Shows, festivals and dog-friendly days out worth planning around.
Boundary, Leicestershire
A free, all-day family festival at Charnwood Forest Alpacas with live music, circus skills, inflatables, local makers and food stalls — and dogs are welcome, on leads, throughout. Raising money for men's mental health charity Tough To Talk.
Syston, Leicestershire
Despite the name, this one's for every dog, not just the leggy speedy ones — an afternoon of fun classes at The Gate Hangs Well in Syston, raising money for Leicester Sighthounds. Think Handsome Boy, Best Sausage Catcher and Fancy Dress, with rosettes for the top three in each ring.
Braunston, Rutland
Meadow View's annual dog show returns to Corner Meadow Farm on 6 September, with twelve show classes, rosettes down to fifth place, stalls, a tombola and food on site. It's in aid of Corner Meadow Animal Rehabilitation, so a fun day out with a good cause behind it.
Hinckley, Leicestershire
A one-day open day bringing together 27 alternative therapy stands for dogs, horses and humans alike, plus a magic show, fete games and a cake stall — all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Thanks to Katie B Frisby for flagging this one for the calendar.
Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire
An early-evening picnic in the grounds of Ashby Castle, with live music from W2, balloon modelling and a proper community feel. Bring your own picnic, grab a ticket, and make an evening of it before the nights draw in.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
A whole afternoon at Ashby Cricket Club built entirely around the dogs — puppuccinos, treats, stalls and a fun dog show, all in aid of LOROS. Murphy hasn't been yet, but this one's already in the diary for 6 September. 🐾
Rufford Abbey Country Park
Paws in the Park is taking over the beautiful grounds of Rufford Abbey Country Park for a whole day dedicated to dogs 🤎
Huncote, Leicestershire
Leicester Animal Aid's 70th anniversary celebration at Huncote Sports & Social Club. Fun dog show, have-a-go agility, doggy reunion parade for former residents, plus stalls, games and refreshments. £2 entry for adults, dogs and kids free.
Market Harborough, Leicestershire
A two-day Fun Dog Show celebrating dogs of all shapes, sizes and stories. Waggiest Tail, Most Handsome Dog, Scruffiest Dog, Dog Most Like Their Owner — seventeen classes in total, plus Dog Scurry and Agility Experience.
Solihull, West Midlands
A breed-specific social event for Cavapoos and similar-sized doodle mixes — off-lead play, a Pupuccino Bar, shopping stalls and a garden disco theme. Hosted by the team behind the Dragons' Den-featured POP+BARK events at Slug & Lettuce in Solihull.
Stoneleigh, Warwickshire
A two-day dog event built around actual dogs rather than just tolerating them. Live demos, expert talks, trickster performances, a dog pub, shopping, and a Pumpkin Patch registry where your dog's name gets added to an official patrol wall. Dogs go free, kids go free, parking's free.
Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire
A relaxed community dog show with classes for prettiest, handsomest, oldest, youngest and best rescue — plus a child handler category. £1 per entry, rosettes for the winners, and the kind of village fête atmosphere where nobody's taking it too seriously.
Deene Park, Northamptonshire
A two-day celebration of dogs, livestock, rural life and thrilling stunt shows. Fun dog competitions, agility displays, have-a-go activities and a shopping village — plus rural country attractions, horse displays and entertainment for the whole family.
Rosliston Forestry Centre, Derbyshire
A charity dog walking event raising funds for Crowfoot Kennels Dog Rescue. Two organised pack walks, a dog show, agility, BBQ, raffle, and plenty of community atmosphere — all in support of rescue dogs.
Leicestershire
A pick-your-own sunflower field with a maze, games and refreshments. Dogs welcome, no booking required, and the sort of photo opportunity Murphy will either absolutely nail or spectacularly ruin — we'll find out.
Oakedge Park, Wolseley Bridge, ST17 0XS Stafford
An upscale, rustic countryside day out curated specifically for modern dog owners. Artisan shopping, holistic canine health stalls, a fun dog show running all afternoon, and free ground entry. Dogs on lead throughout.
Everards Meadow, Leicester, Leicestershire
Dog Fest is back — with a fresh new look and a new name 🐶 The Big Leicester Paw Festival returns to Everards Meadows with FREE entry, nine hours of dog agility, shows, breed meet-ups and plenty to keep both dogs and humans entertained.
Osgathorpe, Leicestershire
A dog show, food, music and activities — all raising money for a very good cause 💙 Canine Partners is holding a Family Fun Day & Dog Show this August, with a day of community fun planned in support of the charity.
Soar Valley, Leicestershire
A family-friendly dog show with have-a-go activities, working dog sports and plenty for dogs of all breeds to get involved in.
Elvaston, Derbyshire
If your perfect summer festival involves dogs, live music and good food rather than muddy fields and questionable portaloo decisions, Dog Lovers Festival might be one for the diary. A three-day celebration of everything canine with live bands, dog activities, camping and a proper festival atmosphere.