Social-media-famous husky Viola Snow will make a special appearance at DogFest at the Palace this October, with fans able to enter a free ballot for one of two meet-and-greet sessions.
At a glance
| Event | DogFest at the Palace |
| Dates | Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026 |
| Opening times | 9.30am to 4.30pm on both days |
| Special guest | Viola Snow on Sunday 4 October |
| Meet-and-greet sessions | 10.45am and 2.30pm |
| How to attend | Enter the free ballot; places are selected at random and are not guaranteed |
| Winners contacted | Friday 25 September 2026 |
| Current adult admission | £24.50 online in advance |
| Children | £10 for ages 11–16; free for ages 0–10 |
| Parking | Standard parking is included; premium parking costs £5 |
| Booking | Book tickets and enter the Viola Snow ballot |
One of the internet’s best-known dogs will meet fans in Oxfordshire when DogFest arrives in the grounds of Blenheim Palace.
Viola Snow, a Siberian husky whose videos have attracted millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, will appear at the event on Sunday 4 October.
Two limited meet-and-greet sessions will give successful ballot entrants the opportunity to meet Viola and take a photograph with her.
The wider festival runs across Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, bringing together dog shows, breed gatherings, outdoor activities, expert talks, shopping, food and a group walk through the Blenheim Palace grounds.
How to enter the Viola Snow meet-and-greet ballot
The meet-and-greet ballot is free to enter, but a valid DogFest admission ticket for Sunday 4 October is required.
Fans can select either the 10.45am or 2.30pm session through the official DogFest ticketing page.
Choosing a time does not reserve or guarantee a place. Successful entrants will be selected at random and contacted by email on Friday 25 September.
The ballot entry does not include admission to DogFest, so anyone entering should also make sure they have purchased a ticket valid for Sunday.
Viola Snow ballot: what fans need to know
| Ballot cost | Free |
| Available sessions | 10.45am and 2.30pm on Sunday 4 October |
| Does selecting a session guarantee entry? | No. Successful entrants will be selected at random. |
| When will winners be told? | By email on Friday 25 September |
| What other ticket is required? | A valid Sunday admission ticket for DogFest at the Palace |
| Ballot deadline | No separate closing time is currently published, so enter well before 25 September |
Organisers say Viola will be at the festival throughout Sunday. However, general admission does not guarantee a close-up meeting or photograph, and visitors should not assume they can join one of the two sessions without being selected.
Who is Viola Snow?
Viola Snow is a social-media-famous Siberian husky known for videos showing her travelling around the UK and calmly meeting members of the public.
Organisers say her combined audience across social platforms now exceeds 13 million followers.
That total is an aggregate across several websites rather than 13 million individual people, as the same fan may follow an account on more than one platform. The number will also continue to change as her accounts grow.
DogFest marketing director Sam Matthews said the organisers expected strong interest in Viola’s appearance.
“We’re delighted to welcome Viola Snow to DogFest at the Palace, and we know our visitors are going to be incredibly excited to see her there.
“The chance for guests to meet her in person, in the incredible setting of Blenheim Palace, makes this an even more special addition to what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.”
What else is happening at DogFest?
DogFest at the Palace is being presented as a dog-first day out, with activities intended for pets and their owners rather than a traditional country show where dogs are simply permitted to attend.
The programme includes have-a-go activities, breed-specific gatherings, live entertainment, expert discussions and a marketplace selling dog-related products.
| Activity | What visitors can expect |
|---|---|
| Agria Fun Dog Show | Light-hearted classes including Little Lord or Lady, Noble Rescue, Merriest Tail and Loveliest Lady, followed by Best in Show. |
| Breed Meet-Ups | Free scheduled gatherings for dogs and owners, including puppies, rescue dogs, mixed breeds and different breed groups. |
| Agria Big Dog Walk | A group walk through part of the Blenheim Palace grounds. |
| Dogstacle Course | A short obstacle course that dogs and owners can complete together at their own pace. |
| Giant Ball Pit | A play area for dogs comfortable taking part in a busy shared activity. |
| The Palace Lawn | A social space with talks, quizzes, interactive games, stories and live acoustic music. |
| Photo Booth | A complimentary commemorative photograph is included for visitors. |
| Shopping and food | Dog-focused retailers, treats, accessories and food and drink for human visitors. |
The Fun Dog Show is not included in general admission. Entries currently cost £4 per dog for each chosen class and should be booked in advance.
