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Santa Paws in the Park 2026

Di's website Santa Paws 2026 FINAL.png

Santa Paws in the Park is back ! Bigger and Better than ever in 2026.
 

The Sunshine Coast’s favourite dog day out returns for its fourth year, bringing together animal lovers, families and their four legged friends for a morning of festive fun by the Lake Kawana foreshore.
 

Join us at our beautiful new Lake Kawana location for a morning of free festive fun for the whole family:

DATE: Sunday, July 19

TIME: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
LOCATION: Sportsmans Parade, Opposite SC Stadium, Bokarina

NEW for 2026 – The Santa Paws WALK
 

We’re excited to introduce the Santa Paws WALK - a relaxed community stroll around the lake with your furry best mate.

 

          $10 per dog

          Includes a 4 Paws Animal Rescue bandana

          Walk with “their pack” and support a great cause
 

Register for the walk here.

If you can’t join the walk, you can still support us by registering as a virtual walker, or simply come along and enjoy the FREE community event.
​​​​​​

 

This year's event will be bigger and better than ever, featuring:

  •  Market stalls

  •  Food trucks

  •  Santa photos

  •  Competitions with great prizes

  •  Face painting & kids' activities

  •  Live demonstrations

  •  Raffles & silent auctions
     

Competitions

Start planning your entries now:

  • Best dressed

  • Best dog trick

  • Dog & owner look‑alike

 …and more fun categories with great prizes to be won.

Major Raffle
Each year our raffle prizes just keep getting better and this year is no exception. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes are super impressive.

Tickets on sale from 20 June. ​
Ticket numbers are capped so get in early !

Click here to visit our raffle site, check out the prizes and purchase your tickets online.

Tickets will also be sold in person at events attended by 4 Paws volunteers. See our What's On Calendar for upcoming events.
 

All funds raised — including walk registrations support the life‑saving work of 4 Paws Animal Rescue, a 100% volunteer run organisation giving vulnerable cats and dogs of the Sunshine Coast a second chance at life.

We're looking forward to seeing you and your dogs on the day.

Frequently asked event questions
 

Is Santa Paws in the Park free?
Yes,  the event is completely free. If you wish to join the walk then there is a $10 per dog registration that includes a 4 Paws pet bandana.

 

Do I have to participate in the WALK?
No. You’re welcome to enjoy the free community event without joining the walk.

 

What pets can I bring?
Well‑behaved dogs on leads with responsible carers.

 

Will water be available?
Yes, for both dogs and people.

Are there toilets onsite ?
Yes.

 

Can I attend without a dog?
Absolutely, everyone is welcome.

 

What about car parking?
There is free car parking along Sportsmans Parade and in the immediate surrounds.

 

Do I need to bring poo bags?
Yes.

 

What time does the walk start?
Walk registrations will be open from 8am. Santa Paws Walk kicks off at 9am.

Do I need to bring cash?
Cash and card will be accepted.

Do I need to be there to win the major raffle?
No, lucky winners will be contacted on the day.

 

What happens if it rains?
Check our social media pages for updates, Facebook and Instagram page links can be found at the bottom of the page.

 

What else should I bring?

Chair, picnic-rug and a fun, festive spirit.
 

We're running a  fun photo competition over on our Facebook page, please see below for the Terms and Conditions...

Santa Paws 2026 Dog Competition Terms & Conditions

  • Entry is open to Sunshine Coast residents aged 18 years and over.

  • Entrants must own or have permission to enter the dog pictured.

  • Entry is free.

  • To enter, comment on the competition post with a photo of your dog and tell us why they would make the perfect Santa Paws 2026. Like the 4 Paws Animal Rescue page and share.

  • Entries close at 11:59 pm on July 12, 2026.

  • Finalists will be selected by representatives of 4 Paws Animal Rescue based on creativity, originality and festive spirit.

  • Finalists may be featured on 4 Paws’ social media channels.

  • The overall winner will be announced at Santa Paws in the Park on Sunday 19 July 2026.

  • The prize consists of a pet hamper to the value of $200. In addition a photo with Santa on the day of the event by Kaw Pawtography. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash.

  • By entering, participants grant 4 Paws permission to share submitted photos for promotional purposes related to the competition and Santa Paws in the Park.

  • This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook.

Sunshine Coast Council logo
4 Paws Animal Rescue paw print logo with 100% Volunteer Run text

Proudly Supported by the Sunshine Coast Council’s grants program.

Follow us on Socials

  • Instagram
  • Facebook

QLD DB register : BIN0000289869111
ABN : 91 859 253 094

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