Howl’oween 2024

Shout it from the woof-tops – your favourite Fall event is back!  Howl’oween returns to The Bentway this October with a canine costume contest, presented by Ren’s Pets. All pup-kins and their families are invited to participate in a fun, dog-focused afternoon filled with creative costumes, fabulous pooch prizes, and pet-focused local vendors. Prepare for a paw-sitively terrific afternoon!  

Shout it from the woof-tops – your favourite Fall event is back!  Howl’oween  returns to The Bentway this October with a canine costume pageant, presented by Ren’s Pets. All pup-kins and their families are invited to participate in a fun, dog-focused afternoon filled with creative costumes, celebrity guest judges, fabulous pooch prizes, and pet-focused local vendors from Toronto Dog Moms Market to celebrate the spirit of the season. Bring your best tricks and treats and prepare for this paw-sitively terrific afternoon of Halloween fun for all ages.   

Get creative and dress to impress for the pageant! Prizes will be awarded to dogs across three categories: Best Homemade Costume, Best Family Costume, and Judges’ Picks.   

Please arrive before 12:30pm to register if you would like your pup to participate in the pageant and costume contest. There will be a limited number of registration spaces available for the Best Homemade Costume and the Best Family Costume categories. Registration will be available on a first come, first served basis starting at 12pm. Look for the yellow The Bentway info tent upon arrival. All dogs who attend in costume are eligible to win one of the Judges’ Picks prizes!   

Don’t have a dog but still want to enjoy the festivities? No problem! All are welcome to come watch and mingle for the cutest day of the season. 

Schedule  

12:00pm: Pageant registration and vendor booths open  

12:45pm: Welcome remarks, and pre-pageant announcements begin 

1:00pm – 1:30pm: Parade for Best Homemade Costume 

1:45pm – 2:15pm: Parade for Best Family Costume 

2:30pm – 3:00pm: Judges’ Picks 

3:00pm – 3:30pm: Prize Ceremony  

4:00pm: Market and food vendors close 

Costume Pageant Categories: 

Here’s what you need to know to help prepare your costume! 

Best Homemade Costume 

Celebrating creativity and craftsmanship, the Best Homemade Costume category is meant to showcase unique hand-made creations by each dog’s caretaker or personal stylist. From custom superhero creations to elaborate or fantastical ensembles, this category is all about personal touches and inventive ideas. Registrants are encouraged to bring their imagination to life using materials of their choice to showcase the special bond between owners and pets through a one-of-a-kind creation.  

Best Family Costume 

This category is all about teamwork and collective creativity, where dogs and their human companions come together to create coordinated ensembles. Whether it’s a pack of pirates, a collection of familiar characters, or your favorite pop group from years gone by, this category highlights the fun, silliness, and comradery of group coordination. Registrants are encouraged to wear costumes that complement one another and work together to bring a cohesive vision to life. 

Judges’ Picks 

Not sure if the above categories are right for you? There’s still a chance to win with the Judges’ Picks!  These prizes honour the outstanding costumes of the day, selected by our panel of expert judges. Whether it’s an intricate design, clever concept, silly or heartwarming creation, the Judges’ Picks celebrate the top costumes that capture the true spirit of Howl’oween. All dogs who arrive in costume are eligible for this prize, no registration required! 

What to Expect: 

• All pageant hopefuls are to register for their costume categories between 12:00pm-12:30pm. Please check in at the yellow Info Tent upon your arrival for further details and instructions! 

• During the pageant, stand-out participants will be selected by judges from each prize category. Those selected as standouts will be invited on stage for the judgess deliberation to award the final winners.   

• All pageant participants must either be or be accompanied by a caregiver aged 19+ to be considered for the prizes. Youth are very welcome at the event, but an adult is needed to accept the prize. 

• All are welcome to attend, even if you aren’t participating in the pageant contest or don’t have a dog!  

• Other than the stage, the main event space is fully wheelchair accessible with a mixed terrain of gravel and paved areas with gentle slopes.  

• Please only bring dogs that are comfortable around crowds and other dogs. Dogs must be leashed at all times.  

• All gender and accessible washrooms are available from 12pm – 4pm.  

• This event takes place outdoors, under the Gardiner, rain or shine.