The Dog Lovers Festival and Cat Lovers Festival return to Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, open from 9:30am to 5pm both days. A Dog Lovers Festival ticket also admits you to the Cat Lovers Festival on the same day, but you need a separate day ticket for each day you attend. Leave your own dog or cat at home.
What’s on at the Melbourne festivals?
The two festivals run side by side, so you can spend the day exploring dog-focused demonstrations and activities as well as cat-focused talks, breed showcases and shopping.
Dog Lovers Festival
The organiser advertises breed showcases, dog-product shopping, adoption groups and Pat-A-Pooch, along with Flyball and Canine Disc competitions and Kurgo DockDogs. Shopping categories include dog treats, toys, accessories and pet technology. The City of Melbourne’s event listing describes a 100,000-litre splash-zone pool, but check the updated event program before treating that feature as confirmed for 2026.
Cat Lovers Festival
Expect breed showcases, cat experts and talks, adoption groups and shopping. Exhibitor categories listed by the organiser include toys, treats, beds, food, collars, leads and pet technology. You can register interest in adoption or purchase processes, but cats are not adopted or sold at the festival.
#1 Best Overall
- Stylish PET Costume Gift for Special Moments: make your beloved pets the center of attention with this cute pet sunglasses and rhinestone chain collar set; A fun gift for small dogs and cats on birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, holidays, and other memorable occasions
- Material with Comfortable Design: the gold chain collar is made of durable zinc alloy with sparkling rhinestones and a smooth surface for comfortable wearing; The pet sunglasses feature sturdy metal frames and resin lenses, designed for long-lasting use during photos and events
- Complete 2-piece PET Fashion Set: you will receive 1 piece of pet sunglasses and 1 piece of gold chain necklace; This matching outfit set helps small pets create a cool, fashionable appearance for dress-up, parties, and photo sessions
- Ideal for Photos, Parties and Dress-up Events: ideal for pet birthday parties, Halloween celebrations, Christmas gatherings, cosplay events, pet beauty contests, and photography; Use these accessories as funny photo props to capture adorable and unforgettable moments with your pets
- Proper Size: the small dog sunglasses are approx. 8 cm/ 3.15 inch in total width, the legs of the glasses are about 7 cm/ 2.76 inch in length; The cat chain necklace is about 10 x 0.47 inch (length x width); Please note that the length of the necklace is not adjustable, measure your pet's size before ordering; They are suitable for small dogs and cats, such as Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Small Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Shorthair, Persian, and so on
Specific speakers, exhibitors and timetable slots may change; consult the current event schedule for confirmed details.
Dates, hours and venue
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026 |
| Opening hours | 9:30am–5pm both days |
| Venue | Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale, Victoria |
Tickets: does one ticket cover both festivals?
Yes. The organiser says a Dog Lovers Festival ticket includes same-day entry to the Cat Lovers Festival. If you want to attend on both Saturday and Sunday, you need a ticket for each day. The City of Melbourne listing shows these prices: adult/general $43, senior $37, and student/concession and child tickets $22, with free entry for children under 12. Prices and availability can change, so check the official ticket page before buying.
Rank #2
- Cool Halloween Pet Bat Wings: Turn your small dog or cat into a super star with our bat wings, makes your pet more cute, stylish and different and also creat mysterious and cool Halloween atmospher.
- Lightweight and High Quality Material: Made of 5 mm thick felt cloth, which is soft and comforable for your pets to wear. There is no need to worry that is no bondage on the cats or dogs.
- Adjustable Size: Chest 36-42cm(14-17in), Neck 24-36cm(9-14in); The neck and chest fasteners are all designed with velcro, it is very convenient and adjustable according to the actual size of your pet and the velcro make it wear steadily to avoid fall off while walking or running. Fit most cats, puppy and other little pet.
- Ideal Gift for Pets Cosplay: Funny bat wing collar leash dress up apparel with black color design makes your pets mysterious and cool, stand out at a costume party. Perfect for wearing at Halloween, masquerade, costume party, adding festival atmosphere.
- Package Included 1 pack pet bat wings. Make a different halloween party for the pets. Get your pet involved in the entertainment you have at the festival! Please kindly reminded to check the size carefully before purchasing.
The organiser recommends purchasing online through its linked Eventbrite ticket page, warns against third-party resellers, and says tickets are transferable but non-refundable. Confirm the current terms at checkout.
