obedience Dog Club, Presidents Park, 720 Heaths Road, Werribee

Werribee hosts Melbourne’s only fully verified metropolitan competition for the weekend, with entered dogs working through a formal scent-work trial. A public judging time has not been released, so check the Vic Dog Trials event page before travelling. Pet-dog spectator access has not been confirmed.

Brisbane

Fridays at The Bardon Markets

Friday 28 August | 4:00pm–8:30pm
Corner of Baroona Road and Rainworth Road, Bardon

Start the weekend with street food, drinks, live music and a patch of grass to settle on. The market is dog-friendly and sits beside a leash-free dog park, making it an easy Friday evening option. Check the Bardon Friday Markets page.

Portside Paws – Community Dog Walk and Puppy Party

Saturday 29 August | Walk at 8:00am; puppy party 9:00am–11:00am
Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton

The morning begins with a guided 45-minute riverside walk, followed by a free puppy party with live music, puppuccinos, a play space, coffee and limited goodie bags. The walk requires registration and may fill up, but you can still attend the party without a walk place. Book or check availability through the Portside Paws Eventbrite page.

Mt Coot-tha Saturday Social Walk

Saturday 29 August | 7:00am–10:00am
J C Slaughter Falls picnic area, Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mount Coot-tha

This moderate uphill social walk heads from J C Slaughter Falls to the summit, with an optional coffee or breakfast stop afterwards. Dogs are welcome on the walk, although they cannot enter the summit cafe. The event is free and RSVPs are requested through the Brisbane Riverside Walkers Meetup page.

A Dog’s Day Out at Newmarket Village

Sunday 30 August | 10:00am–1:00pm
Newmarket Village, 400 Newmarket Road, Newmarket

Newmarket Village has put together a free morning of dog portraits, grooming, treats and giveaways. At 12:30pm, Reading Cinemas will also run a dog-friendly screening of PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie for calm, supervised dogs. The main event is free; cinema tickets are limited and need to be booked separately. Start with the Newmarket Village event page.

Barket Market on Main Street

Sunday 30 August | 9:00am–4:00pm
Main Street, Orion Springfield Central, Springfield Central

This free dog-focused market brings pet products, treats and accessories to Orion’s Main Street. Dogs are welcome on lead, so it is a straightforward option for anyone around Springfield or Ipswich. Details are on the Orion Springfield Central event page.

Puppy Playdate at Pebbles Park

Sunday 30 August | 3:30pm–5:00pm
Pebbles dog park, 622 Ripley Road, Ripley

An informal afternoon meetup for puppies and their owners at Pebbles Park’s off-leash dog area. It is hosted by Brisbane & Ipswich Girls Socials & Adventures, with no ticket price published. Check the Puppy Playdate Facebook event for any late updates.

Saturday dog-friendly markets

Saturday 29 August | Various times

• West End Markets | 6:00am–2:00pm | Davies Park, West End. Dogs are welcome on lead, water bowls are provided and there is plenty of food, produce, handmade goods and live music. See the West End Markets page.
• Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets | 6:00am–12 noon | 133 Dorville Road, Carseldine. A dog-friendly mix of fresh produce, food and artisan stalls, with free entry and parking. Dogs must be leashed and under control. Check the Carseldine Markets page.
• Powerhouse Farmers Markets | 6:00am–12 noon | Brisbane Powerhouse forecourt, Lamington Street, New Farm. Dogs are welcome at this weekly breakfast and produce market, with New Farm Park nearby if everyone needs a longer walk afterwards. See the Powerhouse Farmers Markets page.

Sunday dog-friendly markets

Sunday 30 August | Various times

• Bardon Sunday Farmers Market | 7:00am–12 noon | Corner of Baroona Road and Rainworth Road, Bardon. The Sunday version brings produce, breakfast, handmade goods, live music and lawn seating, with dogs welcome. Check the Bardon Sunday Markets page.
• Eagle Farm Markets | 7:00am–1:00pm | Eagle Farm Racecourse, 230 Lancaster Road, Ascot. Dogs can join the family for food, produce, artisan stalls and acoustic music. Entry and public parking are free. See the Eagle Farm Markets page.
• Milton Markets | 7:00am–1:00pm | Milton Green, Cribb Street, Milton. Dogs are welcome on lead at this large weekly food, farmers and lifestyle market. Water bowls are available. Check the Milton Markets page.
• Nundah Farmers Markets | 6:00am–12 noon | Nundah train station car park, Station Street, Nundah. This pet-friendly weekly market has food, produce and artisan stalls beneath Nundah Village. Dogs must remain leashed and properly restrained. See the Nundah Farmers Markets page.
• Redcliffe Markets | 8:00am–2:00pm | Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe. Friendly dogs are welcome on lead at this large seaside market, with food, produce, handmade goods and entertainment along the waterfront. Check the Redcliffe Markets page.

Dogs Queensland State Scent Work Trial

Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August | Judging from 8:00am daily
Caboolture Showgrounds, 140 Beerburrum Road, Caboolture

The state scent-work program runs across all three days of the weekend, covering novice, advanced, excellent, master and Ultimate classes. Vetting begins at 7:00am each day, with judging from 8:00am. The full program is in the Dogs Queensland State Trial schedule.

