For dogs, Halloween started on Sunday, Oct. 19, the day of the 35th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
For the first time, the iconic New York City Halloween dog parade was hosted by New York Dog Parade, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading cheer and helping pets through dog-centric events.
“It’s such a celebration of dog-human friendship in a very silly way. I also think the world can really feel very divided right now, and it’s hard to find things to agree on. For me, dogs are such a global unifier,” Fern Watt, the founder of New York Dog Parade, told PEOPLE about the importance of the event.
The 2025 parade, with help from sponsor Stella and Chewy’s, included an activation block for the first time. The new feature had free treats and activities for pets and their owners. Another Halloween Dog Parade first was the inclusion of parade grand marshals, roles occupied by four adoptable dogs from N.Y.C. shelters, Pup Starz, Social Tees, and the ASPCA.
The parade kicked off around 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, with costumed dogs and their owners marching down Avenue B in front of a massive crowd of supportive, rapt spectators. Hundreds of pups registered to be part of the parade, including PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest 2025 winner, Bastian, who wheeled through the route with his colorful and fluffy Lorax costume.
Bastian, winner of the 2025 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest, dressed as the Lorax at N.Y.C.’S Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
Perhaps the parade’s most famous feature, its adorable canine costume contest, returned this year and was stocked with dozens of pooches outfitted in some of the most wildly creative pet Halloween costumes. For the contest, pup participants strutted their stuff inside Tompkins Square Park, home to N.Y.C.’s oldest official dog run.
For a sample of what New York City’s most Halloween-obsessed canines wore to the Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade, or “the Met Gala of the canine community,’ as Watt called it, read on. It’s not too late to get inspiration for your dog’s Halloween costume.
Harry Potter
Dog dressed as Harry Potter at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
Harry Potter the pup was at the parade with three dementors, but didn’t seem spooked by the situation.
Witch’s Broom
Dog dressed as a witch’s broom.
Kelli Bender
This coven never leaves home without their cuddliest broom.
Flower Queen
Dog covered in flowers for the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
This pup seems to have taken inspiration from Florence Pugh’s May Queen dress in Midsommar.
Jinu from KPop Demon Hunters
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ dog costume at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
This handsome pup make Jeoseung saja Jinu look more cuddly than creepy.
Courage the Cowardly Dog
Courage the Cowardly Dog group costume the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
This group costume captured all the main characters from the Cartoon Network classic.
Labubu
Dog dressed as a Labubu at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
Usually out of stock, Labubus were plentiful at the New York Halloween Dog Parade.
New York City Staples
Dressed up dogs at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
These furry foods looked cute enough to eat.
Life of a Showpup
A dog dressed in a ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ inspired costume at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
This pup looks straight out Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” music video.
Tater Tot
Dog in a tater tot costume at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
Can you spot the curly-coated dog amid the stuffed tater tots?
Justin Wiener
Justin Wiener at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
Like Justin Bieber, dachshund Justin Wiener has his own very dedicated fanbase.
Fairy Friends
Dog and owner dressed as fairies at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
This pair were making wishes come true on the parade route.
Adorable Alien
‘Alien’ group costume at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
Leave it to a tiny dog to make Alien‘s unnerving Chestbursters cute.
Bacon, Egg and Pup
Bacon the dog at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
Hopefully, no one minds a little fur on their toast.
Furry Farmer
Great Dane dressed as farmer with owners at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
This Great Dane made flannel look fetch.
Ramen Dog Dreams
Dog dressed as ramen at the 2025 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
Some canine parade participants chose to nap through the event.
Stuffed Animal Sweetness
Dog at the 2025 Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade.
Kelli Bender
This pooch’s costume was a puzzle that tested how quickly attendees could pick out the living pup amongst the plushes.
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To learn more about the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade and other similar events, visit nydogparade.org.
