when is crufts 2026
Crufts 2026 runs from Thursday 5 March to Sunday 8 March 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham, UK.
Quick Scoop: When is Crufts 2026?
If you’re planning around work, travel or TV time, here are the key details:
- Dates: 5–8 March 2026 (Thursday to Sunday).
- Venue: National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK.
- Daily focus (main breed groups):
- 5 March – Working & Pastoral.
* 6 March – Terrier & Hound.
* 7 March – Toy & Utility.
* 8 March – Gundog & Best in Show final.
At‑a‑Glance Info (HTML table)
| Day | Date 2026 | Main Groups / Highlights | Opening / TV Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 5 March | Working & Pastoral groups, agility and other competitions start. | [5][7]Venue opens around 08:15; TV coverage across Channel 4/More4 in the afternoon and evening (times subject to change). | [1][3]
| Friday | 6 March | Terrier & Hound judging, plus multiple ring events. | [7]Similar daytime schedule at NEC; broadcast windows on Channel 4/More4. | [3][1]
| Saturday | 7 March | Toy & Utility groups, busy trade halls and displays. | [9][7]Full day at NEC; TV coverage typically mid‑afternoon and evening. | [1]
| Sunday | 8 March | Gundog group judging plus the Best in Show finale in the evening. | [5][7]Closes slightly earlier than other days; final broadcast covers Best in Show live. | [1][5]
Why it’s a big deal this year
Crufts 2026 is set up as another huge four‑day celebration of dogs, with thousands of competitors, trade stands and special rings filling multiple NEC halls. The organisers have trailed extra space and features (including a new hall focused on grooming and Young Kennel Club activities), so it’s expected to feel “bigger and bolder” than previous years.
From a fan point of view, the first full week of March has basically become “Crufts week” in the UK, with coverage on Channel 4/More4 and a lot of online chatter, clips and analysis appearing across social media and the official Crufts YouTube channel.
Practical tips if you’re thinking of going
- Tickets: Sold via the official Crufts site and authorised outlets; advance booking is strongly recommended because prices can rise and some days or arenas can sell out.
- Travel: NEC is next to Birmingham International rail station and airport, making same‑day trips realistic for many UK visitors.
- Planning your day: Each date emphasises different breed groups, so pick the day that matches what you most want to see (e.g., Gundogs and Best in Show on Sunday).
For the most current fine‑print (like exact judging timetables or any last‑minute changes), the official Crufts and NEC pages are the best places to double‑check before you travel.
TL;DR: Crufts 2026 is at Birmingham’s NEC from Thursday 5 March to Sunday 8 March 2026, with different dog groups each day and the Best in Show finale on Sunday evening.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.