Looking for a fun Halloween event that you can bring your dog, cat, or other furry, feathered, or scaled friend to? We’ve gathered up a list of the best pet-friendly Halloween events, including pet parades, pet costume contests, and Halloween yappy hours in DC, Maryland, and Virginia for 2022. So grab your pet and and their costume (only if your pet tolerates wearing one, of course) and head out to one of these great events! Maybe we’ll see you there!
Do you know of a pet-friendly Halloween event in the DC area that’s not on the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Washington, DC Pet-Friendly Halloween Events
Pups on the Patio
Wed, Oct 19, 2022, 5-7pm
Canine Cocktails, Adoptable Dogs from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and Prizes. Everyone will enjoy people and pup watching hosted by the hotel’s Canine Ambassador Louis, an alumnus of Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. All pups will enjoy house-made doggie treats while vying for prizes in their finest canine couture and, Opaline’s master mixologists will create two canine cocktails with dog healthy ingredients. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue will be on site with some adorable adoptable doggies looking for their furever homes. Prizes for fantastically French, most adorable and funniest canine couture consists of overnight stays, dinners and doggie amenities.
Opaline Bar and Brasserie
806 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
https://www.opalinedc.com/event/pups-on-the-patio/
Hirshhorn Howl-O-Ween
Sun, Oct 20, 2022, 11am-12:30pm
Dress up with your pup! The Hirshhorn is hosting its annual Howl-o-ween. Join us with your costumed dog for a morning of dress-up and art in the Hirshhorn’s outdoor Sculpture Garden. Advance registration is required. Hirshhorn Insider members are invited to strut their stuff with their pooches in our furry fashion contest and we do not take dog fashion lightly. We’ve gathered a panel of local dog-experts to judge the contest. Prizes will be awarded in three categories. This “ultimutt” Halloween event supports the Hirshhorn’s free-for-all art educational programs.
Hirshhorn Museum
Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560
https://hirshhorn.si.edu/event/hirshhorn-howl-o-ween-2022/
Fairmont’s 11th Annual Howl-O-Ween
Thur, Oct 27, 2022. 6-7:30pm
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown’s Canine Ambassador Georgie, invites friends and neighbors to stop by with their canine companions for Fairmont’s 11th annual Howl-O-Ween. Prizes will be awarded at 7pm to costumed doggies with their people, such as overnight stays, dinners and more. Local celebrity judges will award prizes for most creative, most adorable, funniest and honorable mentions. All dogs will be pawsatively treated to peanut butter doggie biscuits created by Fairmont’s pastry team, and canine coolers will be placed throughout the courtyard. Humans can purchase spooky canine-themed cocktails along with Puptails and Doggie Dinners for all four-legged guests.
Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown
2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fairmonts-11th-annual-howl-o-ween-tickets-421405343727
Halloween Pet Portraits
Sun, Oct 30, 2022, 10am-3pm
Join us for a Halloween pet portrait in your pup’s favorite place! Options for portraits include either dog or family style. Plan to dress up in your favorite costume! We will have some costume options available for your pet as well as seasonally spooky backgrounds and decorations.
Historic Congressional Cemetery, 9/11 Memorial Path
1801 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003
https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/halloween-pet-portraits-2/
2nd Annual SPet-tacular Halloween Parade and Costume Contest
Sun, Oct 30, 2022, 2-4pm
Thanks to The Parks at Walter Reed, the Shepherd Park Citizens Association is holding the 2nd Annual SPet-tacular Halloween Parade and Costume Contest. Dress up your dog to impress and win a prize in each weight category: Small (up to 24 lbs), Medium (24 -55. lbs.), and Large (55+ lbs.).
The Parks Historic Walter Reed
1010 Butternut St NW, Washington, DC 20012
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-spet-tacular-halloween-parade-and-costume-contest-spca-tickets-429749210457
Maryland Pet-Friendly Halloween Events
Baltimore, MD & Baltimore County, MD
Dogfest
Sat, Oct 15, 2022, 11am-4pm
Dogfest is the Baltimore Humane Society’s largest fundraiser and community event. We expect to have 2,000 animal lovers in attendance for this pet-centric day full of games, contests, food and fun. Dogs will be able to play games with their people or watch as other pups partake in the fun! There will be plenty of activities for the pups, including Simon Says, 20 yard dash, bubble chase, paw painting and fun in the sand. There will be opportunities to try out an agility or lure course, too! Plus, we’ll have some doggie demos like Rally-O! We’ll have contests and prizes for: Best Halloween Costume, Best Kisser, Best Dancer, Best Owner/Pet Look-alike, Catch the Treat, Musical Sit and Best Pet Trick. There will be pet themed arts & crafts, face painting and a bounce house to engage the kids, pet rescue groups with adoptable animals and loads of vendors and food trucks.
