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 roundups of family-friendly corn mazes and pumpkin patches and not-too-scary Halloween events for little kids.)
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. 22, 5-7 p.m., features pet portrait drawing demos by Rajan, Polaroid take-home portraits of you and your pup, and a costume contest. 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. You can also use your artistic skills to make Fido a fetching new bandana. Metropolitan Park, 1321 S. Elm St., Arlington (National Landing)
Howl-o-ween at Gateway Park
Does your furry family member have a paw-fect get-up? Find out by entering this annual dog costume contest at Gateway Interim Dog Park Oct. 23, 5-6:30 p.m. The event, sponsored by The Rosslyn BID, 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 costume contest, register at the Rosslyn BID table on site. 1300 Langston Blvd. (Rosslyn)
Halloween at the Boo-ro
This family friendly celebration at The Boro in Tysons includes fang-tastic giveaways and Boro swag. Bring the whole family Oct. 24 12-3 p.m. for a day of music and pumpkin decorating, plus a spellbinding magic show. Pick up festive glitter tattoos, go trick-or-treating and get treats for pup, too. It’s free to attend. 8350 Broad St., Tysons
Dog-O-Ween at Shipgarten
Blending “Dogtoberfest” and Halloween, this pup- and family-friendly event Oct. 24, 12-3 p.m. is free to attend. Dogs can compete for prizes in categories such as biggest dog, smallest dog, best dressed and best trick. Winners get a Shipgarten gift card and a pup cup. Meanwhile, humans can enjoy spooky drink specials, snacks from the outdoor grill station, music and festive fall vibes. 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean (Tysons)
Dogma’s Dog Trick or Treating
Shirlington’s Dogma Bakery & Boutique is hosting its 16th annual dog trick-or-treat event with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Costumed canines can stop by Dogma Oct. 31, 3-5 p.m. to collect homemade treats, enter the costume contest and support Lucky Dog. Tickets are $30 ($25 for additional dogs). Each registered pup gets a trick-or-treat bag to collect their baked treats. Costume contest winners will be selected after the event by Dogma’s social media followers. Register here. 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, 6-9 p.m. where you can pose for Insta-worthy Halloween pics in a spooky photo booth, bob for apples and let pups lose themselves in a haunted Halloween dog maze. A $15 entry fee gets your pooch into the dog costume contest, with prizes awarded to the top four winners. 2709 Oakland St., Arlington (Shirlington)
Dog Costume Brunch at Osteria Morini
Refined pups who enjoy patio dining and the flavors of Northern Italy will enjoy this Navy Yard waterfront event at Osteria Morini, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each participating doggo will be photographed and the best costume winner will receive a $300 gift card to the restaurant. To enter, dogs must be in costume and their owners must spend at least $25. 301 Water Street SE, Washington, D.C.
Halloween Bark Party
The puppy costume contest at this Arlington Public Library-sponsored event comes complete with a story time for dogs (and people). Dress to the nines and head to Glencarlyn Library Community Garden Oct. 31, 2-4 p.m. to take part, or just watch. Dogs and dog lovers will get treats. The library will announce best dressed awards at 3:30 p.m. The event is free. Register here. 300 S. Kensington St., Arlington (Glencarlyn)
SPARK! Pet Costume Parade
Want to get a little more mileage out of that pup-tastic costume you pulled together? Bring your furry friend out the day after Halloween to show off their spooky style in a puppy parade. SPARK!, a division of Arlington Economic Development, hosts outdoor markets on the first Sunday of every month, with art and food vendors, plus programming including poetry, music and art making. Meet at the Art Space sign at 11 a.m. on Nov. 1 and let your pets strut their stuff. 2700 S. Nelson St., Arlington (Shirlington)
