It’s no secret that we’re Dogstival SUPERFANS. So we thought we would give you the full scoop on what we believe are the best things to do while you’re visiting this tail-wagging event. Ready for it? Let’s get into it!
1. Celebrate The Jubilee
This year, Dogstival is celebrating a very unique event. The Queen’s Jubilee! As the nation’s only dog festival celebrating the Queen, you can expect giant doggy Barkingham Palace, street parties and huge regal canine thrones. You may even spot the queen herself, so bonus points if you bag yourself a selfie.
In homage to one of the most traditional ways to celebrate The Queen’s landmark anniversaries, The Jubilee Tea Pawty will be bringing a little slice of London to Dogstival, so you and your pooch can enjoy a very British Afternoon Tea experience with their furry friends, courtesy of the Wyld Cub and The Four Legged Foodies.
2. Visit The Muddy Paws Tavern
Come and say hello to us at the Muddy Paws Tavern. That’s right, we’re hosting our very own dog friendly pub – a tail-wagging hub where dog owners can connect and meet like-minded people and pooches. We’re all about the community at Dog Furiendly, so this is a unique opportunity for us to bring people together. Discover more about your favourite pupfluencers, take part in our hourly meet-ups, or kick back in Yappy Hour as we host a pup quiz, barking bingo, comedy and more!
3. Grab Tasty Food
Oh sorry, did you think we meant for the humans? We’re talking about the dogs of course. Our canine companions can enjoy their very own slice of Poocharoni Doggy Pizza. They can also raise a glass to the Queenie with their very own pawsecco, or down a shot of puppacino. Of course there’s plenty for human consumption too, and you’ll be drooling like a Doberman when you see the variety on offer. One thing you must tick off your Dogstival bucket list is to grab a bevvy on the giant London Bus Bar.
4. Laugh Your Paws Off
Another new feature of Dogstival this year which we are wagging our tails about is the stand-up Canine Comedy with the Barking Mad Comedy Club. The line up includes dog-loving comedians Adam Bloom and Russell Hicks, who’ve graced stages at the Edinburgh Festival regulars, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and BBC’s The Stand Up Show. They have family-friendly shows from noon, panel shows which see canine experts team up with comedians at 2pm, and a more adult stand-up show at 4pm onwards. Combine this with a handful of bonkers street performers and you will be howling with laughter!
5. Take Part In The Animal Friends Dog Show
Let’s face it, everyone thinks their dog rocks! Join our partners Animal Friends Insurance for a fun dog show this year aimed at the more humorous end of the scale and because every good story starts with a tail! Can you do a trick? Perhaps your pooch is looking festival ready?! The Dogstival fun dog show is open to everyone and ALL proceeds are split between charities. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Pets as Therapy and Streetvet.
6. Have-a-go Activities
We’re especially excited for Barkour, Dogstival’s twist on parkour, where pups can navigate their way through an adventure playground of agility ramps, tunnels, ball pits, see-saws and more. However Dogstival is a great time to try out other canine activities such as agility, hoopers and flyball. Who knows, you may just have a Crufts Champion by your side.
7. Take LOTS Of Photos
You’re going to want to remember every minute of this day. There’s a jam-packed schedule ahead, which has been put together with you and your dog in mind. You’ll also find plenty of photo opportunities dotted throughout the festival. Capture all the memories, then post and boast (when you find signal). Don’t forget to tag @dogstival and us @dogfuriendly!
Are YOU Heading To Dogstival?
What activities are on your Dogstival bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.
