From a championship show in Exeter to a charity fun day in Whitchurch, this summer is packed with dog events across the South West. Here's everything Bristol dog owners need to know for June, July, August and September 2026.

Woofstock at Powderham Castle, Exeter: 12 to 14 June 2026

The biggest dog event in the South West this June, and well worth the hour's drive from Bristol. Woofstock is a national award-winning festival held in the grounds of Powderham Castle, just outside Exeter. During the day it's a full festival for dogs and their owners, with fun dog shows open to all breeds, agility and obedience displays, police dog demonstrations, have-a-go activities, and a wide variety of dog-related stalls. On Friday and Saturday evenings, it transforms into a dog-friendly music festival with live bands into the night.

Dog show classes include Appealing Eyes, I Love my Mini-Human, Golden Oldie, and Best in Show, alongside special awards for Inspiration, Bravery, and Service Dogs. You can also try your hand at distraction alley, hay bale racing, and more.

Day tickets, full weekend tickets, camping, and VIP glamping options are all available. Dogs go free, and tickets for one adult and one dog start from around £22.

  • Where: Powderham Castle, Powderham Estate, Exeter, EX6 8JQ
  • When: Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June 2026
  • Cost: From around £22 for one adult and one dog. Dogs go free.
  • More info: woofstockuk.co.uk

Dog Life Drawing at The Grange, Cardiff: Saturday 20 June 2026

A dog event with a difference, and a great excuse to head over to Cardiff. Dog Life Drawing at The Grange is a relaxed two-hour creative session at The Grange Pub in Cardiff, where friendly dogs take centre stage as your drawing models. No experience needed, just a willingness to give it a go and enjoy the company of some very good dogs.

Whether you're a confident artist or haven't picked up a pencil since school, the session is welcoming and low-pressure. Refunds are available up to seven days before the event.

  • Where: The Grange Pub, 134 Penarth Road, Cardiff, CF11 6NJ
  • When: Saturday 20 June 2026, 2pm to 4pm
  • More info: Book on Eventbrite

Bristol Pride Dog Show: Saturday 4 July 2026

One of the most loved events in Bristol's dog calendar returns as part of Bristol Pride 2026. The Pride Dog Show is back at the Wine Street entrance to Castle Park, with registration from 11.30am and the show starting at 12.15pm.

Rounds include Best Pup, Waggiest Tail, Best Trick, Most Like Owner, Proudest Pet, Happiest Rescue, Judges Choice, and the always-chaotic Musical Sit. It's a relaxed, community event: think rosettes, prizes for first through third place, and a crowd of fellow dog owners. Bristol Animal Rescue Centre will also be on the day.

  • Where: Castle Park, Wine Street entrance, Bristol city centre
  • When: Saturday 4 July 2026, 12.15pm start (registration from 11.30am)
  • Cost: Free to watch / £2 per round to enter
  • More info: bristolpride.co.uk/events/pride-dog-show

Bristol Pride itself runs from 27 June to 12 July 2026, so if you're heading into the city that weekend anyway, it's well worth building a day around.

Charity Fun Day and Dog Show, Whitchurch: Sunday 12 July 2026

Hosted by Bristol Imperial Vets4Pets at Bristol Barbarians Rugby Club in Whitchurch, this is a family-friendly afternoon of games, stalls, refreshments and a fun dog show running throughout the day. Dog show classes are held in waves so you can browse the stalls and grab a brew between rounds. Free parking on site and dogs of all ages welcome.

  • Where: Bristol Barbarians RFC, Norton Lane, Whitchurch, BS14 0BT
  • When: Sunday 12 July 2026, 11am to 3pm
  • Cost: Free parking. Tickets via Eventbrite.
  • More info: Book on Eventbrite

Bristol DAWG Fun Dog Show: Sunday 12 July 2026

Bristol Dog Action Welfare Group (DAWG) is a local greyhound and lurcher rescue, and they run regular Fun Dog Shows throughout the summer to raise funds for the dogs in their care. All breeds and cross breeds are welcome, with 15 classes on the day including Best Puppy, Most Handsome Dog, Best Rescue, Best Sighthound, Dog with the Most Appealing Eyes and Waggiest Tail.

Judging starts at 11am prompt and visitors are asked to arrive from 10.15am. Pay as you enter the ring (cash only). Rosettes are awarded to sixth place plus trophies and special rosettes. Tea, coffee, cake, cold drinks and ice cream available on the day. Bring a chair.

Worth a heads-up: sat nav will try to take you off the A38, but stay on the main A38 and look for a large white dog in a tree.

DAWG runs Fun Dog Shows throughout the summer, with the next one in August. Check their website for upcoming dates.

  • Where: Knoll View, Biddisham, Axbridge, BS26 2RE
  • When: Sunday 12 July 2026, judging from 11am (arrive from 10.15am)
  • Cost: £2 per class or £10 unlimited classes for the same dog. Cash only.
  • More info: dawg.org.uk/events

Paignton Championship Dog Show, Exeter: 31 July to 2 August 2026

A three-day Kennel Club Championship Show at Westpoint Exeter, run by the Paignton & District Fanciers Association. One of the highlights of the UK summer show calendar, this is a more serious affair than a fun dog show, with a wide range of pedigree breed classes, agility, obedience, rally, hoopers, and flyball competitions. A Family Dog Show is also held on the Saturday, so there's something for casual visitors too.

General admission is free for spectators, with car parking at £10 per vehicle on the day.

  • Where: Westpoint Exeter, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DJ
  • When: Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, 7am to 6pm
  • Cost: Free general admission, £10 parking per vehicle
  • More info: westpointexeter.co.uk

August Bank Holiday Dog Walk, Bath: Monday 24 August 2026

The Architect pub in Bath holds an annual bank holiday dog walk in aid of Bath Cats and Dogs Home. The day starts with a bacon sarnie and a brew at the pub, followed by an hour-long stroll around the canal and Sydney Gardens. A Sunday roast (with a dog menu) is available afterwards for anyone who fancies sticking around.

  • Where: The Architect, Orange Grove, Bath, BA1 1LP
  • When: Monday 24 August 2026, 10am
  • Cost: Donation-based, in aid of Bath Cats and Dogs Home
  • More info: bringfido.com/event/55128

DogFest Ashton Court: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September 2026

The biggest dog event of the year on your doorstep. DogFest is at Ashton Court for the September weekend, with live dog displays, dog-friendly stalls, festival food and drink, and plenty of have-a-go activities for dogs and owners alike.

Expect world-class displays from top canine athletes, free expert advice and workshops, breed meet-ups, big dog walks, fun dog shows, and fastest dog competitions, plus shopping, festival food and drink. Under 5s and dogs go free.

  • Where: Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN
  • When: Saturday 6 to Sunday 7 September 2026
  • More info: dogfest.co.uk

Not a dog event, but dog-friendly: Feast On, Bristol

Worth a mention for anyone planning a foodie day out with their dog this summer. Feast On is Bristol's celebration of food, drink and local producers, held across multiple city centre locations. It's not a dog event, but well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at most of the outdoor sites. Worth a wander if you're already in town.

Know something we've missed?

If you run a dog event in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Cardiff, or Exeter and want to get it in front of Bristol dog owners, drop us a line at woof@thebristolhound.com. We're always looking for things to shout about.

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