Here Comes Howl-o-ween: Philly’s Top Dog Halloween Parties
Dress up your doggo for costume contests, pet parades, and more spooky fun this season.
Dogs in Halloween costumes? Yes, please. / Photograph courtesy of Northern Liberties
We’ve covered pop-up bars and haunted houses. We’ve covered kid-friendly events and trick-or-treating. And now, the pups. Whether you’re a devoted dog parent or just someone who appreciates the sheer joy of costumed canines, you won’t want to miss out on the doggie festivities planned for Halloween in Philly this season. So, without further ado, let’s unleash (sorry, not sorry) the cuteness.
BOO-ZY Mutt Charity Costume Contest
The Brewerytown dog bar is hosting a costume contest — with prizes for both dogs and humans — to benefit Philly Bully Team. Note: All dogs must be registered with and have an active membership or day pass. This event is for ages 21 and up.
$20 ($5 contest entry + $15 bar entry); October 17th, 5-9 p.m., The Boozy Mutt, 2639 Poplar Street.
Hound-O-Ween Fall Festival
Philly’s biggest Halloween dog costume contest is in Northern Liberties. Dozens of furry contestants will compete for prizes in various categories, plus try to win best of show for a grand prize of $500, cash. That’s a lot of biscuits. In addition to the costume contest, expect food trucks, vendors, and general Halloween festiveness. All proceeds from the $30 registration fee (or $20 for an extra pup) benefit Street Tails Animal Rescue.
Free to attend, $30 to enter the contest; October 18th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Liberty Lands Park, 913 North 3rd Street.
HOWLLLLWEEEN Dog Parade and Costume Contest
Dress up your furry friend to strut their stuff around Old City. The parade starts and ends at The Dog Alley, and then it’s time for the costume contest! Awards will be given for Scariest, Best Homemade, and Best Group (dog and human or more than one dog) costume categories. Event is free, but donations are encouraged for the costume contest — proceeds benefit Philadoptables.
Free; October 19th, 1 p.m., The Dog Alley, 239 Market Street.
Hound-O-Ween Costume Contest at Melmos Treats
Bring your pup in their spookiest, silliest, or most creative costume — prizes will be awarded for each category. Then join your fellow dog neighbors for treats and snacks.
Free; October 24th, 5:30-7 p.m., Melmos Treats, 905 South 9th Street.
Evil Genius’s Tricks & Treats Doggie Costume Contest
Gather your dressed-up dogs in the beer garden to a $100 Evil Genius gift card and help support Palmer Doggie Depot. Your ticket includes your costume contest entry fee and donation; food and drink are pay-as-you-go.
$11; October 25th, 1-3 p.m., 1727 North Front Street.
Bark-or-Treat Trail
Dogs are invited to dress in costume, follow a trail of treats, and enjoy music, photo ops, and fun in Franklin Square.
Free; October 26th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street.
Doggie Costume Contest at Frankie’s Summer Club
This summer’s hottest pop-up — brought to you by the folks who made magic at Bok, all in the courtyard of what used to be UArts’ Furness Hall — is already a dog-friendly spot. But they’re doubling down for Halloween and hosting their very own costume contest for the pups. Bring your dog in costume for a free pup cup (the soft serve is amazing!) and a chance to win some prizes.
Free; October 26th, 2 p.m., Frankie’s Summer Club, 355 South 15th Street.
