The days are getting longer, the flowers are in bloom, and Melbourne is buzzing with things to do. And this year, dogs aren’t just tagging along – they’re invited.
From tulip fields and cherry blossoms to paw-friendly pub crawls and bustling farmers’ markets, September is stacked with outings where pups are part of the fun. Think fresh air, live music, good food, and plenty of wagging tails.
Whether you’re chasing a big day out at a festival, a relaxed Sunday walk with fellow dog lovers, or a market stroll where the stalls cater to humans and hounds alike, there’s something on the calendar for every kind of pup (and their people).
Here’s your guide to the best dog-friendly events in Melbourne this September.
On this page:
Dog-Friendly Festivals
Spring days, open spaces, and dogs in tow
Spring in Melbourne means one thing – festival season. The flowers are out, the days are longer, and suddenly every weekend feels like an excuse to celebrate. Best part? More and more events are rolling out the welcome mat for dogs.
From tulip fields to cherry blossoms, heritage gardens to bustling pet expos, September is packed with festivals where pups are part of the fun. Think wide open spaces, fresh air, live music, food stalls, and plenty of photo ops with your four-legged sidekick.
Here are the dog-friendly festivals worth pencilling into the calendar this month.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival – A million blooms, endless photo ops
Spring doesn’t get more magical than this. Just under an hour from Melbourne, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival transforms Silvan into a sea of colour, with over a million tulips bursting into bloom.
It’s 70 years of culture, music, food and family fun wrapped up in one of Victoria’s most iconic spring events. Every weekend brings something new — from Turkish dancing and Dutch treats to live jazz, kids’ shows and even rock ’n’ roll in the fields.
For dog parents, it’s a dream day out. Wide tulip-lined paths made for photos, shady rest stops, fresh mountain air, and plenty of space for pups on lead. Add free entry for kids under 16 and it’s the kind of outing that’s worth marking on the calendar.
When: 13 September – 12 October 2025
Location: Silvan
Casey Pet Expo – A paw-fect day out for the whole family
Back for its 17th year, the Casey Pet Expo is Berwick’s big day for pets and their people. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Wilson Botanic Park, it’s the kind of event where tails wag non-stop and families spend hours exploring.
Expect expert training demos, hands-on workshops, stalls packed with treats and accessories, and roving performers bringing plenty of festival energy. Kids can jump into face painting and activities while pups make new mates on lead.
Whether you’re after training tips, a spot of shopping, or just an excuse to spend a sunny day with your dog in a gorgeous park, this expo is as dog-friendly as it gets.
When: Sunday, 13th September 2025
Location: Berwick
Blossom Festival at CherryHill Orchards – Stroll, sip, and soak up the blossoms
Spring in the Yarra Valley doesn’t get prettier than this. For just a few short weeks, CherryHill Orchards throws open its gates, inviting families (and their pups) to wander more than 100 acres of cherry blossoms in full bloom.
It’s a festival that’s part nature walk, part foodie day out. Think blossom-lined strolls, cherry ice-cream and cider tastings, live music, local stalls, and a brand-new Kids Hub for 2025. On weekends, the orchard buzzes with food trucks, markets, and entertainment — perfect for making a day of it.
Dog owners aren’t left out either. Pups are welcome on lead throughout the orchard, with dog-friendly treats available so they can join in the indulgence. Between the pink petals, mountain views, and photo-ready backdrops, it’s an outing made for memory-making.
When: 24 September – 5 October 2025
Location:CherryHill Orchards, Wandin East
Groove and Graze 2025 – Music, mates and picnic vibes
Good food, great music, and a dog by your side. Groove and Graze brings it all together in Joyce Park, Ormond. This free community festival is back for another year, serving up a full day of live music, local eats, and easygoing picnic vibes.
The 2025 line-up features James Franklin, Spirit Ditch, Autumn Rains, Ludes, The Big and Easy Jazz Band and more, blending soul, indie and jazz across the afternoon. Add in food trucks, a pop-up bar, and wide open lawns made for rugs and prams, and you’ve got the ultimate local hangout.
Best part? It’s dog-friendly. Pups are welcome on lead, with plenty of space to sprawl out while you soak up the tunes.
