Hounds of Halloween 2024

Happy Howl-o-ween! On Saturday, October 19, ghoulish golden retrievers, devilish dachshunds, and terrifying terriers will return to roam the streets of downtown Albany for Hounds of Halloween.

This paw-some annual event features a Canine Costume Contest with prizes for the winners, dog trick-or-treating at dozens of Downtown Albany businesses, and Yappy Hour specials at participating bars and restaurants.

Hounds of Halloween Trick-or-Treating | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

Yappy Hour | 3:00-6:00 PM

Registration:

• Registration is per dog, and $20 in advance through Eventbrite or $25 cash, credit, or Venmo at the event. Advance ticket sales end at 12:00 PM on October 18.
• There will be a limited supply of tickets available on the day of the event. Visit the registration booth next to Olde English Pub & Pantry (683 Broadway in downtown Albany, NY) to register your dog on the day of the event.
• A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

Your registration includes:

• Entry for you and your dog into the Canine Costume Contest, with great prizes for the winners!
• The official Hounds of Halloween trick-or-treating map guide with all the participating stops throughout Downtown Albany
• Exclusive Hounds of Halloween trick-or-treating tote bag and giveaways
• Access to great Yappy Hour specials at participating bars and restaurants

Check out these fun activities to start your Hounds of Halloween adventure off on the right paw!

• Visit The Doggy Bag near the registration area to purchase from a selection of extra-special baked treats for your furry pal!
• Can your clever canine conquer Camp Bow Wow's Haunted Agility Course in The Olde English Dog Park? Please keep your pups leashed at all times.
• Enjoy live music with great local artists for Nippertown's Hoppin' Howl-O-Ween at marked locations on your map. Presented by Nippertown and Discover Albany.

Canine Costume Contest Info & Guidelines

• When completing your registration, you will choose from the available time blocks to have your Canine Costume Contest photo taken. Please arrive at the entrance to the The Olde English Pub and Pantry (683 Broadway) at the start of your time block to get in line to have your photo taken.
• When you arrive at the photo area, show your numbered registration ticket to the photographer or event staff member present.
• Costumes are a must for dogs, and highly encouraged for humans too.
• Winners will be determined by public vote, according to which photos receive the most Likes in the official Hounds of Halloween Facebook photo album. This album will be posted in the Hounds of Halloween following the event. Don't forget to vote by Liking the pictures of your favorite Canine Costume Contest contestants!
• Winners will be announced before 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 1, and notified at the email address provided.
• The top three best-dressed pets and their paw-rents will receive Downtown Albany Gift Cards, special surprises and bragging rights!
• The winning dog may be featured in next year’s Hounds of Halloween designs.

Participating Businesses:

From 3:00 PM-6:00 PM, keep the paw-ty going with these Yappy Hour specials! Show your Hounds of Halloween registration ticket at each business.

Please ask before bringing your dog inside any business. While some businesses have dog-friendly spaces, this varies on a case-by-case basis.

Parking info: Visit parkalbany.com for more information.

Host or Publisher Downtown Albany Business Improvement District