Henley Park, Edenhope, Vic Dachshund fever is set to return when the much-loved Day of the Dackel trots back into Edenhope on Sunday, 29 March 2026 – and the fastest wiener in the west will take home a $200 cash prize in the Dackel Dash final.
Hosted by the Edenhope Dachshund Museum, the popular celebration will once again transform Henley Park into a dachshund paradise, drawing enthusiasts from across Australia for a day packed with races, competitions and family-friendly fun.
Festivities begin at 9:00am with market stalls, followed by the dog show at 10:15am. The ever-popular Hobby Dachshund Race for children aged 12 and under will run before lunch, with the feature Dachshund Races and Open Dog Race (for dogs no more than 30cm at the shoulder) to follow in the afternoon.
Event organiser and Edenhope Dachshund Museum founder Diana Lee Saville said excitement is already building.
“We are so excited to bring this event back in 2026 and celebrate everything dachshund,” Ms Saville said.
“Each year the festival grows bigger and better, and we can’t wait to welcome dachshunds and their devoted humans for a day of fun and community spirit.”
Returning in 2026 is the specially designed Hobby Dachshund Race, thanks to the Edenhope Men’s Shed, which has handcrafted 10 hobby dachshunds – similar to hobby horses – for young competitors. Trophies for first, second and third place have been generously donated by enthusiastic Day of the Dackel visitor Margie Wickham of Yarrawonga.
A highlight of the day will be a heartwarming community walk to the Lakeside Living complex, where residents will be treated to a special dachshund parade – complete with plenty of pats, cuddles and smiles.
Visitors can browse market stalls, enjoy live entertainment (TBC), and indulge in food and refreshments while mingling with fellow dachshund lovers. The event is alcohol-free and welcomes all dog enthusiasts – not just dachshund owners.
Early arrivals on Saturday, 28 March, are invited to a relaxed Meet & Greet PJ Party at the Lake Wallace Hotel, where guests can dine with their dogs in the beer garden overlooking Lake Wallace.
The event continues to deliver strong tourism benefits for Edenhope, regularly attracting visitors from Tasmania and Queensland – many experiencing the town for the first time. This year organisers have even received word that a German backpacker is travelling to Australia specifically to attend.
“He is amazed to hear of something like this in a small country town in Australia – and of course we will welcome him with open arms,” Ms Saville said.
Day of the Dackel has firmly cemented Edenhope’s reputation as a must-visit destination for dachshund lovers nationwide.
Mark the calendar and get those sausage dogs ready – Day of the Dackel 2026 is shaping up to be the most pawsome event of the year.
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 4 March 2026.
