15th Annual Halloween Dog Costume Party

The Seminole Heights Dog Pack is celebrating its 15th annual Halloween dog costume party on Saturday, October 31, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. It's a neighborhood tradition that's been running for fifteen years, and this milestone edition comes with something new: the first-ever costume contest. There are nine categories to enter, including Best human-dog matching costume, Best dog costume, Best no costume, and Best worst retail store costume. The party is sponsored by the old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association.

Over the years, the costumes have run the gamut from fur-ociously creative to a few that were a little ruff around the edges. If you've been around for a few of these, you know the drill—it's as much about the dogs as it is about the people who dress them. This year, the contest gives you a few different ways to play it, whether you've spent weeks sewing a custom outfit or you're leaning into the 'best worst' store-bought look.

There's one logistical detail to keep in mind before you head out. The group meets at Henry & Ola Dog Park, 501 West Henry Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604, and then walks together to Epps Park on W. Fern St., where the actual festivities take place. So, make sure you start at the dog park rather than going straight to Epps.

It's a free event, running from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Halloween morning.