What to KnowHaute Dogs Howl’oween ParadeSaturday, Oct. 312:30 p.m.Marina Vista Park in Long Beach$10 entry per dog ahead of time; $20 per dog at the event; there’s a $35 VIP entry — think “Very Important Pooch” — should your you and your dog want a place near the front of the paradeFree to watch; $6 front row seats

The dogs ready to show off their creative costumes at the 2026 Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade weren’t yet born when the first procession took place, though they may have heard their grandpups tell the tails, er, tales.

That fabled Long Beach event began near the start of this century, and, since then, organizer Justin Rudd’s celebration of community and canines have made happy headlines in Southern California and beyond. That fame grew thanks to the sometimes over-the-top costumes sported by both pooches and people, and the fact that hundreds of Fidos attend.

Sometimes the spunky scene trots on a weekend day ahead of Halloween, but in 2026 the event, which will be attended by pooches from Long Beach and far beyond, will actually occur on Oct. 31.

Make that 2:30 in the afternoon on Saturday, Oct. 31, meaning participants and spectators can make it home in time for trick-or-treaters and anything other frightful frolics they have planned.

Watching, as always, is free, but if you’d like a front row seat, that is six dollars.

If you’d like your pup to participate, the cost is $10 ahead of time, while registration on-site will be $20. And if your tail-wagger is a true VIP? There’s a $35 option, which gives you and your pup a spot near the front of the parade.

Justin RuddJustin Rudd

Elaborate costumes and homespun looks both wow the crowd at the Long Beach Halloween festivity.

Group costumes are quite the quirky trend at the Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade, with the Scooby Doo gang showing up at previous events, as well as Barbie and her friends and the Flintstones family.

Yep: Humans often play the smaller roles, giving their hound the illustrious lead character.

Curious about how many canines will show? The last parade “… included more than 350 costumed dogs and entertained approx. 1,500 dogless gawkers,” shared Mr. Rudd, who is active in community events and fundraising.

In fact, thousands of dollars have been raised over the years by the Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade for the Community Action Team, a nonprofit that supports the area in several give-back ways.

As for the spot where Spot and other furry cuties will command adoration and applause? The parade is a longtime Long Beach tradition, and the 2026 happening will romp at Marina Vista Park.

Take a deeper dive into what the judges will be watching for, as well as rules and tips on making the most of the adorable event.