Spooky Pooch Parade
The next LakewoodAlive will be held in 2026.
More details will be provided on our Event Calendar closer to the event. You can also follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter below to be notified when event details are available.
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Typically taking place on the second Saturday in October, LakewoodAlive’s family-friendly Spooky Pooch Parade consists of a free-to-attend festival at Madison Park, a parade along Madison Avenue and surrounding streets, and an awards presentation to the best dressed dogs and their owners. A favorite autumn tradition for Northeast Ohio dog lovers, this community festival represents a one-of-a-kind event within the region, providing a tail-wagging good time for canine and human guests alike.
Each year festivities get underway with the Spooky Pooch Festival beginning at 12:30 PM at Madison Park, during which attendees can enjoy entertainment, pumpkin painting for kids, and dog-related vendors and local businesses. The costume contest parade commences at 2 PM, where dogs dressed in their most festive Halloween costumes will strut their stuff along Madison Avenue. Judges award the top three prizes per category beginning at approximately 3:15 PM. The categories include: Best Pooch & Child, Best Pooch & Adult, Best Pooch & Group, Spookiest Pooch, and Best in Show.
Spooky Pooch Parade Route: The parade lines up behind the baseball diamond near the judges’ tent, and exits Madison Park to Athens Avenue, turning right onto Clarence Avenue, next turning right onto Madison Avenue, then turning right onto Halstead Avenue, and finally turning right onto Athens Avenue again and back into the park. Essentially one big loop around the park, this route has remained the official parade route for the past couple years.
Have questions about the Spooky Pooch Parade? Please reach out to Operations Manager Jo Higgins at (216)521-0655 x3 or JHiggins@LakewoodAlive.org.
