The Washington Square Park Conservancy hosted the annual event which brought together hundreds of paw-some participants and thousands of spectators, presented by The Farmer’s Dog

Endless clever costumes were spotted in Washington Square Park on Saturday, as hundreds of humans and their dogs unleashed their creativity at the Washington Square Park Conservancy’s annual Dog Halloween Parade and Costume Contest, all while thousands of spectators cheered them on.

This spooky and silly celebration of dogs is a staple of the Halloween season in New York City and Greenwich Village, bringing together a wide range of people and pups. Washington Square Park transformed into a hub for Halloween happenings, with pup parents exploring a collection of haunted dog houses by event sponsor The Farmer’s Dog while admiring fellow costumed competitors.

The parade kicked off with a performance from band HONK NYC, leading costumed contestants through the streets around the perimeter of Washington Square Park.

Directly following the parade, event emcees Jolie Dudley and Alex Phipps from Must Love Dogs and Comedy introduced each contestant to an applauding crowd. In an extra heart-warming moment, a special group of adoptable dogs from Waldo’s Rescue walked across the stage in costume.

After all of the pups strutted on stage, the judges deliberated on who they would crown the winner.

Taking home first prize was ‘Guns N’ Roses’ who were decked out in the band’s merch, a stage, and two dogs rocking out with an electric guitar and microphone.

Second place was much more than a happy little accident! ‘Bob Ross’ took home that prize, featuring a small Bob Ross himself in a very tiny wig.

Third place really cleaned up the house. The lucky winner went to a pair of mops and their mop bucket, one dirty and one clean.

Honorable mention awards went to a dog decked out in a sushi platter and wasabi hat to boot, and Taylor Swift’s finger, complete with an engagement ring that rivals the real diamond.

So many innovative costumes came out to play in the park this year, from incredibly timely pop culture references to classic New York themed looks! Check out some more of our favorites:

Queen Bella

The MET Gala

Chappell Roan – The Subway

The Louvre Museum Thieves

Dachshund Downtown Express

Julius Caesar

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step Brothers

Breakfast of ‘Chompions’

K Pop Demon Hunters

Lady Gaga Mayhem

Farm Fresh Eggs

Beach Day

About the Washington Square Park Conservancy

The Washington Square Park Conservancy (WSPC) is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with NYC Parks to help keep Washington Square Park clean, safe, and beautiful. WSPC bolsters Washington Square Park as an invaluable public resource by stewarding the park’s landscapes, promoting safety and addressing quality of life concerns, and providing free programming and volunteer opportunities for New York’s diverse communities. In the heart of New York City, Washington Square Park serves as a crucial greenspace, town square, playground, and more in downtown Manhattan, serving local families, students, New Yorkers from all five boroughs, and visitors from across the country and around the world.