Bark in the Park

Dorchester’s Big Day Out for Dogs

If you’re a dog parent or you enjoy watching other people’s dogs have the time of their lives, make sure to put Sunday 23rd August on your radar. Bark in the Park is heading to The Great Field in Poundbury, running from 10am to 4pm, and it is shaping up to be one of the loveliest community days out Dorchester has this summer.

The whole thing is raised in aid of The Lexi May Trust, a Dorset charity that gives families memorable days out when their children are living with a life threatening illness. Every ticket, every class entry and every donation on the day goes towards that.

The Details

• Sunday 23rd August,
• The Great Field, Poundbury,
• 10am until 2pm.

A Dog Social Worth Wagging About

An event designed for dog lovers, but really it’s all about your pups. This wonderful event at The Great Field celebrates our canine friends in a true tail-wagging fashion. Expect a whole line-up of events and entertainment to get their paws into.

This is the show where the dogs get to show off. There are six classes running on the day, each costing £2 to enter, and booking ahead is a must since spaces do fill up.

Waggiest Tail is exactly what it sounds like, and it is judged on enthusiasm rather than technique. Best Child and Dog Partnership celebrates the bond between a dog and their favourite small human. Best Rescue Dog is a chance for rescue pups to shine, and Golden Oldie is reserved for the veterans who have earned every grey hair. If your dog fancies themselves an athlete, there is a Mini Agility Course to try, and if you are feeling bold, you can enter Dog the Judge Would Take Home, which is precisely as tricky to win as it sounds.

You can register for any or all of the classes through the official ticketing page.

Not Just for the Dogs

It’s not all about the pups. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at this wholesome event. With the main attraction being Paint in the Park, where everyone has a chance to paint the scene or a pet to be “Best in Show”. To be in with a chance of winning £100. Before you head to the show, don’t forget to register your entry on Art at the Duchess.

Beyond the show ring, there is plenty to keep the whole family busy. Expect a bouncy castle and face painting for the children, a handful of independent stalls selling things worth taking home, and enough food on offer that nobody needs to go hungry while they wait for the next class to start.

A Town That Actually Means It When It Says Dogs Welcome

Dorchester’s warmth towards dogs does not stop when the show packs up for the day. Wander into The King’s Arms in Dorchester, and you will find dogs curled up under tables. Tucked away nearby, The Secret Garden Café makes a lovely spot to rest with a coffee halfway round a walk, dog included. Neither is an exception. Across the town centre, cafés and pubs alike tend to treat a wagging tail as a good enough reason to say yes.

There is a full interactive map of dog friendly spots across town on the Discover Dorchester website, handy if you are planning to make more of your visit than just the show.

Plan Your Visit To Dorchester

Dorchester has plenty to offer dog owners, from events and shows like this one to a town centre full of businesses that genuinely welcome your pet. Come and explore, support the independent businesses that make this town so unique and see for yourself why Dorchester is one of Dorset’s most rewarding places to visit.

Full details are on the official event page, and you can find out more about the painting competition here.

Bark in the Park FAQs

When is Bark in the Park Dorchester 2026?
Bark in the Park takes place on Sunday 23rd August 2026 at The Great Field in Poundbury, Dorchester.

Where is Bark in the Park held?
Bark in the Park is held at The Great Field in Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, a large public park close to Dorchester town centre.

What happens at Bark in the Park Dorchester?
Bark in the Park is a community dog show and family day out featuring fun dog classes, mini agility, children’s activities, independent stalls, food and the Paint in the Park competition.

What dog show classes can I enter?
There are six classes, including Waggiest Tail, Best Child and Dog Partnership, Best Rescue Dog, Golden Oldie, Mini Agility Course and Dog the Judge Would Take Home.

How much does it cost to enter the dog show?
Dog show classes cost £2 per class. Advance booking is recommended as spaces are limited and classes can fill up.

Do I need to book Bark in the Park in advance?
You should book in advance if you want to enter your dog into one of the show classes. Details and registration are available through the official Bark in the Park ticketing page.

Is Bark in the Park suitable for families?
Yes. Bark in the Park is a family-friendly event with activities including a bouncy castle, face painting, stalls, food and entertainment, as well as plenty for dogs and their owners.

What is Paint in the Park?
Paint in the Park gives visitors the opportunity to create a painting of the scene or a pet and enter it into a Best in Show competition with a £100 prize. Entrants should register in advance with Art at the Duchess.

Which charity does Bark in the Park support?
Bark in the Park raises money for The Lexi May Trust, a Dorset charity that provides memorable days out for families with children living with life-threatening illnesses.

Is Dorchester dog friendly?
Yes. Dorchester is a dog-friendly town with numerous cafés, pubs, outdoor spaces and attractions welcoming dogs. Visitors can use Discover Dorchester’s interactive dog-friendly map to find places to eat, drink, walk and visit with their dog.

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