Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade & Fort Greene Great PUPkin Parade Are Back On For 2021
Sept. 11, 2021, 4:43 p.m.
Here's everything you need to know about this year's Halloween dog parades.
The annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade may or may not be happening this year, depending on some funding issues, but at least two other beloved NYC Halloween traditions have announced they are returning: the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade and the Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest in Fort Greene. As with many cultural events in 2020, both dog parades ended up going all-virtual last year due to the pandemic.
Both events are joyous occasions for pet owners to dress up their very good dogs in ridiculous, over-the-top, and wildly creative costumes. And it's equally fun for all those dog aficionados who just want to experience the pleasure that only a tiny dog in a giant bow tie, or a very large dog in an undersized hot dog costume, can bring.
The 31st annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade will take place at the East River Park Amphitheater on Saturday, October 23rd from noon to 2 p.m. (they moved from Tompkins to East River because of insurance issues in 2018). The event is free, and you can get more info about registering to participate here in the coming weeks.
Then a week later, the 23rd annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest will take place in Fort Greene Park on Sunday, October 31st from noon to 2:30 p.m. (The parade was moved from Saturday to Sunday, 10/31, due to the forecast.) Tickets to enter your dog cost $12, and you can get more info on registering or taking part here. Spectators can attend for free.
If you're jonesin' for some dog-costume-slideshow-content to tide you over while you wait for this year's events, please enjoy these pics from Great PUPkin parades past and these pics from some of the Tompkins Halloween Dog Parades.