Let’s brew up some fun with our pets this Halloween. Hop on your broomstick and fly off to these parades and contests. All Hallows’ Eve holiday celebrations aren’t enjoyed by just us humans. All over the country, our four-legged friends can join in on the spooky fun. From New York to California, these celebrations let pets express their love for Halloween. And many have contests and prizes, too. Some are only open to dogs, while some welcome cats and different species, so find out before you go. Check out this list of pet parades and feel free to share fun ones near you in the comment section below.
And don’t be a scaredy cat this holiday when it comes to making a costume for your pet. Read this list of DIY Halloween pet costumes for inspiration and find one that you — and your pet — will love. If you need some inspiration for your own costume ideas, check out another list here. You never know, maybe you and your pet win the prize for best duo.
Halloween Pet Parade & Costume Contest
October 28, 2017 12pm
Boston, Massachusetts
Halloween celebrations in Boston wouldn’t be complete without a pet parade. Drop by Faneuil Hall to check out Bean Town’s best dressed best friends in this one-hour parade through the promenades. Find out who’ll take home the prize for the most wicked awesome costumes — pets will be judged in the categories of Most Creative, Best Local Representation and Best Owner & Pet Combo.
6th Annual Woodside Halloween Pet Parade
October 28, 2017 11 am – 2 pm
Sunnyside/Woodside, New York
Bobbing for apples in the Big Apple? Bring Fido along and enter him in a parade. Sponsored by Woodside on the Move, this will be the Queens neighborhood’s first pet parade. Sink your teeth into a number of additional raffles and treats — for both Fido and you. There will be goody bags, access to dog trainers and workshops on animal nutrition. With the proceeds going to community programs and local dog runs, even cats will agree — it’s purr-fect.
9th Annual Howl-O-Ween Fest
October 21, 2017 10 am – 4pm
Cypress, Texas
This town sure knows how to throw a paw-ty. Show your appreciation for your furry friends by bringing them along to the Howl-O-Ween Fest. Like most Halloween events, there are pet costume contests and games, but this isn’t your typical canine celebration. There are also lots of fun performances featuring both humans and canines.
Spooky Pooch Parade
October 21, 2017 11am – 1pm
Chicago, Illinois
This pet costume contest will leave you feeling fur-icous. Held at the Chicago Botanic Garden, dogs parade through the flora cheered on by lines of spectators. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dog/Owner Costume, Best Puppy in Costume, Best Senior in Costume, Best Costume Overall and Best Horticultural Interpretation. There will also be plenty of vendors and nonprofits selling pet products.
Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade
October 29, 2017 2:30 pm
Long Beach, California
Looking for a new canine companion? The Haute Dog organization (pronounced hot) combines an adoption event with a bona fide pet parade. With over 500 dogs expected to attend, it’s the world’s largest Halloween pet event. From dog owners and educators to rescuers and plain old animal lovers, people of all breeds show up. Awards are handed out for the Top 10, Director’s Choices, Best Float, Best Costume, Best Human Costume and Best Group. There will even be a bulldog kissing booth and a presidential candidate look-alike contest for dogs.
Dogtoberfest for Handi-Dogs
November 5, 2017 10 am – 2pm
Tucson, AZ
Head over to this parade and celebration to benefit Handi-Dogs, a local nonprofit that helps train service and therapy dogs. That’s a cause we can all get our tails behind. And the costume contest is only one of many activities available. Your dog can also enjoy paw painting, an obstacle course, photography sessions and lots of pet-friendly games.
Barktoberfest 2017
October 15, 2017 11am – 4pm
Pompano Beach, Florida
Come one, come all — come on four legs — to 26° Brewing’s Barktoberfest! There’s a doggie costume contest, food trucks, pets available for adoption, live and music, and some great craft beer. Proceeds from the event will go to local animal shelters and rescues.
Halloween Pet Parade & Fall Festival
October 22, 2017 12pm- 3pm
Columbus / Easton, OH
Do the ghosts in Ohio wail “OH-IOOOOOOO”? If you’re in the Easton area, bring your family and four legged friends to the annual Halloween Pet Parade & Fall Festival. This year’s costume contest will be giving awards for best group, best duo, cutest, funniest, best prehistoric costume, and more!
