What happens when you blend the energy of a music festival with the beautiful chaos of a dog park? You get Barklove, a festival for dogs and dog lovers. Created by events specialist Jenn Nimmo-Smith, Barklove is wagging its way into Glasgow city’s cultural calendar. ‘I’ve always been a massive dog lover,’ Nimmo-Smith says. ‘And I just kept thinking, why hasn’t anyone made a whole day that’s for dogs, not just dog-friendly?’

She wanted to go a step further than the usual café-with-a-water-bowl set-up. ‘I wanted to create something for dogs and dog parents but also for people who don’t have a dog of their own but still adore them. There was a real gap in Glasgow for something like this. I imagined a day full of wagging tails, happy faces, and those feelgood moments you only really get around dogs. So, I made it happen.’

Of course, launching a festival from scratch isn’t easy. But it helps when your co-founder is Scout, Nimmo-Smith’s own pet Golden Retriever, professional meeting crasher and the unofficial face of Barklove. Scout has been there every step of the way. ‘Venue visits, brainstorms, emotional support on stressful days,’ Nimmo-Smith smiles. ‘She’s even in our artwork; she’s a huge part of the story.’

Designing a festival for dogs means rethinking every detail, and nothing has been overlooked, from logistics to layout. All to ensure each dog gets the VIP (Very Important Pup) treatment. ‘It’s a very different beast from your typical event. You’ve got to consider things like noise levels, safe spaces, hydration and even toilet logistics: for dogs and people.’ And then there’s the dog’s-eye view. ‘I’ve genuinely caught myself walking around venues trying to think like a dog, sniffing corners, wondering what gaps they’d try to squeeze through.’

These small considerations add up. It’s what sets Barklove apart, as the entire experience is tailored to how dogs move, feel and explore the world. If Barklove is a festival, then the true headliner is the dog-loving community that will help shape it. ‘They’re some of the kindest, most passionate people I’ve met,’ Nimmo-Smith says. From independent traders to dog massage therapists, the event is powered by an incredible mix of enthusiasm, knowledge and creativity. ‘Everyone’s been so generous with their time and ideas. There’s a real buzz and it feels like we’re building something really special.’

And the momentum is only growing. With early interest from other cities and a strong local response, Barklove could soon become an annual fixture. ‘I’d love to see this pop up elsewhere one day. We’ve got plenty of ideas, and I really believe it could grow into something special.’ From a curated marketplace and wellness sessions to educational talks, a fun-packed agility zone, dog-themed tarot readings, interactive art, and the crowd-favourite pawtrait photo studio, there truly is something for every dog lover to explore at Barklove. ‘Whether you’ve got a dog or just love them, it’s going to be a brilliant day. I’ll probably spend most of it just grinning at all the ridiculously cute dogs I’ll get to spot.’

Barklove, SWG3, Glasgow, Sunday 6 July.