The streets of Manhattan’s East Village transformed into a lively runway for furry fashion as hundreds of dressed-up dogs pranced through the 34th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
This beloved New York City tradition saw creative costumes ranging from classic Halloween icons to quirky and unexpected personas, making it a magical spectacle for both spectators and participants.
Since its inception in the 1980s, this canine costume event has evolved into a seasonal highlight in NYC, originally designed to support the Tompkins Square Park dog run—the first and largest dog park in the city.
The parade has now grown into one of NYC’s most iconic Halloween celebrations, drawing enthusiastic crowds and creative costumes.
A Shift in Tradition
This year marked a notable change in the parade’s history. Organizer Joseph Borduin, who has coordinated the event since 2020, announced that this would be his last year at the helm.
Due to the parade’s growing size and complexity, Borduin called for a larger organization to take over and manage the logistics. In a surprise turn, this year’s parade also saw the absence of the usual costume contest, shifting the focus entirely to the joy of costumes and community spirit.
Highlights from the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
If you missed out on this paws-itively fantastic event, here are some of the standout costumes that stole the show:
7. Postal Worker Pup
This adorable dog donned a miniature USPS uniform, turning heads with its cute interpretation of everyone’s favorite mail carrier. While dogs are usually known for barking at the mailman, this little pup hilariously embodied the role, leaving us to wonder if he’d bark at his own reflection!
6. Spooky Spider
One brave pup traded its four legs for eight, stepping out in a spider costume complete with glittery accents. The combination of spooky and sweet made this little spider an absolute fan favorite, captivating onlookers with every step.
5. Cinderella and Her Human Fairy Godmother
Dazzling in a princess-worthy gown, this four-legged Cinderella looked ready for the ball, perfectly matching her owner’s coordinating outfit. The elegant ensemble made for a magical pairing that was simply unforgettable.
4. Groovy Austin Powers
In a hilarious nod to the ‘60s, one pooch strutted the parade in a shaggy wig, iconic round glasses, and Austin Powers’ signature style. This costume brought pure retro charm, eliciting laughs and a bit of nostalgia from fans of the famous spy.
3. New York Pizza Slice
When in NYC, pizza isn’t just food—it’s culture. One clever costume turned a playful pup into a slice of pepperoni pizza, embracing the city’s food icon with a dose of delicious cuteness. It’s safe to say this slice didn’t last long on the runway!
2. Jailbird Dog
Dressed as a convict, complete with stripes and a “bad dog” label, this canine criminal won over hearts with its mischievous look. Despite the ‘jailbird’ appearance, this pup had everyone convinced he’s probably a good boy at heart.
1. Beetlejuice’s “Bob”
With the highly anticipated “Beetlejuice” sequel this year, one dog went all out as fan-favorite character “Bob” in a humorously oversized Beetlejuice costume. This tribute to the cult classic was a showstopper, capturing the Halloween spirit with a touch of humor and nostalgia.
Celebrate Your Pet’s Halloween Spirit!
If your pet loves dressing up and you have cute or funny photos, share them with us! Send your pictures and a brief description to Todaystories, and your pet might be featured in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.
