Manhattan’s most festive four-legged residents transformed New York’s streets into a Halloween spectacle during the city’s annual dog parade.
Dogs and their owners arrived in costume before heading along Avenue B toward Tompkins Square Park for the 36th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade on Saturday, October 17.
Organised by the nonprofit New York Dog Parade, the event began as a fundraiser for the Tompkins Square Park dog run—the first and largest park in New York created specifically for dogs. It has since evolved into one of the world’s biggest canine celebrations.
The procession also featured the ‘Best in Canine Costume’ competition, with New York’s dogs turning up as superheroes, dinosaurs, hotdogs and more.
Snickers, a black-and-white Shih Tzu, took the top honour with a basketball-themed outfit inspired by New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson. The dog sat inside a giant hollowed-out basketball court for the winning display.
His owner, Debbie, coordinated with him in a New York Knicks T-shirt, celebrating the team’s championship victory in June.
Shih Tzu Snickers won this year’s costume contest as New York Knicks basketball player Jalen Brunson, complete with a giant hollowed-out court
Dogs from across New York took over Manhattan for the 36th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
The event, now considered one of the world’s largest dog parades, featured a group dressed in coordinated Despicable Me costumes
Snickers’ prize was a ribbon signed by Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, who made a surprise appearance and led the parade. The couple are founders of dog food and lifestyle brand Kismet.
One family embraced a shared Despicable Me theme, with their dogs dressed as Minions. In another standout look, a Dachshund served up a Wimbledon-inspired costume featuring tennis rackets and glowing green balls.
Another canine duo brought DC Comics glamour to the parade as Batwoman and Batman. A different dog offered a distinctly New York interpretation of Halloween by appearing as a city rubbish bin topped with a pigeon.
MUST READ: Seven healthy Igbo foods to eat even if you are not from the tribe – NewsFinale
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 hotdog costumes to elaborate creations inspired by [the year’s themes], 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 offered a deliciously themed look at the Halloween dog parade
One Dachshund, nicknamed Wimbledon the Weenie, appeared ready for Centre Court with tennis rackets and luminous green balls
This Corgi gave a playful nod to city life by dressing as a New York rubbish bin
This foursome chose a food-themed costume, turning their dog and baby into an adorable pair of hotdogs
Bob the shrunken-headed zombie arrived just in time for Halloween, making an appearance at the parade alongside Beetlejuice
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