Riverside Park Pup Halloween Parade

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

Common questions