Boston’s biggest annual Halloween-themed pet costume contest is back featuring pups and their owners who dress in their spookiest outfits and strut their stuff for a panel of judges.

Don’t miss this full day of family-friendly activities happening on Winter Street in Downtown Boston, including the Doggone Halloween Pet Parade and Chowderfest!

The public is invited to the extravaganza to experience cuteness overload as pups strut their best Halloween costumes! The event is FREE to attend and register.

There will be a pet-focused vendor village to explore, family-friendly activities, treats for all, and prize packages are awarded for Best Costume, Scariest Costume, Cutest Costume, Best Human & Dog Duo, and Best Child & Dog Duo.

The free event helps put our neighborhood in the Halloween spirit, as dozens of community members showcase their beloved--and costumed--canines.

The annual Halloween-themed pet costume contest features pups and owners strutting their stuff before a panel of judges. Downtown Crossing Steps (Washington St. @ Franklin St.) from 12pm to 3pm, opening with a parade from Summer St., up Washington St. to the steps.

You’re Invited!

Join us on Saturday, October 17, from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury, MA for Barktoberfest 2026!

We invite the entire Sweet Paws Rescue community, canine companions included, to enjoy a fun-filled day of music, activities, and local food & drink in celebration of our southern team’s amazing efforts and dedication.

Loving, Losing, and Cherishing Our Pets” — Author Roundtable

Three acclaimed authors offer a gentle conversation honoring the deep bonds we share with our animal companions. Together, these authors help illuminate the love, vulnerability, and wisdom our animals bring into our lives.  

Date: Thursday, October 17, 2026, 

Time: 1-4 PM 

Location: Zoom 

Meeting ID: 818 9964 4100

Dear friends,

·         Perfect Paws Pet Ministry — a nondenominational outreach for pet parents — is honored to sponsor Companion Animal Remembrance Month this October.

Companion Animal Remembrance Month was created to raise awareness of the profound grief that follows the loss of an animal friend — and to affirm that such grief deserves the same compassion we extend to those mourning human loved ones.

·          We invite you to share these free community offerings with your staff and clients, especially those who may be grieving or wishing to honor a beloved animal companion.

Perfect Paws Pet Ministry offers all its services freely, welcoming everyone, whether rooted in a faith tradition or none, and created with deep care for all who love and tend to animals.

October Events

• Blessing of the Animals A joyful outdoor gathering celebrating the animals who share our lives. All pets, photos, and stuffed animals are welcome. Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, Time: 1–3 PM Location: All Saints North Shore, across from Danvers Town Hall

·         “Loving, Losing, and Cherishing Our Pets” — Author Roundtable. Three acclaimed authors offer a gentle conversation honoring the deep bonds we share with our animal companions. Together, these authors help illuminate the love, vulnerability, and wisdom our animals bring into our lives.  Date: Thursday, October 17, 2026, Time: 1-4 PM Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 818 9964 4100

Companion Animal Remembrance Month was created to raise awareness of the profound grief that follows the loss of an animal friend — and to affirm that such grief deserves the same compassion we extend to those mourning human loved ones.

Warmly, Perfect Paws Pet Ministry

For more information, please reach out to perfectpawsministry@gmail.com

Pet Rock Festival is a huge dog-friendly, family-friendly event. Happening on Sunday, October 4 from 12-5pm.

A joyful outdoor gathering celebrating the animals who share our lives. All pets, photos, and stuffed animals are welcome. 

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 

Time: 1–3 PM 

Location: All Saints North Shore, across from Danvers Town Hall

Dear friends,

·         Perfect Paws Pet Ministry — a nondenominational outreach for pet parents — is honored to sponsor Companion Animal Remembrance Month this October.

Companion Animal Remembrance Month was created to raise awareness of the profound grief that follows the loss of an animal friend — and to affirm that such grief deserves the same compassion we extend to those mourning human loved ones.

·          We invite you to share these free community offerings with your staff and clients, especially those who may be grieving or wishing to honor a beloved animal companion.

Perfect Paws Pet Ministry offers all its services freely, welcoming everyone, whether rooted in a faith tradition or none, and created with deep care for all who love and tend to animals.

