Grab your lead: Australia's Biggest Doggie Day out is back for a great cause!
Mark your doggy diaries, Australia! The country’s largest outdoor dog market event, Paws at the Park, is officially returning to the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds on Saturday 22 August 2026.
Presented by Pet Wellness Centre and proudly supported by Division 9 Councillor Glenn Tozer and the City of Gold Coast, this massive day out has grown from a local park get-together into the ultimate annual pilgrimage for Queensland dog lovers. Officially crowned Queensland's Best Doggie Day Out and Australia's Best Dog Market Event, the festival is pulling out all the stops for 2026—and entry is completely free!
Best of all, every wagging tail through the gate helps raise vital funds for long-term charity partner, Animal Welfare League QLD (AWLQ). Since 2016, the community has rallied to raise over $78,000, giving vulnerable animals across South East Queensland a well-deserved second leash on life.
“This is a free day out that does so much good,” says Cathy U’Ren, Chief Woofness Officer. “It’s a great community event, a lot of fun for the whole family, and all for a good cause.”
Here is what you and your pack can look forward to this August:
Watch Dogs Defy Gravity at the K9 Superwall
The headline act for 2026 is the spectacular K9 Superwall, presented by Farmer Dave Graham and proudly sponsored by AAA Pet Resort. Festival-goers will get to watch athletic pups take a running leap at an ever-rising wall, climbing to unbelievable heights. With past competitors clearing up to 3.5 metres, these four-legged athletes are jumping higher than the human high jump world record!
Think your dog has what it takes? Any dog can enter on the day. There are categories for Joeys (small dogs), Open Class, and Codgers (seniors aged 8+). Whether your dog is a budding athlete or a wise old legend, there is a wall with their name on it.
All Aboard the Free Pack Express!
Paws at the Park is putting the “choo” in “choo toy” with free trackless train rides running throughout the day. Proudly sponsored by Pet Wellness Centre, these rides are open to the whole family—kids and four-legged passengers alike. While rides are free, optional donations to AWLQ are highly encouraged. It’s the perfect, relaxing way to scout out the markets and give tired paws a well-earned rest.
Non-Stop Fun and 80+ Specialty Stalls
Alongside the new highlights, the 2026 event brings back all the beloved mainstays that have made Paws at the Park a Gold Coast institution:
80+ dog-centric stalls: Packed with the best treats, accessories, grooming products, training services, and more.
Live entertainment: Catch expert trick demonstrations, educational talks, and live music on the main stage.
Best Dressed & Best Trick competitions: Dust off your pup's finest outfits and showcase their talents for a moment of fame.
Off-leash play areas: Dedicated safe spaces for your dogs to zone out, zoom around, and make new furry friends.
Food trucks: Plenty of delicious options to keep the humans fuelled up and happy.
Supported by a Very Good Pack of Sponsors
An event of this scale is made possible thanks to a brilliant lineup of community-minded sponsors:
City of Gold Coast (Platinum Sponsor)
Animal Emergency Centre, alongside friends Petbarn and Greencross (Gold Sponsors)
Doggie-licious (Gold Sponsor)
AAA Pet Resort (Proud sponsor of the K9 Superwall with Farmer Dave)
Pet Wellness Centre (Presenting Partner and sponsor of the trackless train rides)
“We say it every year, and every year our community delivers,” says the Paws at the Park Team. “2026 is going to be our biggest, most fun, and most generous Paws at the Park yet. Bring your dog, bring your spare change, and get ready to help us smash our fundraising goal for AWLQ.”
Event Details at a Glance
Date: Saturday 22 August 2026
Location: Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, Gold Coast, QLD
Entry: FREE
Charity Partner: Animal Welfare League QLD (AWLQ)
Presented by: Pet Wellness Centre
Website: www.pawsatthepark.com.au
Instagram: @pawsatthepark
Facebook: facebook.com/pawsatthepark
About Paws at the Park
Founded in 2016, Paws at the Park is Australia's largest outdoor dog market event, held annually at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds on the Gold Coast. Now presented by Pet Wellness Centre, the event features 100+ dog-centric stalls, live entertainment, competitions, and off-leash play areas. Paws at the Park has raised over $78,000 for charity partner Animal Welfare League QLD (AWLQ) since inception and has been recognised as Queensland's Best Doggie Day Out and Australia's Best Dog Market Event.
About Animal Welfare League QLD (AWLQ)
Animal Welfare League QLD is one of Queensland's largest and longest-standing animal welfare organisations, providing shelter, veterinary care, and rehoming services to animals across South East Queensland. For more information visit awlq.org.








