Howl-o-Ween in NYC: Two Days of Tricks, Treats, and Tail Wags
Halloween in New York City is always magical—but when you add dogs in costume, it becomes Howl-o-Ween! This year, Koa and I celebrated across two days of spooktacular fun, from the family-filled streets of the Upper West Side to the patio of the Virgin Hotel.
Our first stop was Trick-or-Treat Night on the Upper West Side, where the brownstones glowed with jack-o’-lanterns and the sidewalks overflowed with kids, families, and—of course—dogs. Koa dressed as a lion, complete with a fluffy mane that stopped everyone in their tracks. “Is that a dog or a lion?!” became the question of the night. He proudly strutted from door to door, collecting treats (and plenty of smiles) along the way. The sense of community on the UWS always shines, but during Halloween, it feels like a scene straight from a storybook—neighbors chatting, kids laughing, and pups posing for photos in front of decorated stoops.
The next event, we headed downtown for Paws on the Patio at the Virgin Hotel, and it was a dog lover’s dream. The rooftop was transformed into a festive playground—complete with dog-friendly treats, music, and cocktails for the humans. Pups showed off their best costumes: pirates, superheroes, pumpkins, and even a mini hot dog or two. Koa, still rocking his lion look, basked in the spotlight (and maybe enjoyed a little too many pup snacks).
The atmosphere was full of laughter and energy. It’s one of those rare NYC nights where everyone—from locals to visitors—comes together just to celebrate joy, creativity, and of course, our furry best friends. Watching the dogs “dance” along to the music under the city lights was pure Halloween magic.
If you’re planning your own Howl-o-Ween adventure next year, here are a few tips:
🦁 Go big on costumes – New Yorkers don’t mess around when it comes to creativity. Think bold, funny, or heartwarming.
🎃 Check out neighborhood events – The UWS is fantastic for trick-or-treating, while downtown spots like the Virgin Hotel or Seaport host pet-friendly parties.
🦴 Bring treats and water – You’ll make instant friends (both canine and human).
📸 Snap photos early – Before the costumes shift, the lighting fades, and the snacks take over.
By the end of the weekend, Koa’s mane was slightly crooked, his paws were tired, and his treat bag was full—but his tail never stopped wagging.
How about you? 🐾👉 Did you and your pup dress up for Howl-o-Ween this year? What’s the best costume you’ve ever seen (or worn)? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear your favorites!