Ipswich Dog Obedience Club Double Trick Dog Trial

Saturday 29 August | Judging from 9:00am
Ipswich Dog Obedience Club, 131 Robertson Road, Raceview

Ipswich runs two Trick Dog trials covering all classes on Saturday morning. Vetting is from 8:00am to 8:45am, and the club warns that shade is limited and there will be no canteen. Trial details are on the Ipswich Dog Obedience Club 2026 trials page.

American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Queensland Weight Pull

Sunday 30 August | Judging from 7:00am
Dogs Queensland Sports Grounds, 247 King Avenue, Durack

Dogs compete on a concrete track with the load increasing in 25 kg steps. Weigh-in runs from 6:30am to 6:45am before the early start. Entries have closed and spectator-pet access has not been confirmed. Check the Dogs Queensland sporting trial calendar before travelling.

Dogs Queensland Earthdog Tests

Sunday 30 August | First test from 9:00am
Dogs Queensland Sports Grounds, 247 King Avenue, Durack

Eligible terriers, Dachshunds and Associate dogs of eligible type work through Instinct, Junior, Senior and Masters Earthdog classes across two sessions. The second test begins at least 30 minutes after the first and not before 10:30am. Full details are in the Dogs Queensland Earthdog schedule.

Brisbane Lure Coursing Club Sighthounds Trial

Sunday 30 August | Judging from 8:00am
Bowhill Road Park, Bowhill Road, Willawong

Sighthounds take over Bowhill Road Park for a full lure-coursing trial, with vetting from 7:15am and judging from 8:00am. One event description incorrectly calls this a SprintDog trial, but the title, classes and formal program all confirm lure coursing. See the Brisbane Lure Coursing Club schedule.

Adelaide

Plant 4 Bowden Friday Night Market

Friday 28 August | 5:00pm–late
Plant 4 Bowden, 5 Third Street, Bowden

Plant 4 is an easy Friday-night option for food, drinks, live music and a dog alongside you. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, but access to the indoor food hall is not confirmed. Keep your dog on lead and check the Plant 4 weekly program before heading in.

Pooraka Pound Adoption Day

Saturday 29 August | 11:00am–2:30pm
Pooraka Dog Pound, 61 Research Road, Pooraka

Meet dogs currently in council care, learn a little about their personalities and speak with staff about the adoption process. Adoptions will not be finalised on the day, and visitors should leave their own dogs at home. The event is free but bookings are required and capacity was nearly full when checked. Tickets are available through the Pooraka Pound Adoption Day page.

International Dog Day at Prancing Pony Brewery

Saturday 29 August | During restaurant service
Prancing Pony Brewery Restaurant, 42 Mount Barker Road, Totness

Prancing Pony is welcoming dogs into its covered beer garden for a belated International Dog Day celebration. There are heaters and water bowls, plus dog-safe Pooch Hooch and spent-grain treats. Table bookings are recommended through the Prancing Pony event page.

Adelaide Hills Farmers Market

Saturday 29 August | 8:30am–12:30pm
23 Mann Street, Mount Barker

Dogs are welcome at this weekly market, which brings together local produce, food, live music, children’s activities and lawn space. It is a good outer-metro option if you are already heading into the Hills. Check the Adelaide Hills Farmers Market website.

Canine Fanciers Kennel Club Shows

Saturday 29 August from 9:00am; Sunday 30 August from 9:00am
David Roche Park, Cromwell Road, Kilburn

Canine Fanciers has a packed weekend at David Roche Park: two championship shows on Saturday, followed by an open show and another championship show on Sunday. The later Saturday show starts no earlier than 11:30am, while Sunday’s championship show begins no earlier than 10:30am. Hot-weather rules may alter the program, so check the Dogs SA Canine Fanciers schedule before travelling.

Agility Dog Club of South Australia Double Trial

Saturday 29 August | 9:00am and not before 1:00pm
Golflands Reserve, 2 Aroona Avenue, Glenelg North

The morning and afternoon programs both include agility and jumping, giving entered dogs and handlers a full day at Golflands Reserve. Event details are available from the Agility Dog Club of South Australia competition page. Pet-dog spectator access has not been confirmed.

Gawler Dog Training Club Scent Work Trial

Saturday 29 August | 9:15am and not before 1:00pm
Two Wells Community Centre, Two Wells

This outer-north trial covers Advanced Interiors, Excellent Interiors and Excellent Containers across morning and afternoon sessions. Check the Dogs SA upcoming events page for the current listing before making the trip to Two Wells.

Noarlunga City Obedience Dog Club Scent Work Trial

Sunday 30 August | Judging from 1:00pm
Pimpala Primary School, 24 Vanstone Avenue, Morphett Vale

Sunday afternoon’s program includes Advanced Vehicle and Exterior searches, along with Novice Containers and Interiors. Entries have closed and pet-dog spectator access has not been confirmed. Check the Dogs SA upcoming events page before travelling.

Event details can change because of weather, venue conditions, capacity or judging arrangements. Use the link in each listing for the latest information, and confirm spectator-dog access before taking a pet to a competition.