Howl’oween is back at The Bentway on October 26, 2024

October 26, 2024
The Bentway, Toronto

Howl’oween is back at The Bentway on October 26, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, in a fun and furry celebration of Halloween for dogs and their owners. Presented by Ren’s Pets, this popular annual event invites pet lovers from all over Toronto to gather under the Gardiner Expressway for an afternoon of tail-wagging fun. The event promises to be a thrilling blend of spooky costumes, treats, and activities catering to the canine and human participants.

One of the highlights of Howl’oween is the costume contest, where dogs of all breeds and sizes can strut their stuff in creative and spooky outfits. With categories ranging from Best Homemade Costume, Best Family Costume and Judges’ Picks, the competition will surely bring out some fantastic designs. Whether you’re dressing your dog as a superhero, mythical creature, or Halloween classic, plenty of prizes are to be won, making this a must-see spectacle.

Aside from the costume parade, the event will also pet-focused local vendors from Toronto Dog Moms Market, Ren’s Pets and other local businesses, offering an array of pet-friendly products, treats, and accessories. Attendees can take advantage of special discounts, giveaways, and educational resources on pet care. With food trucks for the humans and treats galore for the pups, Howl’oween at The Bentway is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with your furry friend in tow.

Howl’oween is free to attend, and its unique location under the Gardiner Expressway adds to the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re there to compete, shop, or simply enjoy the sight of dogs in adorable costumes, the event promises an afternoon of fun for all ages. Don’t miss this paws-itively delightful Halloween celebration, where your dog can be the star of the show!

Schedule

Noon: Pageant registration and vendor booths open
12:45 pm: Welcome remarks and pre-pageant announcements begin
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Parade for Best Homemade Costume
1:45 pm – 2:15 pm: Parade for Best Family Costume
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Judges’ Picks
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Prize Ceremony
4:00 pm: 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 favourite 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 is required!