For dog lovers, there are festivals — and then there is Dogstival. Returning on 30th and 31st May 2026, this tail-wagging celebration will take over Burley Park, right in the heart of the New Forest, UK, for a weekend dedicated entirely to dogs and the people who adore them.
Dogstival is not simply a day out with your dog. It is a full-blown festival experience designed around canine happiness, adventure and connection. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the New Forest, the event brings together everything that makes life with dogs so joyful: play, discovery, expert advice, shopping, food, entertainment and plenty of muddy paws.
What makes Dogstival so special is its understanding that dogs are not just pets — they are family. Every corner of the festival is created with them in mind. From have-a-go activities and agility challenges to splash zones, breed meet-ups and fun competitions, dogs of all ages, sizes and personalities can get involved. Whether your pup is a confident adventurer, a social butterfly or a gentle stroller who prefers sniffing at their own pace, Dogstival has something to make their tail wag.
For owners, the festival is equally exciting. Visitors can explore a wide range of pet brands, discover new treats, accessories, grooming products and wellness essentials, and speak to experts about dog health, nutrition, behaviour and training. It is the perfect place to learn something new while treating your dog to something special.
The entertainment does not stop at the dog arena. Dogstival also offers a wonderful festival atmosphere for humans, with delicious food, drinks, live entertainment and family-friendly attractions. It is the kind of event where you can spend the whole day wandering, watching, shopping, snacking and soaking up the cheerful energy of thousands of dogs having the time of their lives.
Burley Park provides the ideal setting. Located in the New Forest, one of the UK’s most scenic countryside destinations, the venue gives Dogstival a relaxed outdoor charm that feels perfectly suited to dogs and nature-loving families. It is a festival that celebrates not only our pets, but also the outdoor lifestyle they encourage us to enjoy.
For brands, breeders, trainers, rescue advocates and everyday dog parents, Dogstival is also a brilliant meeting point for the wider dog-loving community. It is where conversations start, friendships form and people come together over one shared truth: life is simply better with dogs.
As a pet enthusiast, it is easy to see why Dogstival has earned its reputation as THE festival for dogs. It is joyful, inclusive, energetic and wonderfully dog-centred. More importantly, it celebrates the bond between humans and their canine companions in the most fun and memorable way possible.