Baltimore Humane Society
1601 Nicodemus Rd, Reisterstown, MD 21136
https://bmorehumane.org/dogfest/
BARCStoberfest
Sat, Oct 29, 2022, 7am-3pm
BARCStoberfest is an annual, large scale, pet-friendly festival and fundraiser that benefits the lifesaving programs and animal care at the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS). The festival includes a 5K Run/1-Mile Walk, Pet Costume Contest, Beer Garden vendors, kids’ activities and more! Fundraising leading up to BARCStoberfest raises critical funding for Maryland’s highest volume, open-admission shelter serving 10,000 animals per year. Our goal this year is $350,000, so please join us to raise funds for animals in need in our community.
Patterson Park
27 S Patterson Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231
https://www.barcstoberfest.org/
Frederick County, MD
Canines on the Creek
Sat, Oct 22, 2022, 2-5pm
Dress up you and your pooch in your best Halloween get up for the opportunity to win prizes and giveaways! RAIN or SHINE. The Costume Contest and Parade kick off at 3pm. Judging Categories: best owner and dog look-alikes, best small breed costume, and best large breed costume.
Carroll Creek Linear Park Trellis Area at Market Street
Frederick, MD
https://www.fsklions.org/canines/
Paw-O-Ween
Wed, Oct 26, 2022, 4:30-7pm
Enjoy an evening of tricks and treats with your furry, four-legged friend. Your pooch will have an opportunity to run free in one of our off-leash areas, compete in a costume contest, and make new friends. Paw-o-ween also provides great opportunities for families to sample dog related products and visit exhibit booths.
Ballenger Creek Dog Park
5420 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick, MD 21703
https://www.recreater.com/870/Paw-O-Ween
Howard County, MD
Centennial Park Pet Parade – Halloween Costume Contest for Pets
Sat, Oct 15, 2022, 2-4pm
Dress up your furry (or feathered, or scaled) family members and show them off for each other and our judges. Participants judged on fashion/costume, presentation, behavior, and use of props. Extra points for special skills or tricks. Pets must be on leash or otherwise contained and non-aggressive. Winners receive gift cards. For all ages (must have a handler who is 18 yrs+). Registration of a pet is $5. Event is free for spectators.
Centennial Park Ampitheatre
10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/pet-parade-halloween-costume-contest-pets-all-ages
Puppy Halloween Costume Party
Sat, Oct 15 & Sun, Oct 16, 2022
Bring your furry loved ones dressed for Halloween & enter to win a doggie gift basket. Don’t forget to treat them to something yummy off our doggie menu.
The White Oak Tavern
10030 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
https://www.thewhiteoaktavern.com/events/puppy-halloween-costume-party
Howl-O-Ween!
Sat, Oct 22, 2022, 12-3pm
Costumed pups will start at Clipper’s Canine Cafe. Make a $12 cash donation (per dog) for local rescue Pitties and Purrs Rescue Inc., and you will receive a list of participating OEC businesses then make your way all through town to receive your pup’s treats! Trick-or-treating is from 12-3 pm and ends at The Wine Bin where the Costume Contest will begin promptly at 3:15. There will be three categories: Cutest, Funniest and Most Original Homemade with amazing prizes for the winners!
Clipper’s Canine Cafe
8407 Main St, Ellicott City, MD 21043
https://visitoldellicottcity.com/events/howl-o-ween/
HCRP Pet Parade – Halloween Costume Contest for Pets
Sun, Oct 30, 2022, 2-6pm
Join us for the first-ever Howard County Recreation & Parks pet parade! Dress up your furry (or feathered or scaled) family members and show them off for each other and our judges. Bring your own folding chairs or picnic blankets to enjoy the parade! Participants judged on fashion/ costume, presentation, behavior, and use of props. Extra points for special skills or tricks. Pets must be on leash or otherwise contained and non-aggressive. Must register by 10/25. $10 per pet entry fee, free for spectators.
East Columbia Library Park
6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/new-pet-parade-halloween-costume-contest-pets
Montgomery County, MD
Dog Days at the Farm
Sat, Oct 29 & Sun, Oct 30, 2022, 10am-5pm
Give your dogs a fun day out and help us celebrate our faithful pups by bringing them for a day on the farm! Dress your pup in a costume and receive $1 off any pumpkin!
Sharp’s at Waterford Farm
4003 Jennings Chapel Rd, Brookeville, MD 20833
https://sharpfarm.com/calendar/
Hallo-Week Day #7: Fall Fest!
Sun, Oct 30, 2022, 10am-6pm
What are the best things about October? Halloween and … it’s finally fall! We’ve decided to combine these two exciting things into one very exciting day. Fall fest will include activities such as: pumpkin calligraphy, straw bale pyramid, fun cocktails and much more! There’s something for everyone — you’ll be sure to leave the park with a bag full of goodies. Costumes are highly encouraged!
Bark Social
935 Prose St, North Bethesda, MD 20852
https://events.humanitix.com/hallo-week-day-7-fall-fest
Dogs at the Dog Park
Sat, Oct 30, 2022, 4-7pm
Dress up your dog, kids or yourself in your Halloween costume and join us for hot dogs and drinks at the park!!
