Halloween isn’t just for humans. Good boys and girls who enjoy a nice treat and look fetching in costume will surely have a howling good time at these pup-centric events in and around Arlington. (And if you’ve got human babies in addition to fur babies? Check out this month’s roundup of not-too-scary Halloween fun for young kiddos.)
Howl-o-ween Bar(k) Crawl at The Yards
Bring your costumed pup and your pack to The Yards in D.C. Oct. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a spooktacular happy hour. Participating restaurants, including Chloe, Emmy Squared, La Famosa and Bluejacket, will transform their patios into festive stops offering dog-inspired cocktails and seasonal treats for both dogs and their humans. Pups will also get bandandas, tennis balls and doggie bags. Register here for this free event. 300 Tingey St., SE, Washington, D.C.
MoCA’s Howl-ween!
Make art with your little Paw-casso at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington’s dog-centric Halloween party. The free event on Oct. 21, 5-7 p.m., features pet portrait drawing demos by Brando Gould, Polaroid take-home portraits of you and your pup, and pet products from Pet Wants of Chantilly. Use your artistic skills to make Fido a fetching new bandana. Four-legged friends in costumes can strut their stuff on the red carpet for a chance to win prizes. MoCA will announce the winners at 6:45 p.m. Metropolitan Park, 1321 S. Elm St., Arlington (National Landing)
Howl-o-ween at Gateway Park
Does your furry family member have the paw-fect costume? Find out by entering this annual dog costume contest at Gateway Interim Dog Park Oct. 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m. The event, sponsored by The Rosslyn BID and the Rosslyn Dog Owners Group (R-DOGS), includes Halloween-themed, dog-friendly activities and treats. Dog moms and dads can enjoy a beer and wine bar and visit with pet-themed vendors while pups get their zoomies out. To enter your furball in the dog costume contest, register at the Rosslyn BID table on site. 1300 Langston Blvd. (Rosslyn)
Dog-O-Ween at Shipgarten
Blending “Dogtoberfest” and Halloween, this pup and family-friendly event is free to attend Oct. 25, 1-6 p.m. While much of the fanfare will revolve around furry friends, attendees can expect activities for adults and children of all ages as well. Try seasonal beers by Virginia Beer Co., Lost Rhino, Paulaner and One Family. 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean (Tysons)
Dogma’s Dog Trick or Treating
Now celebrating 25 years in Arlington, the Shirlington dog bakery and boutique is hosting its 15th annual dog trick or treat event with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Costumed pups can stop by Dogma Oct. 26, 3-6 p.m. to collect homemade treats, enter the costume contest and support Lucky Dog. Dogma Bakery is also part of the greater Shirlington Trick or Treat Trail, which invites kids to trick or treat at participating businesses. 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington)
Howl-o-ween Party at Club Canine Cardio
Trot on over to this indoor dog park (also known for its on-site bar and puppy fitness center) for a canine Halloween celebration and costume contest. Shirlington’s Club Canine Cardio at Snouts & Stouts is hosting a puppy bash Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. where you can pose for Insta-worthy Halloween pics in a spooky photo booth, bob for apples and lose yourself in a Halloween maze. A $10 entry fee gets your pooch into the dog costume contest, with prizes awarded to the top three winners. 2709 Oakland St., Arlington (Shirlington)