Manhattan’s most mischievous pups took over the streets of New York in a spectacular display of Halloween costumes, marking the return of the city’s beloved annual dog parade.
The costumed canines and their owners made their way along Avenue B toward Tompkins Square Park for the 36th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, held on Saturday, October 17.
Hosted by nonprofit organisation New York Dog Parade, the event was originally created to support the Tompkins Square Park dog run—the first and largest dog-specific park in New York. It has since grown into one of the biggest dog parades anywhere in the world.
Alongside the lively procession, the celebration featured a “Best in Canine Costume” contest. The city’s four-legged residents embraced Halloween with outfits ranging from Batman and dinosaurs to an irresistibly simple hot dog.
The top prize went to Snickers, a black-and-white Shih Tzu styled as New York Knicks basketball star Jalen Brunson. The dog posed inside a huge, hollowed-out basketball court-themed costume.
Snickers’ owner, Debbie, joined in with a New York Knicks T-shirt, celebrating the team’s championship victory in June.
This year’s costume parade winner, Shih Tzu Snickers, paid tribute to New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson while sitting inside a giant hollowed-out basketball court
New York dogs brought Halloween spirit to the streets of Manhattan during the 36th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
The celebration is now regarded as one of the world’s largest dog parades, with one group of participants turning up in matching Despicable Me costumes
Snickers was awarded a ribbon signed by Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, who made a surprise appearance and led the parade. The couple are founders of Kismet, a dog food and lifestyle brand.
One family embraced a Despicable Me theme, dressing their dogs as Minions, while a Dachshund brought a touch of Wimbledon to the festivities with tennis rackets and fluorescent green balls.
Another pair of dogs represented DC Comics as a glamorous Batwoman and Batman. Elsewhere, a less traditional costume transformed one pooch into a New York City garbage bin complete with a pigeon perched on top.
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Fern Watt, founder of New York Dog Parade, said: “Dogs bring us so much happiness, and this year’s parade was a wonderful celebration of that.
“The creativity this year was next level. Of course, we loved seeing the Knicks take home another big win!
“From simple hot dog costumes to elaborate creations inspired by pop culture and beyond, every dog brought something special to the parade. We’re so grateful to all the dogs and their humans for making New York City smile.”
Charcuterie or char-cutie? One pug served up a food-inspired look for the Halloween parade
The Dachshund known as Wimbledon the Weenie appeared ready for the court, carrying rackets and luminous green tennis balls
This Corgi helped keep Manhattan tidy during the festivities by dressing as a New York City garbage bin
This adorable foursome chose a culinary theme, with their dog and baby dressed as a pair of charming hot dogs
Halloween favourites Bob the shrunken-headed zombie and Beetlejuice also made an appearance at the colourful parade
One pooch went for a Little Shop of Horrors themed costume, opting to dress as the Audrey Plant
This Chihuahua was particularly spooky – perched upon a mock graveyard
This pug duo matched in tiaras as they were wheeled through Manhattan
This pooch went dressed dedicated as a museum of themselves, taking centre stage in a gold frame
