Top 10 Halloween Events for Dogs in NYC & NJ
Fall is here, which means Halloween is right around the corner! If you’re lucky enough to live in the New York City area, there are a lot of dog-friendly perks during this time of the year. Whether you and your furry friend are interested in participating in a costume contest, or you’re just looking to enjoy a furry fall-themed event, this list is for you. Continue reading below to find out about the Top 10 Halloween Events for Dogs in NYC and NJ this October 2018 are worth attending this fall.
1. The Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2018
Time: 12PM to 3PM, rain or shine.
Location: Please note that this year’s parade will be held at the East River Park Amphitheater located along side the FDR at Grand Street in East River Park
Instructions: The event is free and there is no need to pre-register your pet. Simply arrive between Noon – 1 p.m. and join in the celebration.
Check this out. Known as the “largest dog costume parade in the world,” according to CNN, this parade is notoriously famous, and for good reason. This year contestants will be competing for prizes worth thousands dollars! “Where else can you see a corgi dressed as a French fry and a bulldog triceratops strut down the runway?” TIME magazine stated. No need to pre-register. Just show up with your furry friend and enjoy the Halloween festivities. It’s bound to be a great time!
2. Howl O Ween Festival and Pooch Parade
Date: October 20, 2018
Time: 12:00PM-3:00PM
Location: 615 Main Street, Riley Park in Bradley Beach, NJ.
Rumor has it that this event is going to have a Tom Petty tribute band… so for all you music lovers out there, this may be the one for you. There will also be a doggy talent show at the end, which sounds like it will be filled with all sorts of talented acts.
3. My Dog Loves Central Park Fair
Date: October 20, 2018
Time: 12:00PM-3:00PM
Location: Naumburd Bandshell (mid-Park at 72nd Street)
This unique event will be offering all sorts of activities and services for you and your dog. There will be two dog training workshops (one at 12:30PM and one at 2:00PM), as well as a bark boutique, a canine agility course, an express grooming station, a hound hydration station and more. There will even be a vet on call to answer any questions or concerns you may be having regarding your furry friend. The event is free and the location is iconic. Just remember that like most of these dog-friendly events, leashes are still required.
4. Dog Walk Of The Dead
Date: October 20, 2018
Time: 11:AM-4:00PM
Location: 37 Plains Rd. Augusta, NJ. Sussex County Fair Grounds (Richards Building)
The pun is unbeatable! All proceeds for this event go towards One Step Closer Animal Rescue. There will be vendors, costume contests, food, live music, a blood drive, adoptions, and a photographer taking pet photos. This event sounds like it will be a blast, and most likely zombie (and admission) free!
5. Halloween Harvest: Dog Parade and Costume Contest
Date: October 14, 2018
Time: 11:00AM-12PM
Location: Luna Park Coney Island
Coney Island is an amazing place to roam around with your dog. The setting is iconic and the history is rich. It’s a location that’s definitely worth visiting at least once with your fur bud. If your dog registers before September 16, he will receive a free treat! Important: You MUST be registered to attend this event at Luna Park!
6. Howl-O-Ween Event At Canine Court
Date: October 28, 2018
Time: 12:00PM-2pm
Location: Canine Court in Van Cortland Park, enter 251st and Broadway Parades grounds to dog run, Bronx
Unlike the other events, pre-registration and a $10 fee are both required for this one, which makes this one feel a little extra exclusive. The fee goes towards benefiting the dog run, which means you get to have a great time, while also knowing your money is being put to good use.
7. 12th Annual Brooklyn Howl-o-Ween Muttsqarade Pet Parade & Photo Contest
Date: October 27, 2018
Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM
Location: Brooklyn Heights Promenade, enter on Remsen Street
Who doesn’t love a good parade? Check out this doggie-filled event down in Brooklyn if you have the time. If you live in Brooklyn, lucky for you… and if you don’t, it may be worth the trip! There will be costume contests, prizes, and of course, lots of furry friends and owners for you to meet and mingle with. No RSVP required!
8. The Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
Date: October 28, 2018
Time: 11:30AM
Location: Fort Green Park in Brooklyn, NY
Who doesn’t love a day trip to Brooklyn? This event is coordinated with the Greene Park Conservancy’s Halloween Festival, and there will be a total of ten winners announced. Registration opens on the day of the event at 10:30 AM, so get there early to claim your spot. Judging begins at 11:30 AM, sharp! If you’re in the Brooklyn area, this event is definitely worth checking out with your furry friend.
9. Halloween Harvest Festival at Socrates Sculpture Park
Date: October 27, 2018
Time: 12:00PM-4:00pm
Location: Socrates Sculpture Park
This event is not messing around – there will be live music, costume making, art activities, and a real live “harvest animal blessing” for your pets, performed by Urban Shaman Mama Donna. This spiritually infused event is going to be incredible, and it’s not very often that you and your dog get to share an experience like this! It’s an event like no other, and on top of that, it’s free! No RSVP required.
10. FIDO Coffee Bark
Date: October 17, 2018
Time: 7:00AM-9:00AM
Location: 95 Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY
Rise and shine to all the early birds in the NYC/NJ area! This early morning event includes coffee and pastries for humans, biscuits for dogs, and the peace of mind knowing that your dog gets to run around in the Long Meadow off-leash area, while you both socialize and enjoy your morning treats. This event is perfect for those early birds who want to get an extra play session in before heading to work. No registration required! Just show up with your fur friend and enjoy the festivities.
Halloween Dog Fun
Whether you want to experience a dog themed Halloween costume contest, or you just want to drink something pumpkin flavored while watching your pooches socialize with their dog friends, there’s an event on this list for everyone. It’s not very often that this many fur-themed events take place in such a short time frame, so take advantage of the fun while it lasts! And as always – stay safe, have fun, and enjoy every second that you get to share with your special companion. Happy Fall!
