NYC's best Halloween dog costume events for 2023

Cheer for all the cute doggos in their Halloween finery during this year's 25th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest on Saturday, October 28. Held every year by Fort Greene Park Users and Pets Society since 1998, the event is held at the bottom of the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument stairs in Brooklyn, where more than a hundred dogs run around in silly and creative costumes from RBG to hot dogs and more.

The entry fee for participants is $15; dogs and their humans must register before Sunday, October 22 at 10pm. It's free to watch the show.

For the first time this year, the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance is hosting a dog parade and Halloween costume, with proceeds benefitting the park's dog runs. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Spookiest Small Dog, Jack-O-Large Dog, Ghoulish Group, Fab-boo-lous Owner & Dog Duo, and Creepin’ it Creative. 

The event's on Saturday, October 28 at Canine Court in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. It's free for handlers and spectators with a $20-$25 donation requested per contest entrant.

What's cuter than a dog in a costume? A parade of dogs in costumes. The annual puppy procession and costume competition hosted by the Washington Square Park Dog Run Association is back for an afternoon of spooky cuteness. 

The event's on Saturday, October 28 at noon (registration begins at 11am) in Manhattan. Don't miss the announcement of the (ahem) weiners for best in show.

Halloween isn't just for human kids—it's for our furry kids, too. Cobble Fish, the seafood restaurant located on Pier 16 at the South Street Seaport, clearly knows that well, as the venue will be hosting a fun, festive Halloween Dog Parade on Sunday, October 29, from 2-5 pm.

Guests can bring their furry friends for a chance to walk the Dog Red Carpet, enjoy tasty doggie treats and compete for the title of Best Costume, with a mystery prize up for grabs. It's going to be a howling good time.

But the fun won't only be focused on the canines. Human attendees can take advantage of a "pawsome" buy-one-get-one offer on all drinks during parade day, from a classic Dark & Stormy to a "Manhattan on the Water."

Bring your pup aboard Circle Line for a howling good time on Sunday, October 29. The Pup Cruise, which invites all dogs and their humans aboard (preferably in costume), travels down the Hudson River, starting at noon, passing landmarks like Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center and High Line Park to finish by the Statue of Liberty.

During the 90-minute cruise, there will be a costume contest with prizes and treats awarded for the most creative looks. A dog-themed soundtrack will fill the air. And back at Pier 83, there will be a mobile adoption event with dogs and puppies from North Shore Animal League America from 10am to 2pm. Circle Line is donating all the ticket proceeds toward the animal league.