Pasadena’s annual Bark in the Park: Howl-O-Ween event is set to return to Playhouse Village Park on Sunday, Oct. 26, inviting dogs and their owners to celebrate creativity and community spirit in the heart of the city. The free, family-friendly event, organized by the Playhouse Village Association and presented by the Playhouse Village Foundation, remains one of Pasadena’s most anticipated fall gatherings.
Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will transform the 1.04-acre urban park at 701 E. Union St. into a festive playground for pups, featuring the popular Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest. Participants can compete in one of three categories—Best Small Dog Costume, Best Big Dog Costume, and Best Group Costume—with cheering crowds expected throughout the afternoon.
In addition to the contest, the park will feature interactive booths and activities. Pasadena Humane will offer treats and adoption resources, while Healthy Spot’s Pup-tails & Pop-Up Shop will serve playful dog mocktails. Visitors can also stop by Lumee DIY for crafts, Monarca Sol Collective for puppy flower crowns, and Iman’s Music Studio for “Music & Your Dog” rhythm sessions. The Playhouse Village Foundation will host a bandana-decorating station, along with community favorites such as Star Leaf’s “Yappy Hour,” Tepito Coffee’s pup cups, and VP Salon’s “Happy Halloweenie Card” signing.
The park, which opened in 2022, includes a Van Halen Stage, separate dog areas, and shaded open lawns designed for events like this one. Safety rules will remain in effect—dogs must stay on leashes (except in designated areas), have up-to-date vaccinations, and only interact with other dogs with their owners’ consent.
Pasadena’s Youth Ambassadors will assist with photo booths, costume coordination, and event setup and breakdown. The weather forecast calls for mild, mostly cloudy conditions with a high near 75 degrees, ideal for outdoor festivities.
Founded in 2022, the Playhouse Village Foundation supports free, family-oriented programming across Pasadena, including Jazz in the Park and Movies in the Park. Chaired by Phil Hawkey, the foundation has surpassed its first $100,000 fundraising goal and continues to focus on revitalizing public spaces through inclusive community events like Howl-O-Ween.
Playhouse Village Foundation. 709 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 160, Pasadena. Phone (626) 744-0340. Email info@playhousevillage.org. Website: https://
