The Fairfax Girl Team 
There are so many fun events this fall in Northern Virginia, and even our furry friends are included. There are several Halloween events that are not just dog-friendly, but dog-focused. With costume contests, charity fundraisers, parades, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And of course, there are treats only, no tricks, since every dog is a very good boy or girl. Read on for dog-friendly Halloween events happening throughout Northern Virginia in October 2026.
Editor’s note: this is a growing list. Please email us at [email protected] with any additions.
Howl-O-Ween Dog Festival | Brown’s Chapel Park, 1525 Brown’s Chapel Road, Reston
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Saturday, October 17th | 1PM to 4PM
Reston Association’s annual Howl-O-Ween Dog Festival is e a Halloween party for pups + the people who love them. The free event has dog costume contests, live entertainment, food, local pet-focused vendors, adoption organizations, and activities for dogs and their humans. Fairfax County Animal Services will also be on-site with adoptable dogs, and pets adopted during the event can go home with waived adoption fees + starter supplies. Advance registration for the festival is encouraged but not required.
Howl-ween! Dog Costume Contest | Metropolitan Park, 1330 South Fair Street, Arlington
Thursday, October 22nd | 5PM to 7PM
Halloween meets art at this free MoCA Arlington event in Metropolitan Park. Four-legged attendees can walk the red carpet during a dog costume contest hosted by PuppyLuv, with prizes awarded for standout looks. The evening also includes a live DJ, pet vendors, free Polaroid portraits + pet caricatures, and a station where owners can decorate a Halloween bow tie or bandana for their pup. Contest winners will be announced at 6:45PM, so costumed pups should arrive before judging wraps up.
Howl-O-Ween | Gateway Park, 1300 Langston Boulevard, Arlington
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Friday, October 23rd | 5PM to 6:30PM
Rosslyn’s Howl-O-Ween includes dog-friendly activities, treats, pet-focused vendors, + plenty of opportunities for four-legged socializing. Pet parents can grab beer or wine while the dogs mingle, and the evening culminates in the annual dog costume contest. Costume contest registration will take place on-site.
8th Annual Halloween Bark Bash | One Loudoun, 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn
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Saturday, October 24th | 12PM to 3PM
One Loudoun’s signature pet event is back for its eighth year. The Halloween Bark Bash brings together local pet businesses, animal rescues, and plenty of dressed-up dogs for an afternoon dedicated to furry friends. The lineup includes a dog costume contest, trick-or-treat trail, vendors, rescue organizations, dog caricatures, a photo booth, + activities for kids. Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue is the event’s 2026 Kite Cares partner, adding a local rescue component to the festivities.
Dog-O-Ween Halloween Festival | Shipgarten, 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
Saturday, October 24th | 12PM to 3PM
Shipgarten’s Dog-O-Ween includes trick-or-treating for pups, doggy games, Halloween photo ops, pet-friendly vendors, treats, + a costume contest. Dogs and their humans can also team up for an obstacle race featuring a hula hoop, slide, and treat challenge. The doggy games begin at 1PM, followed by the obstacle race at 1:30PM and the Halloween costume contest at 2PM. Winners can score Shipgarten gift cards, while the canine winners get the arguably more important prize: a Pup Cup. The event is free to attend, and leashes are required.
Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest + Market | Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont
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Sunday, October 25th | 11AM to 4PM
Dogs are encouraged to arrive in their Halloween best for the brewery’s Howl-O-Ween celebration, which combines a dog costume contest with a pet-friendly market. The market will feature businesses selling dog toys, bandanas, accessories, + other goodies, and PetConnect Rescue will be on-site with adoptable dogs. The brewery has teamed up with Pet Supplies Plus of Purcellville for the event, making this one equal parts fall outing, shopping trip, and dog party.
Halloween Parade on Main Street | Main Street, Warrenton
Saturday, October 31st | 10AM
Humans + pets can both get dressed up for Warrenton’s Halloween Parade on Main Street. The walking parade begins at 10AM near 5th Street and continues down Main Street to the courthouse, where a costume contest will follow. Lineup begins at 9:45AM, and no advance registration is required.
Alexandria Fall-O-Ween | John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria
Saturday, October 31st | 11AM to 5PM
Alexandria Fall-O-Ween will feature Halloween costumes, arts + crafts, food, shopping, family activities, and a pet costume parade. The outdoor event also includes a marketplace featuring local makers and a Día de los Muertos celebration. This one isn’t exclusively a dog event, but the dedicated pet parade makes it a fun option for pups who want to participate in the Halloween festivities alongside the rest of the family.
Howl-O-Ween at October One Vineyard | October One Vineyard, 7 Loudoun Street SW, Leesburg
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Saturday, October 31st | 1PM to 4PM
October One Vineyard is inviting four-legged visitors to its downtown Leesburg tasting shop for an afternoon of Halloween festivities. Two dog costume contests are planned for 2PM and 4PM, giving pups two chances to show off their best looks. Bogey’s Dog Mix will also be on-site with fresh dog food. The event is free and open to the public.
Celebrate Howl-O-Ween with Daisy’s Legacy | Courthaus Social, 2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington
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Saturday, October 31st | 2PM to 5PM
Halloween can also be a chance to support pups in need. Daisy’s Legacy is hosting a dog-friendly Howl-O-Ween gathering at Courthaus Social in Arlington on Halloween afternoon. Dogs are welcome to attend on leash, and costumes are encouraged as long as pups are comfortable wearing them. The gathering gives attendees a chance to meet Daisy’s Legacy supporters + rescue alumni and learn more about the organization’s work. The rescue is also hosting a separate online pet costume contest leading up to Halloween. Dogs, cats, and other companion animals can enter for a $5 donation, with voting raising additional funds for animals in need. Online voting closes on October 30th, followed by a winner celebration on Halloween.
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