October Events

• Blessing of the Animals A joyful outdoor gathering celebrating the animals who share our lives. All pets, photos, and stuffed animals are welcome. Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, Time: 1–3 PM Location: All Saints North Shore, across from Danvers Town Hall

·         “Loving, Losing, and Cherishing Our Pets” — Author Roundtable. Three acclaimed authors offer a gentle conversation honoring the deep bonds we share with our animal companions. Together, these authors help illuminate the love, vulnerability, and wisdom our animals bring into our lives.  Date: Thursday, October 17, 2026, Time: 1-4 PM Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 818 9964 4100

Companion Animal Remembrance Month was created to raise awareness of the profound grief that follows the loss of an animal friend — and to affirm that such grief deserves the same compassion we extend to those mourning human loved ones.

Warmly, Perfect Paws Pet Ministry

For more information, please reach out to perfectpawsministry@gmail.com

This Saturday bring your friends and family to this fun outdoor event and vendor fair.

Francis Henrique will be there showcasing all natural products made with clean ingredients for yourself, your family and your pets.

She has a NEW product for those pesky little critters that like to share our spaces with us in the colder months.

Stop by and say hello and learn how to create a toxic free environment.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON — DOGS & BEER!

Join us for a fun, laid-back afternoon at Granite Coast Brewing in Peabody, to meet some of our adorable adoptable dogs — and maybe grab a craft beer while you’re at it (beer is totally optional ).

Curious about our mission, our adoptable dogs, or how our foster program works? Our amazing volunteers will be there to chat and answer all your questions

Expect:
Cute-as-a-button rescue pups looking for forever homes
Delicious craft brews
Great conversations with dog lovers

RSVP to this event and check back closer to the date to see which pups will be attending!

Come meet some great dogs, have a beer and support our rescue!

Tickets Required for Yoga | Open to the public @ 11 AM for an adoption event!

Join us at Park-9 Dog Bar for Puppy Yoga! Starting at 9:45am, The Point East Boston Barre & Yoga will lead you through a 45 minute yoga class, accompanied by adoptable puppies from Sweet Paws Rescue.

A portion of proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit Sweet Paws Rescue as they continue their life-saving work. Be sure to stick around after the class for a drink and to spend extra time with the pups at the adoption event with the rescue!

Please note, dogs outside of the adoptable pups are not able to attend the class. We ask that you bring your own yoga mat!

Join Sweet Paws Rescue (a local nonprofit) for Barktoberfest 2025 - our 10th annual celebration of rescue, community, and the incredible dogs and people who make it all possible!

What’s Happening:

🐾 Live music and local food & drink vendors

🐾 Free kid-friendly games, crafts, and activities for the whole family

🐾 Free dog-friendly activities, dog park, and pet-friendly vendors

🐾 Meet adoptable pets and connect with some of our southern rescuers

🎟 Tickets: $12 per person | $40 per family | Kids under 10 FREE

Off Leash Second Chance – Adoption Event 🐾

Meet your new best friend at the Off Leash Second Chance Adoption Event!

📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Barnstable Farm and Pet

Come meet some of the wonderful adoptable pups looking for their forever homes, including:

• 🐕 Jasper

• 🐕 Missy

• 🐕 Ginger

• 🐕 Fancy

• 🐕 Burrata

• 🐕 Stevie

• 🐕 Pinnochio

• 🐕 Rosie

For more info, visit www.OffLeashSecondChance.com

Buddy & Friends Animal Rescue – Dog Adoption & Family Fun Day 🐾

Join Buddy & Friends Animal Rescue for an afternoon of fun, family activities, and dog adoptions at Prisco’s Market!

📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕑 2:00 – 5:00 PM
📍 Prisco’s Market, Bridgewater, MA

Bring the whole family for a day filled with:

• 🐶 Dog adoptions

• ⛳ Mini golf

• 🍦 Ice cream + food

• ⚾ Batting cages

• 🛍️ Shopping

• 🎟️ Raffles

Hosted in partnership with Seven Line Project and Prisco’s Market & Deli.

Cape Cod Doxie Day 🐾
Join fellow dachshund lovers, wiener wannabes, and friends for a tail-wagging celebration in Barnstable Village!

