It's the most wonderful time of the year, when we can finally answer questions like, "What if dogs, but in outfits reflecting the current cultural zeitgeist, memes, TV shows we love, and nostalgic faves?" The answer is always yes. Taylor Swiftshire Terrier and Traviston Kelshepherd? Yes. Chappel Bone? You bet. Dog as a subway car? Always yes.
Dogs, we don't deserve them, so be sure to give them plenty of pats and treats at the upcoming dog costume parades, coming to a location near a subway station near you!
Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Festival
The Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Festival has long been the gold standard in dog costume parades, and it returns to the East Village park this year for its furry festivities, which are set to begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 19th, but take note: there's a formal parade route this year through the East Village, it won't be inthe park itself. Pup-a-razzi are encouraged, because we all need these photos.
Parade attendees will meet at 14th Street and Avenue B and at 1 p.m. then make their way down to 7th Street
Subway
The Meatpacking District’s 6th Annual Dog Costume Contest
As part of their all-day Treats in the Streets Halloween festivities, the Meatpacking District will hold its sixth annual Dog Costume Contest at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 19th. Show up to watch some good pups strike their best runway poses; the grand prize is a one-night stay at The Standard.
Ganseevoort Street and Ninth Avenue, Manhattan
Halloween Howl at Carl Schurz Park
The Halloween Howl at Carl Schurz Park is the best Upper East Side option for those seeking dogs in costume. This year things kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 20th, when dogs will compete for the top costume (they're all winners in our book). Get there early for the Healthy Hound Fair, which begins at 11 a.m.
Carl Schurz Park, Manhattan, at the basketball/hockey court and John Finley Walk, off East End Avenue and East 86th Street
Howl-O-Ween Block Pawty at Pulaski Park
Bronx dog-lovers looking for costumed canines, you're in luck: Head to Mott Haven for the second annual Howl-O-Ween Block Pawty, which kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 20th, with a Pup Parade. Participants will make their way down East 134th Street to Third Avenue and then settle down for a party.
Pulaski Park, the Bronx
The Great Pupkin at Fort Greene Park
The Great Pupkin has become another marquee event in the world of dog costume contests. This one will take place at 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th this year, and you'll want to get there a little early for a good spot — these dogs and their humans will be bringing their best looks.
Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn, at the bottom of the monument steps
Dog Halloween at Washington Square Park
The good folks at the Washington Square Park Conservancy have organized a Dog Halloween celebration starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 26th, with a parade that will, as they put it, take the spectacle to the streets around the park. If you want to strut your mutt's stuff, you can register them the same day — and be sure to stick around for a costume contest at 12:30 p.m. (or you can just enjoy the show).
Washington Square Park, Manhattan, near the fountain
Howl-O-Ween Parade and Costume Contest at Forest Park
If you're in Queens, hop over to Forest Park's Barking Lot dog park for the second annual Howl-O-Ween Parade and Costume Contest, starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th (with a rain date of Saturday, November 2nd). Pups will head down Beverly Road, Lefferts Boulevard and Metropolitan Avenue before returning to the park for the judging. Local businesses will also be in attendance operating pop-up booths selling food and dog treats.
Forest Park, Queens, in the Barking Lot dog park
If you spot any transit-themed dog costumes, please tag @MTAaway on Instagram in your photos!