Dewey Local Park
11720 Dewey Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20906
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dogs-at-the-dog-park-tickets-427895285317
Virginia Pet-Friendly Halloween Events
Alexandria, VA
Sleepy Howllow
Thur, Oct 27, 2022, 7:30-10pm
Join us for an enchanted evening in the woods of sleepy howllow… but beware the spirits and wolves that lurk amongst the trees. Haunted forest themed costumes required. You’re invited to our second anniversary celebration! Barkhaus will completely transform into a haunted forest for a private halloween event. (Must be 21 or older)
Barkhaus
529 East Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
https://brewskisbarkhaus.com/calendar/sleepy-howllow
Nightmare at Barkhaus
Sat, Oct 29, 2022, 5-8pm
Get ready for the spookiest night of your life as we celebrate All Hallows’ Eve with the living.. and the dead! It’s your pup’s favorite season and Barkhaus dares to invite all four-legged friends and their parents to our third annual Halloween party! Costumes are highly recommended for humans and pups. Annual dog costume contest with big prizes: 1st – One Gold (Year) Membership, 2nd -One Three Month Membership, 3rd – $25 Gift Card. Runway begins at 7:30pm; winners announced at 8pm. Spooky food & drink specials.
Barkhaus
529 East Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
https://brewskisbarkhaus.com/calendar/nightmare-at-barkhaus-2022
26th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
Sun, Oct 30, 2022, 2pm
The 26th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade features our finest creative minds at play! This is a family friendly affair that invites costume-clad kids, pets, moms and dads to march down Mt. Vernon Ave from E. Bellefonte Ave to the Mount Vernon Rec Center field. This event ends with live music and an award presentation. This hometown favorite event is a must-see! Pets Costume Contest will be judged immediately at the end of the parade route. There is no fee to register. Pet Costume Categories: Creative, Team, How Could You Do This To Me?, and Vola Lawson Best of Show.
Mt. Vernon Ave & E. Bellefonte Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
https://www.visitdelray.com/events/del-ray-halloween-parade/
Fairfax County, VA
Best in Show at The Boro
Sat, Oct 29, 2022 3-8:30pm
Join The Boro for the ultimate dog costume contest at Boro Park! Pets will be able to strut the doggy catwalk and pose for judges with one winner crowned “Best in Show”. The top three looks will take home a prize-packed doggy gift basket. Don’t have a dog? Join us anyways for some fall family fun! This spooktacular day will be filled with trick-or-treating, games, and Halloween crafts. It is guaranteed to be a paws-itively wonderful day! The show doesn’t end there! Join us at 6:30pm in The Sandlot for a spooky screening of Scooby Doo (2002) on the big screen complete with a popcorn bar!
The Boro Tysons
8350 Broad St, Tysons, VA 22102
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-in-show-at-the-boro-tickets-414962944337
Dog-O-Ween
Sun, Oct 30, 1-6pm
If you love Dogtoberfest and Bier-O-Ween, join us on Sunday, October 30th for our final Oktoberfest event, Dog-O-Ween! This festival is family friendly as well as free to attend! While the festival will of course revolve around our furry friends, there will be activities for adults and children of all ages.
Shipgarten
7581 Colshire Dr, Mclean, VA 22102
http://www.tysonsfestivals.com/
Great Falls Halloween Pet Parade
Mon, Oct 31, 2022, 4-4:45pm
Calling all pet lovers! Does your dog have the perfect Halloween costume? Join us early at the Village Green for the Pet Parade at 4pm with Costume Contest judging at 4:30pm.
Village Centre Green
776 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066
https://celebrategreatfalls.org/halloween
Tips for Attending Pet-Friendly Halloween Events
Make Sure the Event Is a Good Fit for Your Pet
While these events welcome pets, keep in mind that not all pets are going to enjoy attending them. If you know that your pet doesn’t like strangers or large crowds or is fearful of loud noises, it may be best to leave them at home instead of forcing them into what may be a very stressful situation. Use your best judgement, err on the side of caution if you’re not sure how your pet will react, and be prepared to leave early if your pet is showing signs of stress.
Keep Your Pet Safe and Secure
Unless the event has a specifically designated off-leash area, keep your dog on-leash at all times in a secure, well-fitted collar or harness. For other types of pets, secure them with a leash or in a suitable carrier to keep them safe. And make sure your pet’s ID tags are up to date just in case they do get lost.
Be Cautious with Costumes
Some pets don’t mind wearing any type of costume and just enjoy all the extra attention they receive when wearing one, but for many pets, it’s not a positive experience. Consider your pets’ feelings when choosing their costume, and don’t force them to wear a costume that makes them uncomfortable (physically or mentally). Alternatively, you can try training your pet to like wearing their costume.
Have a Happy Halloween with Your Pet!
With so many different pet-friendly Halloween events to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find a great one to attend with your pet. We’d love to hear which ones you attended and how much fun you had in the comments below.