Winners from the individual categories will be invited back for Best in Show at 4.15pm.
Sunday breed meet-up for huskies and northern dogs
Viola’s appearance coincides with a scheduled gathering for huskies, malamutes and other northern breeds.
The Northern Nobility breed meet-up will begin at 2pm on Sunday, shortly before the second Viola Snow meet-and-greet session.
The breed gatherings are free for DogFest ticket holders and do not require a separate competition entry.
Other Sunday meet-ups include dachshunds, puppies, retrievers, sighthounds, terriers, cockapoos and mixed breeds.
Owners should consider whether their dog enjoys close proximity to unfamiliar animals before joining a gathering. A breed meet-up is intended to be sociable, but attendance may not suit every dog.
Current ticket prices and what is included
The live booking page currently lists discounted advance admission below the £27.50 headline price included in the original event announcement.
| Ticket | Current online price |
|---|---|
| Adult admission | £24.50 |
| Child aged 11–16 | £10 |
| Child aged 0–10 | Free |
| Accessible admission | £24.50, with one eligible carer ticket available free |
| Premium parking | £5 |
| Fun Dog Show class | £4 per dog, per class |
A £2.95 transaction fee applies to paid orders. Current prices may increase closer to the event, so the amount shown at checkout should be treated as authoritative.
Standard admission includes:
- entry to DogFest for one day;
- standard parking;
- the main have-a-go dog activities, excluding the Fun Dog Show;
- a commemorative photograph from the Agria Photo Booth; and
- a complimentary fresh lunch for each visiting dog, provided by event partner Butternut Box.
Tickets must be booked online before arrival. DogFest says no tickets will be sold at the entrance.
A standard entry ticket can be used on either Saturday or Sunday until it is scanned. Anyone entering the Viola Snow ballot must use their admission on Sunday.
DogFest Plus is sold as a separate upgrade and does not include general event admission. Customers considering it should check the full list of inclusions before paying.
DogFest is also a separately ticketed event at Blenheim Palace. Visitors should not assume that DogFest admission includes entry to the Palace State Rooms or all areas available through a standard Blenheim Palace pass.
What owners should know before bringing a dog
DogFest says all attending dogs must be up to date with their vaccinations.
Dogs must remain on a lead throughout the festival, except when taking part in an activity where organisers specifically permit them to be off-lead.
The event prohibits aversive training equipment, including shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, spray collars and ultrasonic deterrent devices.
Dog welfare checklist
Vaccinations: Dogs must be up to date with their annual vaccinations.
Leads: Keep dogs on a lead outside designated have-a-go activities. Organisers advise against extendable leads in the busy festival environment.
Water: Refill stations will be available, but owners should bring a travel bowl or bottle.
Identification: Make sure the dog is wearing a collar and identification tag with current owner details.
Comfort: Do not pressure a nervous, tired or reluctant dog to complete an activity.
Female dogs in season: Organisers ask owners not to bring a dog that is in heat.
Waste: Bring enough bags and use the bins provided.
Busy environments: Owners should consider leaving a dog at home if crowds, noise or unfamiliar dogs are likely to cause distress.
An animal welfare tent and veterinary team will be available during the event.
XL Bully dogs are permitted, but owners must comply with the current legal requirements and the festival’s rules, including using a muzzle and lead.
People are welcome to attend without bringing a dog, which may be the kinder choice for an animal that is elderly, unwell, reactive or uncomfortable in busy environments.
Accessibility and weather
DogFest will take place on a green-field site where the ground may be uneven, sloping or muddy, particularly after wet weather.
