New York City Celebrates 35th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade

New York City is gearing up for a wag-tastic event as the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade returns on October 19, 2025, marking its 35th anniversary. The parade, which takes place in the trendy East Village, promises an exciting day filled with costumes, camaraderie, and a strong message about pet adoption.

Over the past few years, this hugely popular parade has witnessed a significant rise in attendance, with thousands of dog lovers expected to gather for a day of fun and celebration. Organized by the New York Dog Parade, a dedicated nonprofit led by canine columnist Fern Watt, and supported by Stella Chewy's, the event aims to bring together pet owners and their furry companions in a festive atmosphere.

The vibrant streets of East Village will transform into a dazzling fashion runway as the beloved pups flaunt their creative costumes. From sharp political satire to pop culture icons, the array of costumes is as diverse as the city itself. Attendees can expect to see everything from classic hot dogs and superheroes to whimsical barking dinosaurs, showcasing the creativity and passion of New York’s dog owners.

Fern Watt, the founder of the New York Dog Parade, emphasized the importance of community events that spread joy and laughter, stating, “Community events that center on joy and silliness are worth holding onto—especially right now. The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is about dressing your pup in a beautiful, sometimes even statement-making costume. But it’s also about celebrating our friendship with dogs—the companions who make our city and our lives happier every day.”

In light of the ongoing challenges facing animal shelters in New York City, the parade will introduce a pet adoption awareness initiative. Four adoptable dogs from various organizations, including Pup Starz, Social Tees, and the ASPCA, will grace the event as Parade Grand Marshals. This initiative serves to shine a spotlight on the numerous dogs waiting for loving homes across the city.

Beginning as a small grassroots gathering in Manhattan's first dog run, the Halloween Dog Parade has grown into what many now consider the world’s largest Halloween dog celebration. With heartfelt support from Stella Chewy's, Marie Moody, the brand's founder, expressed her commitment to the community, saying, “The heart of Stella Chewy's has always been in New York City. By sponsoring the New York Dog Parade, we want to honor, uplift, and give back to the community who helped us build the brand we are today.”

In preparation for this year’s festivities, New York Dog Parade has implemented new crowd-control strategies, safety measures, and expanded programming to enhance the experience for both dogs and their humans. Additional support comes from Pumpkin Pet Insurance and Bond Vet as they join in the efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. Volunteers are welcomed, and those interested in contributing to this beloved community tradition can sign up at nydogparade.org.

Participation in the parade and the exclusive costume competition is free, though prospective participants will need wristbands and pre-registration. This registration will open on October 6 at midnight, on a first-come, first-served basis. The parade is scheduled to run from 1 PM to 4 PM, featuring a colorful procession down Avenue B and a limited-entry costume contest.

Beyond the delights of the parade, the event will also offer a festival block on 6th Street, between Avenue B and Avenue C, where partners like Stella Chewy's will treat all four-legged guests to special surprises.

The heart behind this grand celebration, Fern Watt, has a unique story linked to the parade. Having been a resident of East Village and a participant in the parade with her beloved 160-pound English Mastiff, Gizelle, Watt's journey to organizing the parade showcases her deep-rooted passion for dogs and the connection they foster among people.

Since her debut as a dog columnist, Watt’s advocacy for dogs has only expanded, also leading to her writing career and the establishment of her nonprofit organization. She has been a voice for the profound canine-human bond, highlighted in her viral story about Gizelle’s bucket list that emphasizes the joy dogs bring into our lives.

While organizing this iconic event is no small feat, Watt’s dedication shines through, driven by the reminder that dogs bridge connections between individuals in a bustling city. As the excitement builds for this year’s parade, attendees can expect not just a show of costumes and creativity, but a heartfelt celebration of community, companionship, and love for our furry friends.

For more updates and details, visit nydogparade.org or follow @nydogparade on Instagram. Let’s embrace the spirit of Halloween with our canine companions and make this year's Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade an unforgettable experience!