The Detroit Barker

From spooky contests to tail-wagging treats, if you’re looking for a place to show off your dog’s cute costume in Michigan check out these five pet-friendly places holding events this October! Each event offers a variety of fun activities for pets, people, and entire families, so that everyone can enjoy the fun.

Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest Presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions and the Downtown Detroit Partnership – Detroit

When: Saturday, October 26th 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Where: Grand Circus Park, 101-157 Witherell Street, Detroit, MI

Event Website & Info: Howl-o-Ween Costume Contest

Bring your costume-donning canine to Grand Circus Park to participate in this fun-filled contest! There, you’ll be able to win prizes, join the pet parade, and play pet-friendly Halloween themed games. This annual event offers prizes for the best-dressed overall, the scariest costume, most creative costume, and many more! There appears to be no fee to enter or join in the fun, so come and have a howling good time.

Pumpkin Palooza – Plymouth

When: Sunday, October 20th, 2024 from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Where: Downtown Plymouth, MI from W Ann Arbor Trail to Penniman Ave.

Event Website & Info: Plymouth Pumpkin Palooza

While not pet specific, this family-friendly event does welcome dogs to attend as it takes place outdoors alongside the streets surrounding Kellogg Park. This free event features vendors, activities, food, and fun for families, including children ages 2 and up. Bring the whole family — including your pup — in costume for even more excitement! Since this is a popular public event that will be very people-heavy, it’s best to make sure your dog is OK with crowds prior to attending.

Scarecrow Fest’s Dog Weekend – Frankenmuth

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20th, 2024 from 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Where: Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Frankenmuth, MI

Event Website & Info: Scarecrow Fest

If you’re willing to travel a bit further and make a weekend out of it, Frankenmuth hosts an annual dog weekend for its popular Scarecrow Fest. Dogs are welcome all weekend, with events such as pumpkin catapults (for the people!), painting, arts and crafts, and even a K9 Rock n Roll performance! While entry to the event is free, there is a small fee for some activities, so be sure to check ahead of time when planning your trip.

Growl-er Brewfest – Brighton

When: Sunday, October 13th, 2024 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Where: SELCRA Meijer Park, 333 Charles H Orndorf Drive, Brighton, MI

Event Website & Info: Growl-er Brewfest

Looking for a place to enjoy a nice brew with your best furry friend? Head on over to SELCRA Meijer Park in Brighton for a day of beer, cider, food trucks, live music, and more! This 21+ event welcomes friendly dogs to join in on the fun trying out the puppy pool, obstacle course, and various photo ops around the park. The fee for attending is $35 for early-birds and $50 day-of, with part of the proceeds going to the Fund-a-Life foundation. The event will also be collecting donations of pet beds, food, toys, and more to help pets in need.

The Dog Wizard’s Annual Howl-o-ween Party – Ann Arbor

When: Thursday, October 24, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: York Food and Drink, 1928 Packard Street, Ann Arbor, MI

Event Website & Info: Howl-o-ween Party

Join The Dog Wizard’s 2nd annual Howl-o-ween party! Come dressed up with your dog and enjoy delicious food, a costume contest, trick-or-treating, and photo ops, all hosted by the dog training gurus at The Dog Wizard. There is no listed fee to attend, but as this is at a restaurant, there may be feeds for extra food or drink.

As with any event, it’s always best to make sure your dog is comfortable with attending an event with other dogs and a potentially large crowd. If you have any questions, contacting the venue prior to attending is best! But most of all, have fun enjoying some tricks, treats, and pets in cute costumes this October!

Do you have an annual Halloween event you attend with your furry friend? Does your pet business host one? Share in the comments below!