The event is expected to go ahead in ordinary rain, wind or sunshine and will be cancelled or delayed only if conditions present a significant safety risk.
Visitors can bring chairs, blankets, wagons and pushchairs. Tents, pop-up shelters and large umbrellas are not permitted because of space restrictions.
Accessibility arrangements include:
- free Blue Badge parking close to the event entrance;
- a wide accessible entrance lane;
- wheelchair-accessible toilets;
- a High Dependency Unit with a hoist, privacy screen and height-adjustable bed;
- seating areas around the festival; and
- manual wheelchair and mobility-scooter hire through Event Mobility.
Mobility equipment should be reserved at least two days before the event. The field setting may not be suitable for every wheelchair or private mobility scooter.
One complimentary carer ticket is available with an eligible accessible standard admission ticket. Supporting evidence may be requested.
Full details are available through the DogFest accessibility page.
How to get to DogFest at Blenheim Palace
Planning your visit
| Venue | Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire |
| Dates | Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026 |
| Opening times | 9.30am to 4.30pm |
| From Oxford by bus | Stagecoach S3 and S7 services run to Woodstock and stop outside the Palace’s main entrance |
| From Oxford Parkway | The S7 provides a direct service through Kidlington to Woodstock |
| Walk from the bus stop | Allow around ten minutes through the park to reach the Palace area, plus time to follow event signs |
| Standard parking | Included with admission |
| Premium parking | £5 and closer to the event entrance |
| Tickets | Official DogFest ticket page |
DogFest’s current pages display more than one event postcode. Follow the final arrival instructions sent with the ticket and the event signs rather than relying only on a postcode entered into sat-nav.
The S3 and S7 currently provide up to four buses an hour between central Oxford and Woodstock, with the S7 also serving Oxford Parkway and Witney.
Anyone travelling with a dog should check the bus operator’s current conditions and allow extra time, as space may be limited when services are busy.
FAQs
When is DogFest at Blenheim Palace?
The event takes place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, from 9.30am to 4.30pm on both days.
When will Viola Snow be there?
Viola Snow will appear on Sunday 4 October.
How can fans meet Viola Snow?
Fans must enter the free ballot for either the 10.45am or 2.30pm meet-and-greet session and hold a valid Sunday admission ticket.
Does entering the ballot guarantee a place?
No. Entrants are selected at random. Choosing a session through the ticket page does not guarantee access.
When will successful entrants be contacted?
DogFest says successful entrants will be emailed on Friday 25 September.
How much does the Viola Snow ballot cost?
The ballot is free, but it does not include the Sunday admission ticket required to attend.
How much are DogFest tickets?
The current advance price is £24.50 for adults and £10 for children aged 11 to 16. Children aged ten and under enter free. A £2.95 per-order fee applies.
Is parking included?
Yes. Standard parking is included with admission. Premium parking closer to the entrance costs £5.
Can tickets be bought at the gate?
No. DogFest says all admission tickets must be booked online before arrival.
Are all the dog activities included?
Most have-a-go activities are included. The Agria Fun Dog Show costs an additional £4 per dog for each class entered.
Do dogs need to be vaccinated?
Yes. Organisers say dogs attending the festival must be up to date with their vaccinations.
Must dogs stay on leads?
Yes, except when taking part in a designated activity where the organisers allow otherwise.
Can people attend without a dog?
Yes. DogFest’s own welfare guidance says owners should consider leaving a dog at home where a busy environment would be stressful or unsuitable.
Is DogFest suitable for wheelchair users?
Accessible facilities, Blue Badge parking and mobility-equipment hire are available, but the event takes place on grass that may be uneven or muddy. Contact the organisers before booking where specific access arrangements are required.
What happens if it rains?
DogFest is a rain-or-shine event and is expected to continue in most weather. Visitors should wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Where can tickets and ballot entries be booked?
Admission and the Viola Snow ballot are available through the official DogFest ticket page.