When: Saturday, 20 September 2025
Location: Joyce Park, Jasper Road, Ormond
Father’s and Dogs Day Out at Rippon Lea Estate – One Sunday, paws included
For one day only, Rippon Lea’s historic gardens open their gates to dogs, turning Father’s Day into a full family affair. Pack a picnic, roll out a rug on the lawns, and wander the blooming spring gardens with your pup by your side.
The day comes with a few special extras: a best-dressed dog competition at 1pm (think mansion-worthy outfits), vintage cars from the Dandenong Valley Historic Car Club, and picture-perfect spots at every turn.
It’s the only Sunday of the year dogs are welcome inside Rippon Lea Estate — making it a rare chance to explore one of Melbourne’s grandest gardens together.
When: Sunday, 7 September 2025
Location: Rippon Lea Estate, Elsternwick
Dog-Friendly Meetups & Walks
Because walks are better with friends
From casual strolls that raise money for pets in need to pub crawls where pups are the real VIPs, September is serving up plenty of ways to get social on four legs.
Whether you’re a dog dad keen on a Father’s Day pint, a social butterfly pup ready to meet new mates, or just looking for a reason to stretch the legs with fellow dog lovers, these meetups and walks are all about connection.
Here’s what’s on for Melbourne dogs (and their humans) this month.
PetRescue’s Best Friends’ Walk – Every step helps a homeless pet
This September, your daily dog walk can do more than keep tails wagging – it can help rewrite the future for thousands of pets in need. PetRescue’s Best Friends’ Walk is a free, month-long virtual challenge that turns every kilometre into support for homeless animals.
Walk solo, with your pup, or as part of a team. Set your own goal – 10km or 100km – and raise funds along the way. The beauty? You can join from anywhere in Australia, whether it’s laps around the block or trails through the bush.
Participants get a digital welcome kit, milestone rewards, and the warm glow of knowing every step helps fund urgent supplies, medical care, and adoption pathways for pets at risk.
When: 1 – 30 September 2025
Location: Australia
Puppy Pub Crawl St Kilda – Three bars, one paw-some adventure
If Sunday strolls and sundowners sound like your vibe, the Puppy Pub Crawl is the ultimate way to spend an afternoon with your dog. Starting by St Kilda West’s off-lead beach, you and your pup will wander 1.2km together, stopping in at three of the area’s most dog-friendly bars.
Expect sea views, shared plates, drink specials, and pup-friendly meals crafted by the chefs at each venue. From puppy arepitas to doggie roasts, the dogs get just as spoiled as their humans. Along the way, you’ll meet other dog lovers and discover new go-to spots that actually welcome four-legged regulars.
It’s part walk, part pub crawl, all wagging tails.
When: Sunday, 14 September 2025
Location: St Kilda
Dog Dad’s Day at The Termo – Pints, pups and Sunday roasts
Skip the socks and ties; this Father’s Day is all about beers, roasts, and belly rubs in The Terminus’ legendary Abbotsford beer garden. From noon until late arvo, dads and their four-legged sidekicks can kick back together with live music, hearty food, and dog-friendly spoils.
For pups, there’s a mini doggy roast (yes, really) and puppacinos on tap. For dads, a classic Sunday roast, a free schooner on arrival, and a meat tray raffle to keep the tradition alive. Add live tunes and you’ve got the perfect blend of pub vibes and paw time. Because Father’s Day isn’t just for dads – it’s for dog dads too.
When: Sunday, 7 September 2025
Location: The Terminus Hotel, Abbotsford
Paws & Pints at The Angry Dog
A feel-good dog lovers meet-up at The Angry Dog in West Melbourne, hosted by Paw Share Club. Whether you’re a seasoned dog parent or just pup curious, it’s your chance to connect with locals over beers, belly rubs and real talk about pet life.
Every ticket helps pups in need because good humans stick together.
When: Saturday, 6th September
Location: The Angry Dog, West Melbourne
Puppy Pub Crawl Brunswick – Craft beers, dog martinis and new mates
Brunswick’s pub scene goes fully dog-friendly for an afternoon of bar-hopping with your pup. The Puppy Pub Crawl covers three venues over a breezy 1.4km walk, mixing craft brews, live music, and dog treats in equal measure.
