It is often wrongly believed that humans worshipped cats in Ancient Egypt. We sometimes wonder if our future ancestors will look back at our relationship with dogs and think something similar – but would they be wrong? Not if DogFest is anything to go by.
All hail this dog-friendly festival, which looks like the ulti-mutt celebration of our lovely pooches. DogFest returns to Ashton Court on September 6 & 7. This year, the festival is celebrating its 11th anniversary and is an absolute must-attend for all dog lovers and their fuzzy friends across the country.
Starting as a small gathering for dog lovers in 2014, DogFest has evolved into a must-attend event for famous faces and furry friends alike, from across the UK. Every year, a lineup of activities aims to celebrate the unique bond between humans and their canine companions – whether it’s heart-warming displays of canine companionship or adrenaline-pumping activities.
DogFest is more than just a festival. It’s a celebration of the “unconditional love that dogs bring into our lives.” Promising a weekend filled with world-class displays from top canine athletes, free expert advice and plenty of activities to participate in, this family-friendly event is open to both dog owners and dog lovers from Bristol and beyond.
Expect the return of fun dog shows, canine demonstrations and competitions, and the ever-popular Big Dog Walk. New for 2025, however, is the Live Stage, flyball, scent work and a roaming circus troupe—with acrobatics, comedy and surprises at every turn, Boom Circus will keep the whole family entertained all day long.
“We can’t wait to open the gates at Ragley Hall on 10 May and welcome our dog-loving community to the first DogFest of 2025,” said Tess Drew, DogFest Event Director. “We are working extremely hard to ensure we deliver a great experience for all our DogFest family – canine and human. There will be all the familiar, exciting happenings and experiences at each event as you would expect, but we’ve added a few new ones, which will make DogFest into even more of a dog lover’s paradise. We’ll see you there!”
Also, remember to pamper and treat your furry babies with hundreds of vendors. There’s so much happening at DogFest that we can’t list it all, but know if your doggo is a big ball of fur, cuteness and energy, then this is the event for you. Entry to DogFest is set at £17.50, with free parking included, while children under 11 and dogs go free. You can learn more about DogFesthere.