📅 Saturday, September 27th
🕛 Noon – 3:00 PM
📍 3195 Main St, Barnstable Village (behind the courthouse)
💲 Free admission and parking

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon featuring the Wiener Waddle Parade, Doxie Fun Races, contests and prizes, live music from the Cape Cod Ukulele Club, photos with the Mini Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, Puppuccino Doxie Day Café, the Official Dachs Song, vendors, food, raffles, and more!

Learn more: www.ccdoxieday.com

JR’s Paws for a Cause – Dog-Friendly 5K (Walk/Run) 🐾🏃‍♀️

Get ready to run (or walk!) for a cause—alongside your furry best friend! Join us for the 8th Annual JR’s Paws for a Cause 5K, a dog-friendly race dedicated to supporting veterinary charities and canine cancer research. Whether you’re an avid runner, a casual walker, or just want to enjoy a fun morning with fellow dog lovers, this event is for you!

📅 Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
📍 Location: Natick High School Football Field Parking Lot (Corner of Windsor Ave & West St., Natick, MA)
⏰ Check-in & Bib Pick-up: 8:30 AM
🏁 Race Start: 10:00 AM

🐶 Why Run?

Proceeds from this event will be donated to:
✅ Project Samana – Providing veterinary care to animals in need
✅ Shultz Guest House – A rescue dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs
✅ Last Hope K9 – Supporting dog rescue efforts
✅ Kyle’s Legacy Inc. – Funding canine cancer research and financial aid programs

🐕 Meet adoptable dogs from Shultz Guest House, Last Hope K9, and Ruff Tales during the event!

🎟 How to Sign Up

Register today at www.jrspawsforacause.com/events

🏅 Registration Includes:

🎽 Race entry + a Polkadog treat sample
🎁 First 30 registrants receive:
✔️ A $100 Nutre Meal Plan gift card
✔️ One FREE B/Spoke & Built By Biron workout class
✔️ A FI canvas bag
✔️ A surprise Lululemon item

🎉 Event Highlights

🐶 Vendors & Shopping
🎟️ Raffles & Prizes
🎶 DJ & Music
🍦 Doggy Ice Cream
📸 Professional Photographer

📢 Early Bib Pick-Up: Saturday, April 26 at Marathon Sports Wellesley (10 AM – 2 PM)

🐕 Bring Your Pup & Join the Fun!

Lace up your sneakers, leash up your dog, and come together for a run that truly makes a difference. Whether you're racing to the finish line or enjoying a casual stroll, every step helps support dogs in need.

🎉 Register now and be part of the movement! 🎉

📲 Follow @JRsPawsForACause for event updates!

St. Puprick’s with Red Dog – Event Listing

Get Ready for a Tail-Wagging St. Patrick’s Celebration! 🍀🐶

Join us for a paws-itively fun-filled afternoon at St. Puprick’s with Red Dog! Dress your pup in their finest green attire and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the doggie way with a day full of festivities, freebies, and furry friends.

📅 Date: April 5
📍 Location: Night Shift Brewing, 87 Santilli Hwy, Everett, MA
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎟 Admission: FREE & open to the public (weather permitting)

Event Highlights

🐾 Pet Photo Booth – Snap adorable festive photos of your pup!
🎁 FREE Giveaways – Exciting surprises for you and your four-legged friend.
🛍 Shopping with Vendors – Explore local pet-friendly vendors and unique finds.

This event saves lives! Rescue dogs lives!!! We hope you will join us at the Great Dog Rescue New England Lucky Dog Gala on Saturday, March 22nd at Anthony's in Malden. The night includes dinner, dog themed cocktails, DJ, auction and raffles—all to save rescue dogs! #RescueGala #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #rescuedog

Tickets are available at https://gdrne.com/puppylove/

Holiday Yappy Hour: Raffles & Games Night 🎲🐾

Wrap up the holiday season with a fun-filled evening at Trillium Brewing on Tuesday, December 19th, 2024, from 6–8 PM!

Bring your pup and join the festivities with exciting raffles and games for both you and your furry friends. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays and connect with other dog lovers in the community!

Where: Trillium Brewing
When: Tuesday, December 19th, 6–8 PM

No RSVP required—just come ready for fun and festive vibes!

Note: This event is hosted by Tandem Vet and Trillium Brewing. Boston Dog Moms will only be present in spirit. <3