Party with your favorite furry friend this Halloween
Many people, pet owners particularly, will agree that animals dressed as humans are much funnier than humans dressed as animals—or humans dressed as anything for Halloween. As we’re now paws deep into October in Southern Nevada, it seems appropriate to take a look at this season’s dog-friendly Halloween attractions.
You won’t find any haunted houses on this list, though it would be interesting, and a lot of fun, to see what your pup might do to one of those Annabelle dolls.
Barktoberfest
If there’s one thing to love about combining dogs and Halloween it’s all the wordplay. Barktoberfest (get it?) comes to Veterans Memorial Community Center on October 8 with costume contests for pups and their human pals. There will also be pet trick-or-treating and a “pooch parade,” among other activities.
The Deets
When: October 8, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Veterans Memorial Community Center (101 N. Pavilion Center Drive)
Growloween
Growloween get the award for the cutest name, but that’s not the only reason to go. Bruce Trent Park, home to that Farmer’s Market you keep hearing about, is hosting the October 16 event, featuring a pet parade, costume contest with prizes, and trick-or-treat stations (for animals and humans); plus all the games and food truck eats you’ll be craving.
If that’s not enough, you should know that Growloween is hosted by Three Dog Bakery and rescue group Paw Partners Unleashed. If you want to add a new friend to your family, there will be a multi-rescue adoption event on site.
Still not enough? Did you know that dog blood can save dog lives? In addition to having an onsite blood drive for humans at Growloween, the Las Vegas Animal Blood Bank will be taking reservations for dog blood donations.
The Deets
When: October 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Bruce Trent Park (8851 Vegas Dr.)
Pet Trick-or-Treat 1 Mile Walk
Henderson’s Heritage Bark Park will welcome families for a walk along the park trail on October 22, so don’t forget your trick-or-treat pail. There will be costume prizes, including the best human/pet combo, so think about the great ones—Scooby and Shaggy, Dorothy and Toto, Elle Woods and Bruiser—and make yourself stand out. The first walk, for dogs 25 pounds and under, begins at 10 a.m. The second walk, for dogs 26 pounds and over, begins at 11 a.m. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 day of the event.
The Deets
When: October 22, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Bark Park at Heritage Park (350 S. Racetrack Rd.)
Website: cityofhenderson.com
Dogtoberfest
Dogtoberfest arrives October 22 with all the pup-focused pomp and circumstance you would expect from its hosts, the Southern Nevada Beagle Rescue Foundation. Not only do you get to dress your dog for the costume contest, you can make some memories at the selfie station, or the kissing booth if you’re into that. There’s even a “bobbing for hot dogs” game, which sounds great whether it’s played by dogs or people. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, with the proceeds supporting SNBRF.
The Deets
When: October 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Beagletopia (285 Irvin Ave.)
Website: southernnevadabeaglerescue.com
Neon Dog Walk
Even if it weren’t October, you’d be dressing up your pup for the Nevada SPCA’s Second Annual Neon Dog Walk. Just don’t forget the glow-in-the-dark accessories, as this one is best enjoyed after sunset.
If you’ve been tolerating your phone’s constant reminders to “close your ring” then this one is perfect for you. The walk covers 1.7 miles, or 3.1 miles if you want to go the long way, and, as it’s a fundraiser for the SPCA’s efforts, there will be prizes for top fundraiser’s in the “individual” and “top team” categories.
The Deets
When: October 22, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Sunset Park
Website: neondogwalk.nevadaspca.org
Boulder City Trunk or Treat
Just like throwing on a Halloween costume lets you live as someone else for a night, taking a quick trip to Boulder City lets you get a taste of life in another town—the closest thing we’ve got to an old fashioned Mayberry-esque destination.
This season, pack your pup (and the family if you want to bring them) for Boulder City’s Trunk or Treat event at Veterans Memorial Park. Pets are welcome, though keep in mind the ground is likely to wind up covered in candy by night’s end, and that might not sit well with your dog’s stomach.
The Trunk or Treat bash will have a costume contest, food truck, kids activities, and a haunted tractor maze. There’s also a prize for the best-decorated car, so go crazy.
The Deets
When: October 22, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Boulder City
Website: bouldercitychamber.com/events
Vegas Halloween Town
Downtown Summerlin is already doing its Halloween thing with the “Parade of Mischief “on Friday and Saturday nights, and while you can bring your dog along to watch, it’ll likely have more fun at Vegas Halloween Town, which kicks off October 25.
Taking place at The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin, this one features carnival games, a 21-and-over lounge, craft beer experience with 24 seasonal tastings, a haunted maze, a kids VIP experience, and an animal costume contest on Halloween at 6 p.m.
The Deets
When: October 25-31
Where: The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin
If you are coming to town for Halloween, make sure you check out pet friendly hotels in Vegas.
