Journal

The Pug Diaries

Adventures, opinions, and the occasional snack review.

FestivalJune 2026

OUR DOGSTIVAL 2026 ADVENTURE 🐾

Dogstival has become one of the highlights of our year — we’ve never missed it and a couple of weeks ago it was time for our annual trip back to the New Forest for this fantastic dog festival held at Burley Park. We always use it as the perfect excuse for a little weekend away in the van, and this year was no exception.

One of the things we love most about Dogstival is seeing so many familiar faces. From Instagram friends and people we’ve met at previous events to some of the stall holders we’ve come to know and love over the years and are lucky enough to now call friends.

There is always so much going on throughout the weekend. From the unique dog beach and foam party to plenty of shopping and live entertainment, there’s never a dull moment. This year we even took part in the Naturo Ready Steady Cook Off, which was great fun. And yes, before anyone asks, we totally won!

Our winning dish at the Naturo Healthy Hound Kitchen Ready Steady Cook Off
Our winning plate at the Naturo Ready Steady Cook Off 🏆

Pink Pups kitted us out in our fabulous new watermelon harnesses, which couldn’t have been more perfect for the beach-themed fun.

Lilly and Lulu in their Pink Pups watermelon harnesses at the Dogstival Beach Club
Beach Club ready in our Pink Pups watermelon harnesses 🍉

Another highlight of the weekend was attending Yappy Hour hosted by the Dog Owners Guide. It’s always a fantastic opportunity to socialise, meet fellow dog crazy dog parents. The amazing goodie bag was an added bonus and packed with some lovely treats and goodies, including things from Nilaqua, Lucilin, Denzels and Naturo.

There were also lots of breed specific dog meets taking place throughout the day so of course we had to join the pug meet. Seeing so many pugs together in one place was enough to make any pug parent’s day, and it was lovely meeting both familiar and new faces.

Throughout the weekend there was so much to see, do and explore. From shopping and activities to meeting fellow dogs and discovering new brands, Dogstival truly offers something for everyone. The atmosphere is always friendly, welcoming and full of wagging tails.

Our final stop before heading home was of course the POP+BARK Pupuccino Bar because let’s face it — is Dogstival really Dogstival without one of their famous pupuccinos? The perfect way to round off another fantastic weekend.

Lilly enjoying a POP+BARK pupuccino
The famous POP+BARK pupuccino — pug approved 🐾

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped to say hello, shared a cuddle or made us smile throughout the weekend.

Dogstival have already announced next year’s dates — 6th & 7th June — and we’re counting down the days already!

Little Lil Pug 🐾