If you were on the fence about finding a costume for Fido, this will seal the deal: the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade will return to the East Village on Sunday, October 19th. (Spirit Halloween trip incoming!)
Of course, we’ve already bookmarked the Village Halloween Parade — the holiday’s biggest happening in the entire world — but there’s just something about the pup-focused event that steals our hearts and give us the zoomies.
Now under new leadership from Fern Watt, the founder of New York Dog Parade, and sponsored by Stella & Chewy’s, the milestone 35th anniversary will be just as fantastic as years prior — and it’ll include a few new features.
Ready to turn your four-legged friend into the cutest li’l goblin Avenue B has ever seen? Allow us to provide the doggy deets.
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade 2025
The world’s biggest Halloween event for canines is fittingly held at NYC’s first-ever dog run. With humble beginnings, the parade has turned into a can’t-miss NYC experience. And while we’re suckers for pups in spooky garb, there’s so much more to the tradition than meets the eye.
“Community events that center on joy and silliness are worth holding onto — especially right now,” Watt said in a statement. “Yes, the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is about dressing your pup in a beautiful, sometimes even statement-making costume. But it’s also about celebrating our friendship with dogs — the companions who make our city and our lives happier every day.”
This year, there will be adoptable rescue dogs from ASPCA, Social Tees, and Pup Starz who will serve as Grand Marshals of the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade — a push to raise awareness for adoption and make sure friends in NYC shelters find their way into homes.
Advance registration and a ticket are required to participate in both the parade and competition. Registration opens on October 6th on a first-come, first-serve basis.We can’t wait to see what you and your companion come up with this year!
Psst: Brooklyn-based artist Jordan Sondler will be at Romeo’s (118 St. Marks) on the day of the parade from 2-7pm working on pet portraits for $55. Bring your pup in costume or a photo of your pet if you’re riding solo this weekend.
🐾 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
🗓️ Sunday, October 19th
⏰ 1–4pm
📍 East Village (Avenue B)
