Bay Area dogs celebrate Howl-O-Ween in style

We're not sure if dogs love Halloween as much as people do, only because it's not clear how many of those tu-tu'd terriers really think dressing up in costume is all that. That said, the social factor alone must make dogs giddy, and what's a little dress-up to please your person, if you can get out and sniff, nibble on treats, and strut around with your buds on a sunny autumn afternoon?

Herewith, a selection of the Bay Area's best doggy Howl-o-ween gatherings. All mentioned are dog friendly (with leashes).

October 18

St. Helena Hometown Harvest Festival and Pet Parade
9:00am to ??
Join Napa Humane and celebrate Halloween wine country style.  The Mobile Adoption Unit will be parked along the parade route beginning at 9:00 a.m. with wonderful adoptables onboard just waiting to call you their own! The Festival is held between Adams and Springs streets in St. Helena and features local bands, arts and crafts booths, wine tasting, food vendors, a silent acution, kids carnival, run events, and, of course...THE PET PARADE! Come join the fun and meet your new best friend!

Cost: Free to attend; adoption fees apply

October 19

Pug-O-Ween
9am - 12noon
Annual Costume Contest Fundraiser for Pug PROS. This is a competition costume contest--these Pugs come serious about winning--so wear your best creation! Registration begins at 9:00am sharp and contest begins at 10:30am. Please come early for best parking and registration.

Cost: $10 per Pug registrant


October 24

Howl-o-Ween at Dragon Bar
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Pre-Howlween benefit for SF/SPCA; canines welcome. Doggy costume competition, raffles, door prizes, special free cocktail for humans and treats for dogs. Friendly dogs must be on leashes.

Cost: $10

October 25

A Hound Halloween (Piedmont)
11:00am parade; 1:00pm costume contest
2nd Annual Pet Costume Contest! 1st,2nd and 3rd place pet prizes, as well as a Best Pet & Person Costume Prize. Please note that the 22nd Annual Piedmont Avenue Halloween Parade (dog's welcome!) begins at 11:00am, with the pet costume contest starting at 1:00pm.

Cost: Free

Howl-o-Ween Pet Party and Costume Contest
1:00pm-4:00pm
One of the largest costume events for dogs in the Bay Area. Hundreds of people and dogs gather for an afternoon of costumes and fun. What will the Boxers do this year? Come and find out!  

Cost: $10 donation per dog

October 26

Howl-o-Ween for Small Dogs
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Alameda's annual Parade & Costume Contest for small dogs (30 lbs. and under) and their people. Lots of dogs, lots of great costumes, lots of fun!

Cost: Free

Pet Pride Day
11:00am - 3:00pm
Both a doggy Halloween event and general canine extravaganza. Imagine spending the day in Golden Gate Park' Sharon Meadow with your dog, and all that entails. Exciting new vendors, plus pet costume contest, trick competition, adoptable animals, rescue groups, kids' activities, demos and much more. Registration is at 11am; event runs noon to 3:00.

Cost: Free 

Topics: holidays , events , dog friendly , dog scenes , pet lifestyles , fundraisers , SF SPCA , SF ACC , Halloween