Dog Events & Meet-ups in Melbourne

Featured

ExpoAnnual

Melbourne Dog Lovers Festival

Pet Projects International Pty Ltd

Usually April·Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), South Wharf VIC

Australia's largest dog-dedicated festival, with the Melbourne edition held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Features the Purina Pro Plan Arena hosted by Lara Shannon, breed showcases, DockDogs aqua competition, hundreds of exhibitor stalls, grooming demonstrations, adoption zones and competition rings. Dogs are welcome and encouraged to attend. Runs alongside the Melbourne Cat Lovers Festival on a single ticket.

Organiser siteChecked: July 2026

Featured

ExpoAnnual

Royal Melbourne Show — Dog Competition

Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV)

Usually late September (Royal Melbourne Show week)·Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, Flemington VIC

The Royal Melbourne Show's dog competition is one of Victoria's most prestigious canine events, attracting top-bred dogs across hundreds of recognised breeds. Competition includes conformation breed judging, obedience, agility and other performance events. Runs across multiple days during the Royal Melbourne Show; show passes required. Judged under Dogs Victoria (DOGS Vic) rules in affiliation with Dogs Australia.

Organiser siteChecked: July 2026

CarnivalAnnual

Santa Paws — Melbourne

Santa Paws Australia

Usually November–December·TBC — check santapaws.net.au for 2026 Melbourne venue

Santa Paws is a popular Christmas-themed dog community event held in major Australian cities including Melbourne. Dogs dress in festive costumes, there are Christmas photo booths (including photos with Santa Paws), dog-friendly gift stalls, food and drink vendors, and friendly competitions (best Christmas costume, cutest dog). Family and dog-friendly. Proceeds often support local rescue groups.

Organiser siteChecked: July 2026

ExpoAnnual

Dogs Victoria Canine Sports Spectacular

Dogs Victoria (DOGS Vic)

Usually August–September·Various Dogs Victoria-affiliated venues, VIC

An annual multi-discipline canine sports event run by Dogs Victoria (the VIC affiliate of Dogs Australia). Features obedience, agility, rally obedience, earthdog, herding trials and conformation events across multiple days. Open to Dogs Victoria registered members and their dogs. A great opportunity to watch high-level working dog sport and connect with breed clubs across Victoria.

Organiser siteChecked: July 2026

CarnivalRecurring

Dogs Day Out — Yarra Bend

Dogs in the Park VIC

Several weekends per year in spring and autumn·Yarra Bend Park, Kew VIC

A relaxed off-lead dog event in the extensive off-lead area at Yarra Bend Park. Includes breed meet-ups, fun dog competitions (best dressed, waggiest tail), trainer demonstrations, local pet business stalls, and adoption opportunities from Melbourne rescue groups. Suitable for all dogs and owners — dogs must be sociable and on lead on arrival.

Organiser siteChecked: July 2026

Adoption driveAnnual

Pound Paws Dog Day

Pound Paws / Local rescue groups (varies annually)

Usually October (National Rescue Dog Day period)·TBC — check pound-paws event pages annually

Pound Paws Dog Day is a community celebration tied to National Rescue Dog Day, bringing together Melbourne rescue groups, shelters, and dog owners for a day of adoption showcases, fun dog competitions, pet business stalls, and family-friendly activities. Multiple events are run across Melbourne and regional VIC by different organising groups — check Humanitix, Eventbrite and Facebook for Melbourne-area events each October.

Organiser siteChecked: July 2026

Group walkRecurring

Mornington Peninsula Dog-Friendly Day

Various local organisers / council (varies)

Weekend events run April–October across Peninsula beaches and parks·Various Peninsula venues — check Eventbrite and Facebook

The Mornington Peninsula hosts a range of seasonal dog-friendly community events at its beaches and parks during the autumn and winter months (when dog access to more beach areas is extended under Mornington Peninsula Shire rules). Events include guided group walks, off-lead beach days, breed meet-ups, and dog-friendly market days. Check local community boards, Facebook groups and council websites for upcoming 2026 Peninsula events.

Organiser siteChecked: July 2026

All event information is aggregated from public sources. Dates, venues and details change every year — always confirm with the organiser before attending. PawHub is not affiliated with any event organisers listed above.