Kick off at Co-Conspirators Brewing Pub with exclusive drink specials and spent grain dog treats for the four-legged guests. Next, wander over to the Retreat Hotel, home to Brunswick’s best live music and a beer garden where pups can sip Doggie Beef Martinis (don’t worry – strictly non-alcoholic). The crawl wraps up at the newly revamped Hotel Railway Brunswick, where Mediterranean-inspired share plates and a sprawling beer garden set the tone for the evening.
It’s Sunday arvo done right: craft drinks for humans, chef-made treats for pups, and plenty of new mates to meet along the way.
When: Sunday, 28 September 2025
Location: Brunswick
Paint & Sip: Paint Your Dog Painting Class
Paint For Fun in Port Melbourne invites you and your dog to a unique painting class. Tailored for beginners, this workshop is not only about learning painting techniques but also about sharing the experience with your dog, who becomes both your muse and companion during the session. It’s a perfect blend of creativity and bonding with your dog.
When: 7th & 27th September
Location: Paint For Fun, Port Melbourne
Breed Meetups Every Weekend at Doghouse Café
Doghouse Café is hosting a series of breed-specific meetups throughout June, bringing together dog lovers and their furry companions for mornings of socialising, play, and treats. Each event takes place in the shaded outdoor area of the café, providing a secure and welcoming space for dogs to explore while owners connect with fellow breed enthusiasts.
With delicious pupcakes and dogachinos included, these meetups are the perfect way to celebrate beloved breeds in a relaxed setting.
Westies: Saturday, September 6th
Frenchies: Sunday, September 7th
Bernese Mountain Dogs: Saturday, September 13th
Bedlington Terriers: Sunday, September 14th
Pugs: Saturday, September 20th
Italian Greyhounds: Sunday, September 21st
Weinmaraner: Sunady, September 28th
Dog-Friendly Markets
Looking for the perfect outing with your pup? Check out Melbourne’s dog-friendly farmers and craft markets! Shop for local produce and handmade crafts, and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere. These weekly and monthly markets are a fantastic way for you and your furry friend to experience the best local Melbourne.
St Kilda Esplanade Market
Enjoy a Sunday stroll at St Kilda’s Esplanade Market with your dog. Since 1970, this beachside market has been a hit for its artisanal finds and pet-friendly atmosphere. Discover unique crafts, savor food truck treats, and spoil your pet with special items. Highlights include the “Puppy of the Day” contest and charity-supporting puppuccinos, blending fun and philanthropy into your market visit.
When: Every Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: St Kilda’s Esplanade
Price: Free
Veg Out St Kilda Farmers’ Market
The Veg Out St Kilda Farmers’ Market, happening every first Saturday of the month, is a community favourite in the bustling bayside suburb of St Kilda. Accredited by the VFMA, it’s a place where locals and visitors can enjoy fresh, local produce in a friendly, dog-welcoming environment.
When: Saturday 6th September, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Peanut Farm, St Kilda
Price: Free
Abbotsford Convent Farmers Market
Nestled in the scenic grounds of Melbourne’s historic Abbotsford Convent, this dog-friendly monthly market is a lively showcase of Victoria’s fresh produce. It welcomes food enthusiasts, ethical shoppers, and their dogs to discover a wide selection of fresh, seasonal produce, handmade artisan foods, and exquisite gourmet condiments, all sourced directly from Victorian farmers.
When: Saturday 13th September, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Abbotsford Convent
Price: $2 (proceeds go to the Abbotsford Convent)
Elwood Farmers Market
Held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, this dog-friendly market features over 40 stalls showcasing the finest local produce, artisan goods, and delicious treats. With a lively atmosphere enhanced by local musicians, it’s not just a place to shop but a welcoming community space where you can enjoy quality time with your dog. After exploring the market, take a scenic walk along Elster Creek to round off your visit with some extra exercise for your furry friend.
When: Saturday 13th & 27th September, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Elwood Primary School
Price: Free
Williamstown Farmers’ Market
Fresh local produce, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere at this dog-friendly market in Williamstown, Melbourne.
When: Sunday 14th September, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: Robertson Reserve, Williamstown
Price: Free
Gasworks Farmers’ Market
Experience some of the best of Victorian produce at the dog-friendly Gasworks Farmers’ Market in Albert Park. Occurring every third Saturday, this market is a celebration of sustainable living, offering everything from fresh produce to homemade delicacies and vibrant flowers.
