Costumed dogs march through the East Village again on Saturday, October 17, at the 36th annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. Registration to march opens Friday, September 25, at noon Eastern at NYDogParade.org, and spots go first-come, first-served. Watching is free, no dog required.
For costume ideas, our guide to the best Halloween pet costumes of 2026 compares every major retailer’s lineup, and our dog Halloween 2026 roundup covers the glow-in-the-dark harnesses, treats, and decor in stores now.
How to march in the parade
Every dog that marches has to be registered in advance, along with its humans. Spots are limited, and New York Dog Parade runs a mailing list on its site that sends a notice when registration opens.
The organizers ask for a costume that is comfortable and non-restrictive and does not interfere with a dog’s sight, hearing, movement, or ears. If a dog seems uncomfortable in costume, they recommend skipping it. Costumes and props have to be safe and manageable in a crowd. Carts, strollers, and wagons are welcome, but golf carts and similarly sized vehicles are not permitted.
Dogs that miss out on a marching spot can still come. The day includes a festival block where spectators and participants can show off their dogs.
The costume contest
Entry to the parade’s costume competition is limited to select registered participants because of the parade’s popularity and limited capacity inside Tompkins Square Park. The organizers have not said how those participants will be chosen. For the first time, people outside the park will be able to follow the competition live.
“Yesterday, someone emailed us to say they were dressing their dog as frozen yogurt. So clearly, the competition this year is going to be stiff,” said Fern Watt, founder of New York Dog Parade. “There’s a lot that can feel heavy in the world right now, but somewhere in New York City, someone is crafting a frozen yogurt costume for their dog. We do find hope in that.”
Watching the parade and the festival block
The parade is free to watch and is scheduled for mid-morning. The organizers will announce the route, spectator locations, exact timing, and contest judges in the coming weeks, and post day-of details on NYDogParade.org as October 17 gets closer.
The public festival block will have photo opportunities, giveaways, rescue initiatives, and Kismet “Nugs” treats for the marching dogs. Its location will be announced in October.
Who runs the parade
New York Dog Parade, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by author and longtime dog advocate Fern Watt, organizes the event. The parade began in Manhattan’s first dog run.
This year’s presenting sponsor is Kismet, a dog food brand founded by John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. The other partners are Fetch Pet Insurance, Earth Rated, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day for Pets, Allegra, the ASPCA, and Veterinary Emergency Group.
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and New York Dog Parade is working with the ASPCA and Animal Care Centers of NYC to spotlight adoptable dogs throughout October and celebrate rescue dogs taking part in this year’s parade.
Top photo: a dog in a pineapple costume at the 2017 parade. Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
