Something fluffy is coming to the East Village…
NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 36th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade returns Saturday, October 17, 2026, as thousands of New Yorkers and their elaborately costumed dogs come together for one of the city’s most joyful Halloween traditions.
Led by New York Dog Parade, the nonprofit dedicated to celebrating dog-human friendship, and presented by Kismet, a premium pet lifestyle and dog food brand, the celebration will once again transform the East Village into a spectacle of four-legged fashion.
“Yesterday, someone emailed us to say they were dressing their dog as frozen yogurt. So clearly, the competition this year is going to be stiff,” said Fern Watt, founder of New York Dog Parade. “There’s a lot that can feel heavy in the world right now, but somewhere in New York City, someone is crafting a frozen yogurt costume for their dog. We do find hope in that.”
New York Dog Parade was founded to preserve this beloved tradition as it has grown and to ensure it can continue to thrive for the community. The organization was established by author and longtime dog advocate Fern Watt, whose work has centered for more than a decade on the relationship between dogs and humans. More than a single-day event, the organization envisions a year-round community that brings together dog lovers in New York City and beyond. Kismet, a dog food brand founded by John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, stepped in to help it achieve that vision.
“Kismet exists to celebrate the joy, weirdness and deep companionship of life with dogs, which is exactly what makes the New York Dog Parade so special. We’re thrilled to support an event that brings together New Yorkers, their dogs and the city’s incredible creative spirit in such a joyful, community-driven way,” said Natalia Ruiz, Chief Brand & Creative Officer of Kismet.
The event will also feature a public festival block with special activations from Kismet and New York Dog Parade, including photo opportunities, giveaways, rescue initiatives, surprises and, of course, plenty of Kismet “Nugs” for the costumed canine marchers.
This year’s parade is made possible by an incredible group of partners who share New York Dog Parade’s commitment to celebrating dogs and the people who love them: Fetch Pet Insurance, Earth Rated, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day for Pets, Allegra, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group).
In celebration of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, New York Dog Parade is partnering with the ASPCA and Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) to spotlight adoptable dogs throughout October and celebrate rescue dogs taking part in this year’s parade.
Registration is required to march in the parade and opens September 25 at 12 p.m. ET at NYDogParade.org. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Due to the parade’s popularity and limited capacity inside Tompkins Square Park, participation in the legendary Costume Competition will be limited to select registered participants. For the first time, New Yorkers and dog lovers everywhere will also be able to follow the high-stakes competition live. Additional judges, partners, programming, route and spectator details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Follow @NYDogParade for the latest updates and visit NYDogParade.org for registration and event information.
NEW YORK DOG PARADE
New York Dog Parade is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building community and connection through dogs, celebrating dog-human friendship, and supporting the welfare of New York City’s canine citizens and their best human friends.
KISMET
Kismet makes super premium food for dogs with gut health at its core. Made with real animal protein as the first ingredient, pre-and probiotics, and freeze-dried Nugs in every bowl, Kismet supports healthier guts, better digestion and steady energy. Founded by longtime dog parents Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Kismet is for more good days together, from the everyday meals to the years we wish would last forever. Learn more at KismetPets.com.
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SOURCE NY Dog Parade
