If you're anything like me, then you've been looking forward to October 31st, 2016 since November 1st, 2015. The anticipation should be especially huge if you live in New York City, which is undoubtably one of the world's best venues for Halloween festivities for humans and pets alike. If you're a dog-lover, or just a general cute-enthusiast, then nothing will make you happier than attending the following dog costume contests. While I've included links to registration information in case your pup is feeling competitive, all events are completely free for spectators!
1. The Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
The 26th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is the most competitive contest, with thousands of New Yorkers spectating. It has been raved about by news sites such as Buzzfeed, CNN, TIME, and even Vanity Fair. This year's competition is sponsored by Purina Beggin', and there are thousands of dollars on the line. If you can (sadly) only make it to one dog parade this year, let this be the one. Festivities are being held in Tompkins Square Park in Manhattan on Saturday, October 22nd, from 12 to 3 p.m.
2. 16th Annual Halloween Festival & Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
Last Halloween, I attended the Great PUPkin dog costume contest at Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn. I was hoping for overwhelming cuteness, and I was not disappointed. I photographed dozens of adorable dogs, and even managed to take a few selfies with them. The costume contest is being held on Saturday, October 29, and starts at 11:30 a.m. This year, they've actually had to put a cap on the number of doggy contestants allowed; they are only accepting 120 because last year's 170 was "too much". The winner receives big prizes, as well as a coveted PUPkin rosette, pictured above. (Registration information can be found here.)
3. Luna Park's Halloween Harvest: Dog Parade and Costume Contest
Go for the puppies, stay for the historical Parachute Jump and Cyclone! The Luna Park Halloween Harvest Dog Parade and Costume Contest is being held on Sunday, October 9th, from 12 to 5 p.m at Coney Island in Brooklyn. Although pets aren't typically allowed in amusement parks, Luna Park makes an acceptation for this spooky day - granted your dog is licensed, registered, and you sign a waver. The dog with the winning costume will snag a "super bag" of treats, and their owner will in $100! (Registration information can be found here.)
4. Halloween Harvest Festival at Socrates Sculpture Park
The Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria, Queens is having their own Halloween Festival on Saturday, October 29th - with the Annual Canine Costume Contest happening from 1 to 2 p.m.! Their theme this year is the circus, which is bound to spark some creative canine couture. The winner will receive prizes sponsored by some local partners such as City Vet, Chateau Le Woof, and Pooches Sport & Spa! After the contest, the day will end with a "harvest animal blessing" by Urban Shaman Mama Donna.