Getting to Melbourne Showgrounds
Public transport
Transport Victoria recommends public transport and lists event trains from Flinders Street via Southern Cross and North Melbourne to Showgrounds station. The listed service pattern is every 30 minutes from 8:15am and every 40 minutes from 10:15am, with the last train from Showgrounds at about 5:55pm. Route 57 trams and extra route 57a trams are also listed. Check the journey planner for current times and disruptions before setting out.
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Rank #3
- Size Small : Length-5.9 Inch, Height-5.5 Inch; Head girth: 10.6 - 12.9 Inch, suitable for cats,Small Dogs and others similar sized animals
- Dog Pumpkin costume is made of polyester fabric and stuffed with plush, soft and warm to wear in this Halloween cat outfit
- Classic Pumpkin shape hat give your pet a different experience on this halloween .let them enjoy the happy time with you
- Lightweight material stuffed with plush and Hooded design keep your pet warm all the day , great for halloween, daily wear, weekend parties, parades, photo shoot and various occasions
- Halloween puppy costume with adjustable magic strap is easy to put on and take off , Package:1*Dog Pumpkin ha
Driving and venue access
Melbourne Showgrounds lists pedestrian entry at Gate 1A and vehicle access via Flemington Racecourse/Flemington Drive. Event parking is listed at $30 per vehicle. Check the venue’s current access and parking information before travel, as arrangements can change.
Can you bring your own pet?
No. Visitors cannot bring their own dogs or cats to the festivals. Accredited assistance or service animals are covered separately under venue and event policy; contact the organiser to confirm current entry requirements.
Rank #4
- Comfortable Pet Costume Accessories Set: this cat Halloween accessories includes a soft cotton and polyester bow tie collar plus stainless steel round metal retro sunglasses; The adjustable hook and loop closure helps provide a flexible fit; The Halloween accessories for photos, parties and celebrations
- Durable Materials for Repeated Use: the Halloween pet bow tie is made from a comfortable fabric blend designed for regular dressing; The metal retro metal pet glasses feature a stainless steel frame for everyday durability; Together, they create a practical accessory set for grooming, cosplay and themed events
- Adjustable and Easy to Wear: the Halloween bow tie collar fits a pet neck girth of approximately 9.1 to 11 inches (23–28 cm); Its hook and loop closure is easy to adjust, put on and remove, helping simplify dressing before photos or events; The cute design adds a charming finishing touch, while the sunglasses measure about 3.15 inches (8 cm) across with 1.18 inch (3 cm) lenses
- for Photos, Parties and Daily Wear: use this dog and cat accessory set for Halloween parties, weddings, holidays, birthday photos and family gatherings; The bow tie and glasses give pets a gentle, formal appearance; They can also be used for costume accessories grooming and themed portraits
- Gift Idea for Pet Lovers: this pet black white bow tie and round metal retro sunglasses set can be given to cat owners, dog parents or friends who enjoy pet styling; It brings a dressed up touch to small pets without complicated accessories; Suitable for seasonal celebrations, photo sessions and special visits
Practical details for the Cat Lovers Festival
The organiser says the Cat Lovers Festival is primarily indoors, with most attractions under cover, and that it will proceed in rain. Its FAQ describes the venue as cashless, although some exhibitors may exceptionally accept cash; bring a payment option that works without cash.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pet witch outfit: this Halloween cat witch costume set includes a cute pet-size witch hat and an adjustable pet cape, and its classic and mysterious purple design instantly turns your pet into an elegant yet adorable witch at a Halloween cosplay party
- Ideal size for pets: this witch hat features an elastic band and measures 5.5 x 5.5 x 4.3 inches, making it a comfortable fit for most cats or small breed dogs, while the hooded cloak measures 16 x 24 inches and provides ample length to let your pet become an elegant witch or wizard at Halloween party, cosplay gatherings, and festive photo sessions
- Vintage and elegant design: our purple hat with adjustable hooded cloak features a purple felt buckle and a classic witch hat design that looks adorable, includes an elastic band for a comfortable fit, and comes with a purple lace trimmed pet cloak that secures at the neck with ribbon ties for easy on and off, allowing your cat, small dog, or other furry companion to become an elegant and mysterious witch at Halloween celebrations or cosplay gatherings
- Premium material: the cute pet witch hat cape accessories, featuring a pet wizard cloak and a pet size cute purple wizard hat, are made of soft yet durable polyester and are perfect for creating an adorable witch look at pet themed birthday parties and festive photo sessions
- Halloween cosplay party outfit: this Halloween cat witch costume set is perfect for Halloween celebrations, pet festival props, holiday events, or witch themed birthday parties, and it also works well for small cats and dogs, making it an ideal choice to dress up your cat and make your furry friend look even more adorable and charming
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
