Spooky season means dazzling gourd displays, an uptick in spider webbing in windows, and dogs courageously wearing costumes for our delight. Halloween celebrations featuring adorable pups and their humans are just a quick subway or train trip away, and at the end of the line you'll find a joyous, paw-dorable scene.
Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Festival
The Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Festival returns to the East Village park this year, with festivities at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 22nd. You’ll see prizes awarded for best group costume (humans and dogs), best current event costume, best NYC-themed costume, best food costume, and more.
Tompkins Square Park, Manhattan, at East 10th Street & Avenue A
Subway
Halloween Howl at Carl Schurz Park
On the Upper East Side, the Halloween Howl & Healthy Hound Fair at Carl Schurz Park kicks off at 12 p.m. on Sunday, October 23rd. Hundreds of dogs will compete for honors in front of what the park calls a “blue-chip fashion industry coven of judges!”
Carl Schurz Park, Manhattan, at the basketball/hockey court and John Finley Walk, off East End Avenue and East 86th Street
Barktoberfest at the South Street Seaport
Another Manhattan option to see festive furry friends is Barktoberfest at The Seaport, which begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 23rd.
Seaport Square, Manhattan, between Piers 16 & 17, 89 South Street
The Great Pupkin at Fort Greene Park
If you are a Dog Halloween Aficionado, then The Great Pupkin might be the marquee event, held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 29th. Wildly imaginative costumes abound as dogs and their humans compete for honors, with onlookers sitting on the imposing monument steps of Fort Greene Park.
Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn, at the bottom of the monument steps
Pet Costume Party at Jackie Robinson Park
Besides welcoming dogs in their costumes, the Pet Costume Party at Jackie Robinson Park, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 29th, offers arts and crafts, games, and a pumpkin patch!
Jackie Robinson Park Bandshell, Manhattan, near 150th Street and Bradhurst Avenue
Dog Day Halloween at Washington Square Park
On Halloween Eve, the dogs will be let out for Washington Square Park's Dog Day Halloween Costume Party & Parade. Starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 30th, puppers will be strutting their stuff in Garibaldi Plaza for prizes and treats.
Washington Square Park, Manhattan, at Garibaldi Plaza
Fall Dog Parade & Costume Contest at Old Westbury Gardens
The majestic grounds of Old Westbury Grounds will be open to leashed dogs for their Fall Dog Parade & Costume Contest, starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 30th. Admission to the gardens is $14 (more details here), and tickets must be purchased in advance—dazzling fall foliage is on display across the 200 acres.
Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Westbury
If you spot any transit-themed dog costumes, please tag @MTAaway on Instagram in your photos!
