The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is a FREE annual event, now in its 34th year, held in the East Village neighborhood of NYC at the Tompkins Square Dog Run. Attendees and their dogs dress up in intricate, creatively-themed Halloween costumes and participate in a parade, with official contestants vying for the title of “Best in Show” afterward. But every year, the spectators far outnumber the participants, showing up in droves to admire the creativity and swoon over the adorable pups.
The parade’s roots date back to the mid 1980s when the community fought both City Hall and the Parks Department to establish a dog run in the dangerous and derelict park, so that there would be a safe outdoor space for members of the community to meet and walk their dogs. After years of struggle, City Hall and the Parks Department relented, though with the caveat that the community was responsible for funding and maintaining the dog run itself. Tompkins Square Dog Run was opened with the newly renovated park in 1990, making it the city’s first, and still its largest, dog run.
The inaugural Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade began as a small, casual, low-key event. Sure, it was a Halloween celebration, but it was also the after-party for the hard-fought community victory. From there, word spread and the event grew in popularity every year thereafter. The number of participants (hundreds), along with spectators (thousands), have markedly increased in the time we’ve attended. Through sponsors and donations, the event now raises funds to cover the liability insurance for the event itself as well as for the yearly maintenance and upkeep of the Tompkins Square Dog Run through the City Parks Foundation.
And who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Last year, the event introduced an official parade route due to significant ongoing construction in Tompkins Square Park. The parade of pooches traveled down Avenue B then enjoyed the costume competition portion in a cordoned off area of the park.
Update October 17, 2024: As of today, there is still no official announcement from the organizers; however, EV Grieve reports the event has been pared down to a parade only—with no contests or prizes—and that the location has been moved. A local resident confirmed with the Community Affairs Officer at a 9th Precinct Community Council meeting that the location will be Avenue A, between 7th and 14th Streets.
Things to know before you go:
If someone asks you to pay an entrance fee to the event, DO NOT PAY. The event is FREE. Donations are optional, but we advise you to verify the organization you are donating to.
Registration begins at 12:00 pm for those participating. There will be a separate entrance for contestant registration. (May not apply this year, see above.)
The event itself runs from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
If the event will be confined to the park as it had been in yesteryears, arriving around 1:00 pm is perfect for spectators. The park may fill to capacity, but contestants will come and go throughout the event. If you find yourself unable to get in, don’t fret! You will encounter most of the doggies around the vicinity as well.
If there is a parade route, as suggested above, your best bet is to arrive very early to secure a good spot along the route, OR to arrive around 2:00 pm participants complete the route and head back to the park to socialize with fans. The time in between is chaotic and there are few opportunities to meet the costumed pets.
Most dogs (and owners) are happy to pose for photographs, but we always ask first.
Want to extend your doggie feel-good before or after the Halloween Dog Parade? Grab a drink or a bite to eat at Boris & Horton, NYC’s first dog cafe. Or take some time to explore some of our favorite spots in NYC’s East Village, which include top-notch coffee shops, delicious eateries and unique retailers.