South Philly’s Doggie Costume Contest Is Back for Round Two
Last year, The Monster Minders hosted the first-ever doggie costume contest at the Passyunk Square Fall Fest. Apparently, we did a respectable enough job because we have officially been invited back. Good job us!
At this point, we have one full year of experience and time to reflect on last year, which makes us seasoned professionals in the highly competitive field of judging dogs dressed as people, food, fictional characters, and complicated visual puns.
Last Year’s Costumes Were Ridiculously Good
We knew South Philly had creative dog people. We were still completely unprepared for the level of competition at last year’s contest.
Vito took home Best Overall, while Petey and Lizzy won Best Dog/Human Duo. Franklin was crowned Funniest, and the Best Pop Culture Icon category ended in a tie between Gus as “Free Luigi” and Bella dressed as a Joann Fabric store. Yes, an entire Joann Fabric store. The costumes were clever and beautifully constructed. We have plenty of photos to prove it.
Doggie Costume Contest 2.0
This year’s costume contest will begin at 12 p.m. on Halloween Day at the Singing Fountain triangle during the Passyunk Square Fall Fest.
Registration will happen at The Monster Minders table beginning at 11 a.m. There is no need to register ahead of time. Just bring your dog, your costume, and your strongest competitive spirit.
We’ll also be slinging free pup cups starting at 11 a.m. and continuing until the whipped cream runs out, which we expect will be around 2 p.m. Swing by the Triangle, grab a treat for your dog, register for the contest, and stick around for the main event at noon.
This Year’s Costume Categories
Contestants will compete in four highly prestigious categories:
✨ Best Overall
😂 Best Foodie Costume
🎬 Best Pop Culture Icon
👯♀️ Best Dog/Human Duo
Whether you have spent three months constructing an elaborate masterpiece or plan to put a hot dog costume on your dachshund five minutes before leaving the house, there is a place for you in this competition.
The most important thing is that your dog is comfortable and able to enjoy the event. A simple costume worn by a happy dog will always beat an elaborate creation that its model would like removed immediately.
Meet This Year’s Celebrity Judges
A contest this important requires a panel capable of making extremely serious decisions.
This year’s celebrity judges will include representatives from:
Love City Vet
Get A Gato Cat Cafe
East Passyunk Avenue
They will have the difficult job of evaluating South Philly’s best-dressed dogs while maintaining the impartiality and professionalism expected from non-partial judges.
No pressure.
We are also hoping to welcome some adoptable dogs and local rescue friends to the Triangle. We’ll share more once those details are confirmed.
Save the Details
What: The second annual Doggie Costume Contest
When: Halloween Day at 12 p.m.
Where: The Triangle at the Passyunk Square Fall Fest
Registration: Beginning at 11 a.m. at The Monster Minders table
Pup cups: Beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until the whipped cream runs out, probably around 2 p.m.
Advance registration: None required
South Philly set the bar alarmingly high during our first contest. Start planning your costume now, and come show us what you’ve got for round two.
Check out the recap of 2025's Costume Contest (don't be intimidated, just show up!)
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