Paws on the Promenade: Brighton's New Summer Dog Festival

It is mid-February, and while the sea breeze still has a bit of a bite, the talk around town is already shifting toward the summer. Specifically, the first weekend of June is looking busy for local dog owners. A new event called DogFest on the Beach is making its debut in Brighton on the 6th and 7th of June 2026. It is being billed as a first-of-its-kind beachfront festival for the UK, and they have brought in TV and radio presenter Rylan to host the proceedings at East Brighton Park.

The festival seems to be leaning into the local atmosphere by bringing in Brighton drag queens and radio presenter Dan Draper to help manage the schedule. The plan for the weekend starts with something called Sunrise Beach Beats, which is essentially a DJ set to wake everyone up before the dog-focused activities begin. There is quite a list of things for dogs to do, ranging from a giant ball pit and hay bale hurdles to a dogstacle course. For those who want to see if their pet has a competitive streak, there is the DogFest Dash and the Agria Fun Dog Show, which focuses more on the personality of the dogs than traditional showing standards. One of the more unique features mentioned is the Wag & Werk Stage, which is described as a mix of a catwalk and cabaret, where owners can put their dogs in the spotlight.

If you are looking at going, tickets are currently starting at £29.50. This entry price covers the festival and the various activities your dog can try out. There is also a DogFest Plus upgrade for £35, which is aimed at those who want a bit more comfort. This includes a Q&A session with Rylan, fast-track entry, and access to a separate area called the Plus Paddock. This area has covered seating, its own concierge, and a private bar. The upgrade also comes with a goodie bag for the dog containing a bandana, ice cream, and a toy, plus a drink for the human. It is a significant step up in price, but it might appeal to people who want a base away from the main crowds.

Interestingly, the arrival of this commercial festival has caused a bit of a stir in the local community. The long-standing Bark in the Park show, which raises money for the upkeep of Queens Park, is scheduled for the same Saturday, June 6th. This grassroots event is much smaller and cheaper, with a £2 entry fee for dog classes like 'best sausage catcher' or 'cutest puppy.' The organisers of the Queens Park event have been vocal about staying put, emphasizing that their funds go directly back into local park maintenance, whereas DogFest is a commercial touring operation. The council has suggested there is enough room in Brighton for both, but it does mean owners have a choice to make between a large-scale production with celebrity hosts and a traditional community fundraiser.

Beyond the festival grounds, Brighton remains its usual dog-friendly self. If you are planning to make a full weekend of it, the Volks Electric Railway along the seafront is a reliable option for getting around with a pet, as they have been welcoming dogs since the 19th century. Just keep in mind that while the festival is happening in June, the usual summer beach restrictions will be in place. This means dogs are generally restricted to specific zones on the main pebbles, though the stretch between the Volks Railway Aquarium Station and the marina wall remains open to them year-round. Whether you head to the big production at East Brighton Park or stick to the local vibes at Queens Park, it is shaping up to be a very dog-centric start to the summer.