Fall is a great time to explore – with your four-legged family members in tow!
Let’s face it – moving to the New York City suburbs will be a serious upgrade for your pets. With more space to explore, a big backyard, and access to tons of dog runs and parks, there’s truly nothing better – so why not include them in your suburban search?
While we’ve shared some of our favorite pet-friendly ‘burbs in the past, there are plenty more places and activities to explore with your pup – including these Halloween parades. Grab your pet and an amazing costume, and head over. Not only will you wind up with adorable pics, but you’ll have a chance to get the inside scoop from fellow pet owners. It’s a win-win! Start here:
Strut Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest
Location: Brookdale Park, Montclair, NJ
Date: October 26, 2024, 9:00 AM
Time: 9:00 am, Parade starts at 9:30 am
Montclair is known for its dog-loving community, and the Strut Your Mutt event is a highlight of the year. This canine costume contest invites local pet owners to showcase their creativity and their dog’s star power. The parade kicks off at 9:30 AM following registration, and you can expect an array of creative costumes and lots of fun for the entire family.
Caldwell/Essex Fells Pet Parade
Location: Grover Cleveland Park, Brookside Avenue and Runnymede Road, Caldwell/Essex Fells
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024)
Time: 1:00 pm, Parade starts at 1:30 pm
Looking for a parade with a little more Jersey flavor? Head over to Caldwell for their annual pet parade at Grover Cleveland Park. This is the spot for those who love big community events with a small-town feel. Whether you have a dog or not, the costumes are always next level, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by neighbors and new friends, all united by their love of four-legged companions.
While the dogs are the main event, this parade is just as much about community spirit. Caldwell and Essex Fells are tight-knit suburbs where events like this serve as the social glue for families and residents alike. If you’re thinking about moving to New Jersey, this could be your chance to see what life in a dog-friendly, family-centric suburb looks like.
Fort Lee Paws in the Park Halloween Parade
Location: Fort Lee Dog Park, Fort Lee, NJ
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024)
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (vendors set up at 9:30am)
Fort Lee’s annual Paws in the Park Halloween Parade is a fun community event where pets and their owners celebrate Halloween. Dress up your pup and participate in the parade to win prizes in various costume categories.
Post-parade, consider grabbing a table at a pet-friendly bar, restaurant, or coffee shop to refuel – then keep your tour going. From dog runs to parks to hiking trails, many New Jersey suburbs offer even more ways to tour suburbia with your pet. And who knows? Your pup might lead you to the perfect place to call “home.”
Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade in Rye!
Location: Playland Park, 1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY
Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Calling all dogs and dog lovers! The annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade at Rye’s Playland Park is set to be a spooktacular event you won’t want to miss. Dress up your pup in their most creative costume and join the parade on the boardwalk, where they can strut their stuff against the stunning backdrop of the Long Island Sound. This is a great event for showcasing your dog’s Halloween spirit and the perfect opportunity to explore Rye, a coastal town known for its charm and community vibe.
With Playland’s nostalgic amusement park right next door, it’s easy to turn this into a full day of fun for the whole family. Grab some lunch, explore the park, and enjoy watching local dogs in all their costumed glory. Plus, Rye’s laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere might just convince you that this is the kind of community where you could see yourself settling down. After all, who doesn’t want to live in a place that celebrates dogs in costumes?
Halloween Dog Parade – Croton-on-Hudson
Location: Croton Landing Park, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm Registration, 2:30 pm Parade
Croton-on-Hudson might be a smaller town, but its Halloween Dog Parade is nothing short of big-time fun. With its scenic riverside views, Croton Landing Park is the perfect spot for this annual event, where dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome to join the fun. The parade features a costume contest with prizes and even a raffle, so bring your A-game.
What makes this parade special is its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Croton-on-Hudson is the kind of town where neighbors know each other, and events like this serve as a way to bring everyone together. Whether you’ve got a dog or not, it’s a great way to meet locals and get a feel for the town.
If you’re considering a move, Croton-on-Hudson is a gem with its riverside beauty and strong community ties. Spending an afternoon here, watching dogs parade in costume, might convince you that this Hudson River town could be the perfect place to call home.
Howl’Oween Dog Costume Parade and Contest – New Rochelle
Location: Ward Acres Park, New Rochelle, NY
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024)
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Cost: $5 cash donation per dog (proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Westchester)
For those with a competitive streak, the Howl’Oween Dog Costume Parade and Contest in New Rochelle is where you’ll want to be. This isn’t just about strutting—this is a contest, complete with prizes and bragging rights. From superheroes to historical figures, expect to see dogs dressed in costumes that are clever, hilarious, and occasionally jaw-dropping.
New Rochelle’s Ward Acres Park offers the perfect backdrop for this friendly competition. It’s a spacious spot where both dogs and kids can run free, and after the parade, you can stick around to enjoy the park or explore the surrounding area. Plus, the event supports the Humane Society of Westchester, making it a feel-good way to spend your Saturday.
One caveat: to participate, your dog must be a Paws Place Dog Pass holder. But don’t let that stop you from attending—even if you don’t have a dog, it’s worth going just to soak up the festive fall atmosphere and see what New Rochelle offers. It’s a vibrant suburb, and events like this showcase the tight-knit, supportive nature of the community.
Why These Parades Matter for Your Suburban Search
Attending pet parades isn’t just about cute costumes and community fun—it’s a window into what suburban life could look like. These events showcase a town’s personality, its sense of community, and whether it’s the kind of place where you could see your family thriving. So pack up the kids (and the dog) and spend some time exploring these towns. From Rye’s coastal charm to Croton-on-Hudson’s riverside views, each parade offers more than just a fun day out—it offers a chance to imagine your life in the suburbs.
Whether you’re there to join the parade or simply to soak up the fall vibes, these pet-friendly events are the perfect excuse to explore Westchester and beyond.
For more insights, visit SJ’s New York City suburbs section and the New York City blog page on our website.
Ready to start exploring with your pets? Let’s talk! Schedule your free Suburbs Strategy session now.
