Top 10 Tips to Make the Most of the Sydney Cat Lovers Festival 2025!
Australia’s biggest celebration of all things feline is back! The Cat Lovers Festival returns to Sydney Showground on Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 August 2025, and it’s shaping up to be our most pawsome event yet.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cat lovers festival-goer, we want to help you get the absolute best out of your day. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide packed with top tips, insider info, and practical advice to make your festival visit truly meow-nificent.
From snapping Instagram-worthy pics and scoring exclusive festival specials, to meeting celebrity guests and cuddling adorable kitties, here’s how to make the most of your cat-filled adventure.
Got a more specific question about the Cat Lovers Festival? Then pounce over to our FAQs here.
1. Grab Your Tickets Early
Tickets are selling faster than a kitten chasing a laser pointer, so don’t delay!
It’s best to secure your tickets now as they are online only. Pounce on your tickets here!
Tickets are valid for entry on one day only — Saturday or Sunday.
You don’t need to decide just yet, but once your ticket is scanned at the gate, it’s only valid for that day.
2. Download the Festival App
Your ultimate festival companion is just a tap away. Download the free Festival App to access:
- Full event schedule
- Exhibitor list & festival-exclusive offers
- Interactive map
- Competitions and giveaways you can enter with a single tap!
- Plus, it’s the ONLY way to access hundreds of exclusive competitions and giveaways from our exhibitors.
Trust us, this app will help you squeeze every drop of fun out of your feline-filled day.
Download on Apple | Download on Google Play
3. Getting There Is a Breeze
No matter how you travel — by train, car, ferry, or rideshare — getting to Sydney Olympic Park is quick and convenient. We even have a free shuttle bus will run on a loop from P1 to the Festival from 8am – 6pm both days of the Festival.
Location: Sydney Showground, Grand Parade, Sydney Olympic Park NSW
View on Google Maps
Public Transport:
- Olympic Park Station (T7 Line) is right outside the venue.
- Trains run every 10 minutes from Lidcombe.
Approx. travel times: Central – 30 mins, Parramatta – 18 mins. - Plan ahead via Transport NSW or call 131 500.
Driving & Parking:
- Pre-book parking to avoid missing out — click here to reserve your spot.
- Check the Sydney Showground website for entry gate info and parking fees.
- A free shuttle bus will run on a loop from P1 to the Festival from 8am – 6pm both days of the Festival
Ferry:
- The Olympic Park Ferry Wharf is just 3km from the venue.
- Travel times: Circular Quay – 33 mins, Parramatta – 18 mins.
Taxi or Rideshare:
- Ask your driver to drop you at The Dome entrance.
Accessibility:
The venue is fully accessible with ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets throughout. For more info click here.
4. Hunt Down the Festival Specials
With hundreds of cat-focused exhibitors under one roof, it’s the best place to stock up on toys, treats, accessories, food, litter, and more! Often at festival-only prices. Your cat will thank you. Full details here.
To access any of the festival specials, competitions and free samples you will have to scan the QR code within the Festival App. Download the Festival App and get more info here.
5. Don’t Miss Any of the Amazing Festival Attractions
There’s so much to explore at the Cat Lovers Festival! Enjoy live presentations and Q&As featuring special guests like Kitten Lady from the USA on the WHISKAS® Stage. Plus, discover the Feline Natural Breed Showcase, Championship Cat Show, Adoption Zone, Kitty Cosplay parade, and much more.
Be sure to use the Festival App to check the full schedule and locations so you don’t miss out on any of the exciting attractions and activities throughout the day.
6. Double the Fun at the Dog Lovers Festival
Did you know your ticket includes free access to the Dog Lovers Festival next door? Just ask for a pass-out and hop into a whole new hall full of doggo goodness. The paw-ssibilities are endless!
7. Join the Cat Spotting Challenge
Are you up for a purr-fectly fun challenge to win over $4,000 in prizes for your cat?
Join our Cat Spotting Competition at the Cat Lovers Festival and go in the draw to win over $4,000 worth of cat-tastic prizes.
Here’s how to play:
- Hunt down 8 hidden cats around the Festival
- Scan the QR code at each cat location
- Track your progress in our Festival App
- Once you find all 8, you’ll automatically go in the draw to win the ultimate prize pack to spoil your feline friend
It’s free to play, fun for all ages, and the perfect way to explore everything the Festival has to offer.
Get spotting, get scanning, and good luck.
When: 9:30am – 5:00pm Daily
Where: 8 Locations Around the Festival
8. Respect Our Feline Guests
We love cats just as much as you do — but to ensure the safety and well-being of all, visitor cats aren’t permitted at the Festival.
The event is designed to celebrate, educate, and entertain cat lovers, not the cats themselves. With hundreds of amazing felines already onsite, you’ll still have plenty of chances to cuddle, connect, and learn.
Many of the cats attending are rescues, therapy cats, or breed ambassadors. They may need space, so please follow handler instructions and approach with care and kindness.
9. Pack Smart with a Tote or Backpack
From freebies and surprise buys to must-have products for your cat, you’ll likely leave with more than you came with! Bring a comfy tote or backpack to stash your haul and keep your hands free for pats and pics.
Bonus Tip: We offer free Visitor Storage (Parcel Pick-Up) for hand-carried items — perfect for dropping off purchases throughout the day!
You’ll find Visitor Storage in the Hall 5 Foyer.
Available from 10:30am to 5pm (no suitcases or large trolleys, please).
And don’t forget to BYO bag — we don’t sell them on-site.
10. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, so remember to take a breather! There’ll be plenty of food trucks, rest zones, and coffee stops to keep you going throughout the day.
Bonus Tip: Get Social!
Join the conversation and be part of our growing cat-loving community.
Post your best moments with #CatLoversFestival
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok for sneak peeks, updates, and giveaways.
Let the Cat-tastic Fun Begin!
Whether you’re coming solo, bringing the kids, or planning a day out with fellow cat lovers, the 2025 Cat Lovers Festival is the ultimate celebration of everything we love about our feline friends.
Book your tickets, plan your day, and get ready for a weekend you’ll never forget!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 August 2025
Location: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Need tickets? Want more info?
Click here to visit the official Cat Lovers Festival website.
