The Bentway Goes to the Dogs! Howl’oween Returns October 24 with prizes, vendors, and a brand-new costume category

Calling all costumed canines, four-legged friends, and superdogs: Howl’oween returns to The Bentway on Saturday, October 24, and this year Toronto’s pups have a new challenge.

A beloved fall gathering for pets and their people, Howl’oween invites Toronto’s pups to show off their most creative costumes while enjoying music, local pet vendors, seasonal treats, and prizes beneath the Gardiner Expressway. Taking place from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Bentway Skate Trail, Howl’oween is a pay-what-you-choose event open to costumed contestants, spectators, and dog lovers alike. 

“Howl’oween is one of those events that really captures the creativity and sense of community we love seeing at The Bentway. Every year, people surprise us with how much imagination they bring to the costume contest, and we can’t wait to see Toronto’s dogs take over the runway this year.”

– Alex Rand, Creative Producer, Major Projects at The Bentway

Toronto drag princess Ella Mayo returns to host the festivities and annual costume contest alongside a panel of special guest judges including local dogfluencer Zeppi the Pom, Shana Hillman, Special Projects & Events Lead with CityPlace & Fort York BIA, and Senior Market Manager, Lisa Watson from Ren’s Pets. 

Pups can compete across four categories: Best DIY Costume, Best Family Costume, Judges’ Picks and the new Best Pet Superhero Costume. During the Costume Contest Pack Walk, participating pups will strut the Skate Trail runway, with judges inviting standout contestants from each category onstage for a final round before the winners are crowned. 

Howl’oween is made possible by a growing pack of community partners. Returning Presenting Pet Partner Ren’s Pets will be back with plenty of giveaways and prizes for four-legged guests, while Lead Neighbourhood Partner CityPlace Fort York BIA is welcoming the whole neighbourhood to the celebration and spotlighting pet-friendly local businesses to explore throughout the day. New this year, Kidde joins as Lead Pet Safety Partner, bringing an important message about keeping pets safe at home — and inspiring the new Best Pet Superhero Costume category. After all, our pets have some pretty remarkable instincts of their own and can even be trained to alert their people when smoke or carbon monoxide alarms sound. 

Beyond the contest, visitors can explore an array of pet-focused vendors from the Toronto Dog Moms Market, enjoy warm drinks and seasonal treats, and spend the afternoon celebrating Halloween with Toronto’s dog-loving community.

Guests do not need to participate in the costume contest or have a dog to attend. The outdoor event takes place rain or shine beneath the Gardiner Expressway. Dogs attending Howl’oween must be comfortable around crowds and other dogs, and remain leashed at all times.