Howl-o-ween Parades and Other Upcoming October Events

Posted by Eden Maddy

If you’re searching for a fantastic fall festivity for you and Fido, look no further than a Howl-o-ween parade. These spooktacular events allow you and your pup to show off your most creative costumes and celebrate the season with other dog lovers. From puppy egg hunts to food trucks and cash prizes, there’s something for everyone this October.

Howl-o-ween Pet Parade

Salem, MA
“I love your costume.” Photo by Salem Main Streets

With its haunted history, Salem, MA is one of the most enchanting places to celebrate Halloween. This year, Salem Main Streets is bringing back its annual Howl-o-ween Pet Parade. Unlike many of Salem’s frightful festivities, this event is much more cute than creepy. Dress up your pets in their best individual or group costumes, and let them parade around Derby Wharf for the chance to win exciting prizes.

The parade will be held on Saturday, October 8 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Derby Wharf, and participants are asked to register in advance. Registration is $5 per pet for Salem residents and $10 per pet for non-residents. Proceeds go to support Salem Main Streets’ community programs, with a portion donated to Salem Pantry’s Pet Pantry.

You can end your night in one of Salem’s many quaint, pet-friendly hotels like the Salem Inn or the Hawthorne Hotel. Both provide treats and supplies for your pup and allow you to leave them in the room while you go explore Salem’s other Halloween haunts.

Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade

New York, NY
Lowkey the coolest costume. Photo by Tompkins Square Dog Run

The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade has been called the “best dog fashion event of all time” by Vanity Fair. This iconic costume contest returns for its 32nd year this October, with hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators. You and Fido can show off your best festive fashion while competing to win thousands of dollars in prize money.

The competition will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, in Tompkins Square Park. This event is free for participants and spectators, and there is no need to pre-register your pup.

If you want to extend your stay and take in all that New York City has to offer, spend the weekend at the nearby Marlton Hotel, where Fido can join you to unwind at the hotel bar.

Dover Dog Howloween

Dover, NH
"You've never looked better, Maude." Photo by Facebook.com/GoldenDogNH

The fourth annual Dover Dog Howloween Celebration & Costume Contest is the perfect place for you and Fido to flaunt your best family-friendly Halloween costumes. As you parade up Central Avenue, you will have the opportunity to trick-or-treat at dog-friendly shops. Once the costume contest ends, you can mingle with other pups and visit vendors, food trucks and demonstrations.

This “barktastic” event will take place on Saturday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Henry Law Park. Participation in the parade and contest costs $10, and proceeds from the event will be donated to the Pope Memorial Humane Society.

After the festivities, you can spend the night at the Comfort Inn & Suites Dover Portsmouth, which provides treats and waste bags for your pet, along with a grassy area out front.

Dog Day & Howl-O-Ween Parade

Ocean City, NJ
Dressed pets on parade. Photo by Humane Society of Ocean City

Ocean City’s Dog Day and Howl-O-Ween Parade allows you and your pup to dress in your most creative costumes and flaunt them down the boardwalk. In addition to the parade, the boardwalk will be lined with dog-specific vendors, photo opportunities and fellow canines. Dog Day is the one day of the year when pups are allowed on the boardwalk, making these festivities extra exciting.

This “pup-tacular” day will take place on Saturday, October 22, with dogs being permitted on the boardwalk from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. To enter the parade, register online or stop by the Ocean City Civic Center any time after 2 p.m. on the day of the event. Tickets to participate cost $15. The parade begins at 3 p.m., and prizes will be awarded immediately after.

After a full day by the sea, check out Bob’s Grill for a burger or some seafood, and spend the night at the nearby Coral Sands Motel.

Pet Costume Contest and Parade

Huntington Beach, CA
"I'm strong to the finish, cause I eats me spinach!" Photo by Facebook.com/rcpalmercompany

If visiting the iconic Weiner Dog Store isn’t reason enough to visit Old World Village, their Pet Costume Contest and Parade definitely should be. You and your pooch can participate in the costume contest, and prizes will be awarded to both people and pups. In addition to the contest, you can check out the Arts and Crafts Marketplace also happening in the village, or stop by the Biergarten for a drink.

The contest and parade will take place on Sunday, October 23, with check-in beginning at 1 p.m. in front of the Weiner Dog Store. The parade begins at 2 p.m., but if you arrive early you can visit the craft fair that will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both parking and participation in the parade are free.

If you and Fido want to relax after a long day of activities, spend the night at the nearby Waterfront Beach Resort. Not only does this hotel provide stunning ocean views, but the on-site restaurant has a special menu for pets.

Howl-o-ween Pooch Parade

Buffalo Grove, IL
Pooches on the hunt. Photo by Facebook.com/bgparkdistrict

If you’re looking for a doggone good time in Illinois, look no further than the Howl-o-ween Pooch Parade in Buffalo Grove. This parade encourages creative and unique attire, and there’s even a prize for the best family costume. If family fun with Fido isn’t enticing enough, the event will also include a doggy egg hunt so both you and your pup can have a tail-wagging time.

The festivities will take place on Saturday, October 22, from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. in the Dan Schimmel Pavilion at Willow Stream Park. This event is free to attend and participate in, and no pre-registration is necessary.

After a morning of spooky socialization, stop by the Prairie House Tavern and dine on one of their two dog-friendly patios. You can then spend the night nearby at Extended Stay America Chicago Buffalo Grove.

Howl-o-ween Pooch Parade and Pet Expo

Knoxville, TN
Pretty princess pooch. Photo by Facebook.com/utgardensknoxville

This October marks the ninth year that UT Gardens is hosting their “pawsitively” phenomenal Howl-o-ween Pooch Parade and Pet Expo. Dressed-up pups can compete for prizes in four “paw-fectly” titled categories: do(g) it yourself, bad to the bone, funny bone, and pup culture, with an overall best in show award. There will also be educational booths, food trucks, and a pet food drive to benefit the Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee.

Rain or shine, this event will take place on Sunday, October 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. at UT Gardens Knoxville. While the event is free for spectators, participation costs $10 if you pre-register online, and $15 if you register on site. Registration will be held from 1 to 2:15 p.m., and the parade will begin at 2:30.

Stay close to the event at pet-friendly Graduate Knoxville and grab a bite on the patio of Cool Beans and Grill, located on the University of Tennessee campus.

Spooky Pooch Parade

Lakewood, OH
Boo! Photo by Lakewood Alive

This October marks the 15th year of the Spooky Pooch Parade, a “barktober” tradition for many dog owners. You and your pup can strut through the streets of Lakewood for the chance to win awesome awards. The festive fun isn’t just for Fido though. The family-friendly event will include kids’ games, a 50/50 raffle and dog-specific vendors to get everyone’s tail wagging.

The festival will be held on Saturday, October 15 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Madison Park, and the dog games will begin at 1:15. The parade starts at 2 p.m., with the awards ceremony after. The event is free for humans but costs $10 for pups who pre-register, and $15 for those who register the day of the event.

For some delicious eats, check out Lakewood Truck Park which features a wide array of food options, then spend the night in the nearby La Quinta Inn Cleveland Airport North.

Have you been to a Halloween pet parade with your dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Stacie Joy.