Event · Manhattan
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade Marks 36th Year in NYC's East Village
The 36th Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade took over Manhattan's East Village on October 17, with costumes ranging from a Vincent van Gogh-flower dog to Santa Paws. This year's edition, sponsored by Kismet, also put shelter-dog adoption in the spotlight.
By NBT Editors · 2026-10-20
Every October, dogs in costume parade through Manhattan's East Village in an event centered on Tompkins Square Park. This year's Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade took place on Saturday, October 17, and was the 36th edition.
Hyperallergic reported that a cold wind swept the city that day, yet spectators and participants turned out anyway. Among the costumes it singled out were Santa Paws, Vincent van Doge and a papal pup named Leo. A wire photo carried by El Salvador's elsalvador.com shows a dog dressed in a flower arrangement inspired by Van Gogh's paintings. That outlet, citing local blog EV Grieve, also said costumes drawn from films, TV shows and sports figures were among the most popular this year.
The event is run by the nonprofit New York Dog Parade, and this year's sponsor was Kismet, the pet food brand tied to John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. Both outlets noted that the day put a particular focus on adopting shelter dogs. A costume contest was held as well, with participants judged on their outfits.
According to the organizer's website, the parade steps off on Avenue B, with spectators lining the avenue between 11th and 7th Streets. Dogs that aren't registered can still join in at a festival block on 6th Street between Avenue B and Avenue C. The group also sells an official event T-shirt and pins to support its work.
This year's parade has already taken place. For readers in Japan, it's a glimpse of how New Yorkers mark the run-up to Halloween, with the costumed dogs as the main attraction.
(Details are drawn from points that agree across reports by Hyperallergic, El Salvador.com.)
