Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade & Pet Expo
12th annual Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade and Pet Expo
About
Join dog lovers for the 12th annual Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade & Pet Expo at UT Gardens, Knoxville. This festive event features a judged costume parade with multiple categories, an expo showcasing local pet businesses and rescue groups, and a pet food drive for CAIT. Spectators can enjoy the parade and explore the various vendors.
Our Take
Scare Factor
Family Friendly
Best For
Dog owners and families
Vibe
Festive and community-oriented
Energy Level
Low to medium
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low (rain or shine)
Special Events & Promotions
- Save $5 by pre-registering for the costume parade.
- Ribbons and prizes awarded for top entries in costume categories.
- Bone-A-Fido Best in Show award.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
Free to attend, $15 for parade participants ($10 pre-registration)
Duration
4 hours
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
UT Gardens, Knoxville and UT College of Veterinary Medicine
Practical Information
Pet Policy
Pet-friendly
Food & Drink
Food trucks available
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Pre-register for the costume parade by the deadline to save $5 on your entry fee.
- Bring a blanket or chair if you plan to watch the parade, as seating may be limited.
- Consider donating Purina products to the pet food drive for CAIT to help local animals.
- Arrive by 1 pm to register for the costume parade on-site, as registration closes at 2:45 pm.
- Explore the Pet Expo to discover local pet businesses and potentially meet adoptable animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the parade categories?
The parade categories include Bad to the Bone (scariest), Funny Bone (funniest), Do(g) It Yourself (homemade), and Pup Culture (pop culture/character).
Can multiple dogs be in one costume entry?
Yes, a costume entry can include multiple dogs as long as they are intended to be judged together in the same category.
What is the pet food drive for?
The food drive benefits the Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee (CAIT), which works to improve the lives of companion animals and reduce the homeless pet population.
Is the event held if it rains?
Yes, the event will be held rain or shine.
Where can I find more information about sponsoring or vending?
Information on sponsoring or becoming an event vendor can be found via the 'Signup to be an Event Sponsor' and 'Signup to be an Event Vendor' links on the event page.
