Choose a costume contest in Dallas, a dachshund festival by the water in Irving, a market afternoon in McKinney or the first week of drive-through lights in Frisco. These five choices cover two weekends and the days between them. Nearby towns are named below so you can decide how far you want to travel.
Three picks to start with
- For a free Halloween contest outing: Walkers’ has timed heats and a two-hour program. Register your dog and arrive before its heat.
- For a dog-centered day out: Irving’s November 8 festival welcomes four-legged companions, with races, portraits and shopping. Festival admission is free; race entry needs a separate check.
- For an evening in the car: The Light Park opens in Frisco November 6. Dogs stay inside the vehicle, so this is a shared sightseeing trip rather than exercise.
At a glance
All times are local. October 31 uses CDT; November dates here use CST after the November 1 clock change.
| Choice | When | Where | Cost to plan for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walkers’ costume contest | Oct. 31, noon–2 p.m. | Dallas | Free to attend; register dog |
| Dallas Pets Alive! Howl-O-Ween | Oct. 31, noon–5 p.m.; contest 3 p.m. | Dallas | $10 contest donation; $5 optional photos |
| The Boho Market at Tupps | Nov. 7, 1–6 p.m. | McKinney | Free admission and parking |
| Irving Weiner Dog Fest | Nov. 8, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Irving | Free festival; race terms need checking |
| The Light Park | Nightly Nov. 6–12 from 5:30 p.m. | Frisco | Online introductory ticket $29.99 per vehicle; gate $60 plus taxes and fees |
Halloween in Dallas
Walkers’ Dog Costume Contest
Head to 3016 Greenville Avenue on Saturday, October 31, noon–2 p.m. for a red-carpet costume contest. Small dogs go first at noon, followed by medium dogs at 12:40 and large dogs at 1:15; the finale is at 1:50.
Walkers’ event page links dog registration and asks entrants to arrive 15 minutes before their heat. Walk-ups depend on space. Attendance is free, and dogs must be leashed and friendly with people and other dogs. This is a useful choice if you prefer a defined contest schedule to an all-afternoon festival.
Dallas Pets Alive! Howl-O-Ween
At the DPA Adoption Container, Community Beer Co., 3110 Commonwealth Drive, the October 31 program runs noon–5 p.m. Costume judging starts at 3 p.m., with entry registration from noon to 2:45 p.m. Entering costs a $10 donation; optional photo opportunities ask a $5 donation.
The organizer’s listing includes dog-size and group categories, pup trick-or-treating, pet vendors and adoptable animals. The organizer does not state a separate general-admission price. Keep your dog leashed, supervised and comfortable around other dogs, consistent with Community Beer’s visitor policy.
Both Dallas contests overlap. Choose the setting your dog will enjoy rather than depending on a tight transfer between them.
The following weekend: McKinney and Irving
The Boho Market at Tupps Brewery
On Saturday, November 7, 1–6 p.m., browse local sellers at 402 East Louisiana Street, McKinney. The dated organizer listing explicitly welcomes dogs and states that admission and parking are free. Food, drinks and shopping are separate purchases.
This offers a different pace from the Halloween contests: you can plan around a shopping visit without entering your dog in an activity. Keep your dog close around stalls and ask staff about any venue-specific access limits; a dog-friendly market does not establish unrestricted access to every brewery area.
Irving Weiner Dog Fest + Meet Up
Water Street, 5200 North O’Connor Boulevard, Irving, hosts this free festival on Sunday, November 8, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The Las Colinas event page expressly invites visitors’ dogs, alongside vendors, pet portraits, food and drinks.
The organizer’s ticket page schedules races for 3 p.m., with sign-up in person. Race eligibility, any entry fee and remaining places need confirmation with the organizers. Free festival admission does not reserve a race spot. You can still plan a visit around browsing or watching without making the race the reason for the trip.
A drive-through evening in Frisco
The Light Park at Riders Field
The Frisco show opens Friday, November 6, at Riders Field, 7300 Rough Riders Trail. Within this guide’s dates it runs nightly from 5:30 p.m., closing at 11 p.m. November 6–7 and 10 p.m. November 8–12, according to the 2026 hours.
The dog policy permits pets inside vehicles throughout the visit. People also remain in the car. Plan a toilet and exercise break beforehand; this is not a walking route. The seven evenings are seven opportunities to see the same show.
The 2026 pricing guide lists an online-only introductory ticket of $29.99 per vehicle for November 6–15. The gate price is $60 per vehicle plus taxes and fees. A separate $29.99 presale ends November 5. Check the selected ticket’s terms and total before paying. Use the Frisco booking page; a working link does not establish remaining capacity.
One date to save beyond this guide
Friday, November 13, 6–10 p.m.: The Boho Market at CityLine Plaza, Richardson. This falls after the November 12 coverage end. Its official listing names 1251 State Street, permits dogs and states free admission and parking. Save it as a later option, rather than another event in this fortnight.
Before you leave
Reopen the organizer’s page on the day, particularly for ticket availability or weather changes. Bring water, waste bags and your usual leash, and allow room to leave if your dog becomes uncomfortable. For an everyday visit between these dates, browse our Texas dog park directory.
Archival city photo: Dallas skyline from Jefferson Viaduct by Andreas Praefcke, CC BY 3.0, photographed October 2009. Wikimedia Commons 1280px rendition; no local changes. Not a photograph of any listed event.
