Get ready for a huge day of fun, furry friends, and fantastic prizes! If you’ve got animal-loving kids (or are an animal-lover yourself), this Sunday is shaping up to be a great one.
The very first Pets Life Festival is taking place at The Station in Newcastle on Sunday 24 May, running from 9am to 2pm.
What’s On at Pets Life Festival
There’s a solid lineup across the day, with most inclusions already covered in your ticket price.
Free Family Pet Photos
Bring along your furry, scaly, and feathered friends for a professional family photo with Sydney Dog Photography. Your digital photo download is yours to keep. Photo zone entry is included in your ticket.
Free Petting Zoo
Perfect for little kids (and adults!), all ticket holders have free entry into the petting zoo featuring piglets, kid goats, lambs, guinea pigs, chickens, chicks, ducks and ducklings.
Free Snake Show
John’s Reptile Awareness Displays is hosting three snake safety demos throughout the day, displaying five venomous snakes including the Red-Bellied Black Snake and the Death Adder. All snakes are handled by professionals in an enclosed space.
Free Animal and Wildlife Talks
Learn fun facts about koalas with Port Stephens Koala Hospital, how to make eco-friendly cat toys from household items with Mayfield Community Cats, and learn about wild dingoes with Sydney Dingo Rescue — plus more throughout the day.
Supporting Local Animal Rescues
At the heart of the event is a real focus on local rescue organisations. Eleven groups will be represented on the day, including Dog Rescue Newcastle, Nine Lives Cat Rescue, Guide Dogs NSW, Hunter Animal Rescue, Weiner Rescue Crew, Port Stephens Koala Hospital, Mayfield Community Cats, Tiki Animal Rescue, Sydney Dingo Rescue, ORRCA and Newcastle and Hunter Valley Bird Rescue.
All raffle ticket proceeds go directly to the rescues, and there’s a donation drive running throughout the day. If you’d like to contribute, bring along canned pet food, dry food, treats, small toys, bedding or blankets.
Some rescues will also have cats and dogs available for adoption on the day so if you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new pet into your home, this could be the place.
What Else to Expect
Beyond the animals, there are market stalls, food trucks, entertainment and a charity raffle with prizes drawn throughout the morning. It’s a good few hours out for the whole family, whether you have pets or not.
Pets Life Festival 2026
Date: Sunday 24 May 2026
Time: 9am – 2pm
Location: The Station, Newcastle East
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Online $5 | Gate $7 | Under 2 free
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