New York's famous dog parade trades on its downtown reputation, but the Upper West Side quietly runs its own, and this one is a genuine parade: dogs and owners walk a route through Riverside Park rather than milling in one fenced square. The costume contest adds a competitive edge without the crush, and watching costs nothing and needs no sign-up. If the downtown scrum has always put you off, this is the humane version.
What to expect
Owners and dogs assemble at Dinosaur Playground and set off north along the park, so spectators can either walk with the parade or pick a spot on the route. Costumes range from a bandana to full custom builds, and the contest attracts the ambitious end of that spectrum. Everything happens outdoors on park paths.
Good to know
- Take the 1 to 79th Street or the 1/2/3 to 96th Street, both short walks into Riverside Park
- The parade forms at Dinosaur Playground and heads north to Ellington in the Park
- Watching is free and needs no sign-up; the costume contest has its own entry process
- Bring water and a bowl for your dog; three hours outdoors is a long stretch for small breeds
- Park paths are paved and largely step-free along the route
- If the weather turns, the organizers hold the following Sunday as the rain date
Planning Sep 25–27, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
Can I bring my dog even if we do not compete?
Yes. The parade is open to anyone who dresses their dog up and walks the route. The costume contest is a separate element with its own entry process announced closer to the date.
What happens if it rains?
NYC Parks lists Sunday, October 25 as the official rain date, so a washed-out Saturday moves the parade to the next day rather than cancelling it.
