Glasgow's Barklove dog festival returns in July - here's what you can expect

With everything included in the ticket price – aside from the popular Pawtrait Studio photography experience – Barklove 2026 promises a packed programme spanning agility, wellness, interactive events, shopping, education and entertainment.

Among this year’s highlights is a special interactive event with Dougie Payne of Travis, who brings his debut picture book Poochie Pete And His Very Big Feet to Barklove for a unique live experience. Joined by illustrator Rachel Seago, audiences can enjoy a live reading, draw-along activities and musical moments inspired by the story of a lovable dog searching for where he belongs. Sure to be popular, secure your spot now here.

Returning to the outdoor yard, Barklove’s bespoke-built Fun Agility Area, hosted by Bearsden Dog Training Club, will run as a drop-in experience where dogs can stretch their legs, build confidence and burn off some energy. Meanwhile Paws & Reset from Scottish Canine Wellness brings calming wellness classes for dogs and owners to unwind together in a relaxed studio setting. Paws & Reset classes can be booked in advance here.

Dog-inspired creativity also runs through this year’s programme via Barkworks, a collaboration with the internationally renowned Yardworks Festival. They bring street art and interactive activities to the festival including live mural painting by FRODRIK, while Print Clan return with their popular live screen-printing experience.

Across the day, visitors can also enjoy a series of Education Sessions designed to help dog owners build confidence and knowledge of best care. Highlights include an animal CPR and first aid demonstration from the team at Vets Now Hospital Glasgow, alongside an introduction to at-home grooming from Shannon Burke and Erin McElroy of award-winning groomers Shampooch Dog Grooming. Following queues at Barklove’s debut last year, Tarot by Peachy returns with her wildly popular dog-themed tarot readings.

The much-loved Fun Dog Show also returns, with special guest judges set to be announced in the coming weeks featuring familiar dog-loving faces. Attendees and their pups can take part in a range of playful categories throughout the day all to raise money for dog charities.

Meanwhile, the Barklove Market will bring together over 30 independent dog-focused brands, makers, creatives and experts from Scotland and across the UK. Festivalgoers can browse everything from bespoke handmade dog beds by Welsh-based BowWow House, travelling to Glasgow especially for the event, to animal-inspired embroidered clothing from Maisie and Murphy, luxury dog treats from Shelby’s Dog Bakery and stylish accessories and gifts from independents including Paw Originals, Little Paws Pet Shop, Wild Paws and Claws, Walkie Mountains, Cosmopawliton and WagsWhiskersGifts.

Visitors can also meet the team behind White Wedding Canine Co., specialists in professional wedding canine care across Scotland, alongside wellness-focused experts including Natural Pet Pharmacy. Adding to the experience, Pawtrait Art Studio will offer live portrait drawing sessions, giving festivalgoers the chance to take home a bespoke illustration of their dog with a special Barklove twist, while Dogs and Pups Dog Training will be on hand sharing practical training tips and advice throughout the day.

Barklove will also shine a light on the wider dog-loving community, with a number of charities and welfare organisations on site, giving visitors the chance to meet the teams behind them, discover more about their work and find out how they can get involved or offer support.

Back by popular demand, the Pawtrait Studio from Bark’ly Dog Photography will offer professional photography sessions to capture every pup’s best angle. Available as a drop-in experience, this will be the only activity payable separately on the day.

Alongside the packed programme, festivalgoers can soak up Barklove’s signature atmosphere while enjoying dog friendly DJ sets, food and drink from a selection of traders across SWG3 and a dog chillout area.

Jenn Nimmo-Smith, Founder of Barklove, said: “Seeing so many people and dogs come together for our first Barklove last year was really special and completely exceeded what we imagined. Barklove was inspired by my love of festivals and a lifelong love of dogs – I wanted to create something that captured the atmosphere and sense of community you get from a great festival, but built entirely around dogs and the people who adore them. This year’s programme feels bigger and even more exciting, with something for everyone whether that’s agility, wellness sessions, discovering brilliant independent dog brands, enjoying street art and interactive experiences, or joining us for some really lovely moments throughout the day. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to SWG3 for a celebration of just how much joy dogs bring to our lives.”