Spooky Pooch Parade 2026

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Spooky Pooch Parade, which will take place Saturday, October 10 from 12:30 – 3:30 PM at Madison Park in Lakewood’s Birdtown Neighborhood. Details about entering your dog(s) in the parade will be announced as we get closer to the event!

LakewoodAlive’s family-friendly Spooky Pooch Parade consists of a free-to-attend festival at Madison Park, a parade along Madison Avenue and surrounding streets, and an awards presentation. A favorite autumn tradition for Northeast Ohio dog lovers, this community festival represents a one-of-a-kind event within the region, providing a tail-wagging good time for canine and human guests alike. This event takes place rain or shine!

Festivities get underway with the Spooky Pooch Festival beginning at 12:30 PM at Madison Park, during which attendees can enjoy entertainment, pumpkin painting for kids, and dog-related vendors and local businesses. The much-anticipated dog parade commences at 2 PM. Dogs dressed in their most festive Halloween costumes will strut their stuff along Madison Avenue. Judges will award top-three prizes beginning at approximately 3:15 PM in the following categories: Best Pooch & Child, Best Pooch & Adult, Best Pooch & Group, Spookiest Pooch and Best in Show.

Spooky Pooch Parade Route: The parade will begin by exiting Madison Park to Athens Avenue, turning right onto Clarence Avenue, turning right onto Madison Avenue, then turning right onto Halstead Avenue, and finally turning right onto Athens Avenue again and back into the park. Essentially one big loop around the park, this route has remained the official parade route for the past three years.

Rules:

All dogs must remain on a non-retractable leash. 6′ max on all leashes. Rabies, PHLLP, and Bordetella vaccines must be current. All dogs must wear ID tags at all times. No dogs in heat, no aggressive dogs. No puppies under 4 months old or without vaccinations. Costumes must be safe and comfortable for dogs. Please be prepared to pick up after your dog.

LakewoodAlive reserves the right to withdraw any individual or group whose costume or actions do not meet the event rules and regulations or conform to standards of reasonable public taste or fit the family friendliness of the event.