New York is a city where you can find everything – including dozens of costumed dog parades for Halloween. The season kicks off in earnest on Saturday with the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Although dog parade season hasn’t yet started, this year has already had its share of drama. For example, after the Tompkins Square dog parade was canceled earlier this fall, elected officials and one Facebook millionaire brought it back.
Parade organizer Joseph Borduin, whose email signature reads “head pooper-scooper,” said that being the Golden Globes of the dog parade circuit – going first and setting the tone for the rest of the awards season – is a tough responsibility.
“If they don’t win at ours, they have to go to others and try to win there,” Borduin joked. “But no, on the day of the parade, the bond you see between dogs and their owners makes all the hard work worth it.”
The other big parades take place a week later, on Oct. 28. Here’s what you need to know:
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
Saturday, Oct. 21, starting at 12:30 p.m.
This event has two components: the parade down Avenue B, and the costume competition, which takes place inside the park.
Anyone can join the parade: Attendees can gather at 13th Street and Avenue B starting at noon.
To compete in the costume competition (or even to watch) you need to get one of 600 wristbands, which are handed out free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
At 1 p.m., the parade will set off down Avenue B from 13th Street to Seventh Street. Only wristband holders will be able to enter the park for the official competition, which begins at 2 p.m.
Although rain is in Saturday morning's forecast, the organizer said the parade will happen rain or shine. You can learn more here.
A dog is dressed as the Naked Cowboy at the 2021 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Courtesy of The Friends of the First Run
The Great Pupkin: Fort Greene Park Dog Parade
Saturday, Oct. 28, starting at noon.
Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 29 at noon.
The Great Pupkin is in its 25th year. Organizer Alana Davis says sponsors will be handing out pet-appropriate goodies.
The parade is free to attend and open to all, but the canine costume contest is sold out to a limited number of pre-registrants.
David adds that more than 2,000 people have showed up to watch the parade in recent years, but that the the parade's “security detail” (a local family) has done an exemplary job of crowd control and guaranteeing a good time for all.
You can learn more about the Great Pupkin here.
Washington Square Park Dog Day Halloween
Saturday, Oct. 28, starting at noon.
Organizer Eileen Shulock says the heart-of-NYU parade and costume competition is already looking bigger this year than it’s ever been.
While there are a few registration spots still open (free of charge), she says any last-minute contestants looking for trot-up registration should arrive before the 11 a.m. opening, as more than 200 dogs are already pre-registered. Attendance is free as well.
The parade grounds (Washington Square Park) will also include two comedian emcees, a marching band, photo booth, scavenger hunt, and other activities.
Learn more about the Washington Square Park Dog Day Halloween here.
The 2022 return of the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Scott Lynch for Gothamist
Van Cortlandt Park Howl-O-Ween
Saturday, Oct. 28, starting at noon.
With three different dog runs throughout its massive forest, it’s surprising that Van Cortlandt Park has never had a Halloween dog parade before.
This year’s inaugural event is free for spectators but $20 for contestant pre-registration, or $25 on the day of the event, and comprises a parade plus costume competition.
It will kick off at the Canine Court dog run, just inside the west entrance of the park below the Henry Hudson Parkway.
Learn more here.
Hoboken Howl-O-Ween
Saturday, Oct. 28, starting at 2 p.m.
Yes, this is the second Howl-O-Ween pun on the list. Across the Hudson, the Hoboken Community Center’s parade starts at 2 p.m. in Church Square Park, about 10 minutes’ walk from the PATH station.
Attendees at the Hoboken Howl-O-Ween can expect a parade and costume competition, with music and prizes.
Entering a contestant costs $17.85, payable at their website.
You can learn more about Hoboken Howl-O-Ween here.
