HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest 2026

Calling all costumed canines! Ventura Harbor Village’s annual HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest returns Saturday, October 24 for an afternoon of creative costumes, prizes and plenty of four-legged fun by the sea.

Dress up your pup and compete for prizes in five costume categories, then stick around for a costumed pup parade along the waterfront promenade.

Not competing? Come watch! Costumed pups and their humans are welcome to join the fun as spectators and enjoy a dog-friendly day around the Village.

SIGN UP

Online registration is now closed. However, a limited number of day-of sign ups will open up on a first come first serve basis starting at 11:30am at the check-in booth on the main lawn the morning of the event! Costumed canines and their owners are encouraged to come down as spectators & show off, whether you compete or not!

PRIZES + PUP PERKS

Every registered dog is a winner! After your pup takes their turn walking past the judges, pick up a goody bag courtesy of main sponsor Ventura Pet Barn, filled with goodies for your four-legged friend. Registered pups will also receive a coupon for a pup cream from Coastal Cone and a free sample courtesy of Howie’s Natural Dog Treats.

GRAND PRIZE CATEGORIES

Best in Show | Spookiest | Most Sea-Worthy | Most On-Trend | Most Creative

A professional photographer will also be onsite to capture the costumed canines.

EVENT SCHEDULE

11:30 AM | Participant check-in begins on the Main Lawn. Pick up your competition number and get ready to strut.

12 PM | The HOWL-O-WEEN Costume Contest begins! Dogs will be called by competition number to walk past the judges. After your pup competes, pick up their Ventura Pet Barn goody bag.

Approx. 1:30 PM | Winners are announced, followed by a costumed pup parade from the lawn and along the waterfront promenade.

MAKE A DOGGIE DAY OF IT

Come early or stay after the contest to explore pet-friendly Ventura Harbor Village. Grab a bite on a dog-friendly patio, browse the shops or take your pup out on the water:

• Ventura Boat Rentals – Dogs are welcome aboard electric boats, pedal boats, kayaks and paddleboards.
• Boatyard Pub – Order from a dedicated dog menu featuring steak and seafood.
• Coastal Cone – Treat your pup to a dog-friendly pup cream.
• Deep Sea Wine – Sip Poppy’s Rescue Red, named for their beloved rescue dog and resident VIP.
• Hats Unlimited – Find hats and accessories for stylish canines.
• Lost in Socks – Shop socks featuring plenty of breeds for proud pup parents.

Plus, stroll the waterfront promenade together and keep an eye out for HOWL-O-WEEN treats and pup-friendly perks at participating businesses throughout the Village.

Explore More Pet-Friendly Spots >

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

A special thank you to Ventura Pet Barn, our main sponsor, for providing goody bags for every participating pup, along with Coastal Cone and Howie’s Natural Dog Treats for helping make HOWL-O-WEEN extra special for our four-legged guests.