From costume contests to trick or treating, here are 13 events where dogs can enjoy some Halloween fun.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15
Howl-O-Ween Bar(k) Crawl at The Yards
300 Tingey St., SE
Navy Yard restaurants such as Emmy Squared and La Famosa are opening their patios for a variety of Halloween activities from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Look for Halloween treats, bandanas, and tennis balls for dogs, plus specialty cocktails and snacks for humans. Pets can also participate in a costume contest. Price: Free.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
Howl-O-Ween Costume Paw-ty at Colada Shop
244 19th Ct. S., Arlington
The cafe’s Arlington location is throwing a Halloween party from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. Tickets include a fruit spritzer for humans and a treat for dogs. Start brainstorming a look for your four-legged companion: Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place in a costume contest. Price: $10.38.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
Fall Family Fest in Southwest Waterfront
425 M St., NW
This event is more focused on fall activities than spooky season, but there’s a pet costume contest so you can break out a dog-friendly ensemble. If you want to help a furry friend find a home, Rural Dog Rescue is bringing dogs available for adoption. The festival starts at 12:30 PM and ends at 3:30 PM. Price: Free.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Howl-ween! Dog Costume Contest at Metropolitan Park
S Fern St., Arlington
Preserve memories of your dog in costume with pet polaroids and portraits at this Arlington park. Halloween festivities take place from 5 PM to 7 PM, including a costume contest, vendor market, DJ, and more. Price: Free.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22
PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park
227 Harry Thomas Wy., NE
Dogs can participate in a variety of fall fun starting at 4 PM. Pick a free pumpkin from the “pick-your-own” patch, mingle with baby alpacas, listen to live music, and watch an outdoor screening of Hotel Transylvania. Dogs and humans are invited to participate in the costume contest. Price: Free.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
Howl-O-Ween at Gateway Park Interim Dog Park
1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Head to the park from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM for a Halloween celebration dedicated to dogs. Canine guests can participate in a costume contest, and vendors will be selling various pet wares. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase. Price: Free.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
Howl to the Chief’s Pet Costumes Contest at Lincoln Park
E Capitol St. & 11st St., SE
Break out the Halloween costumes for the annual competition at the Capitol Hill park. Registration opens at 12 PM, and the contest kicks off at 1 PM. Dogs can compete in categories such as “scariest,” “best pet and owner look-alike,” and “funniest.” Price: Free.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
Doggy Trick or Treat in Old Town
705 King St., Alexandria
Dogs get a chance to go trick or treating on King Street, where 45 shops will be handing out treats from 12 PM to 4 PM. Pick up your free goody bag and map at the Dog Park before taking a stroll. Price: Free.
Dog Happy Hour at Café du Parc
1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Head to the restaurant’s terrace for happy hour from 2 PM to 5 PM. Enter a costume contest, try Halloween-themed treats and surprises, and get a portrait of your pup drawn by local illustrator Alexandra Schmeling. A costume parade will promenade in front of the Willard InterContinental. Bring an item from the Humane Rescue Alliance’s wishlist to support dogs in their care. Price: Free.
Harbor Halloween Pet Pawrade at National Harbor
150 National Plz., National Harbor
Show off your furry companion’s costume during the Pet Pawrade at 2:45 PM. Dogs (and kids) in costume can ride the Capital Wheel for free with a paying adult, and prizes will be awarded to the most creative and best-dressed pups. Afterward, enjoy a happy hour featuring drink specials for people and treats for dogs. Price: Free.
Howl-oween Party at Atlas Brew Works
2429 Mandeville Ln., Alexandria
Organized by DMV Gay Dog Moms, this Halloween event features a costume contest for dogs and a marketplace highlighting LGBTQIA+ vendors. The brewery gathering runs from 3 PM to 6 PM. Price: Free.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30
Howl-O-Ween at the Fairmont Hotel
2401 M St., NW
The Georgetown hotel is celebrating its 14th annual Howl-O-Ween party from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. Dogs can enjoy peanut butter biscuits from the pastry team and “puptails.” (There are themed cocktails for dog owners, too.) A costume contest at 7 PM includes dogs and their humans, so duo costumes are encouraged. Price: Free.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
Dog Costume Halloween Contest at Lost Boy Cider
317 Hooffs Run Drive., Alexandria
A costume contest will award prizes in categories such as “creativity” and “cuteness.” Beyond the competition, the cidery is serving Thai food and fall ciders. The event runs from 6:30 PM to 9 PM. Price: Free.
