11 Oct MTP 5th Annual Dog Costume Contest & Parade!
Come Celebrate the Spooky Season
with the cutest runway in L.A.!
The 5th Annual Dog Costume Contest & Parade
Sunday, October 25th 2026 11:30AM – 1:30PM
2026 Contest Registration has closed!
If you missed the pre-registration deadline, we will have limited in-person sign-ups on Sunday at 10:30 AM.
Remember: The market parade does not require registration.
Don’t miss out on this fun MTP day! 🐾🦴🎃
ABOUT THE 2026 PARADE
Before the contest, we host a parade of costumed and adoptable dogs throughout the market from 11:30-11:50 AM! While contest participation is limited, parade participation is open to everyone! Meet at the Fairfax entrance of the market by 11:30AM to walk in the parade.
We can’t wait to see your costumes! 🎃
ABOUT THE 2026 CONTEST
The Melrose Trading Post is a pet-friendly, dog loving event, and we are celebrating the dogs and creative dog lovers of our community with our 5th Annual Dog Costume Contest! Held the Sunday before Halloween, this annual event showcases incredible handmade dog costumes.
- This year’s contest will be held Sunday, October 25th from 12-1:30PM at the Greenway Main Stage in the Red Section of the Melrose Trading Post. This area is the main hub of delicious artisan food and beverage vendors, and the location of the iconic Greenway Main Stage.
- Advance registration is appreciated and guarantees your pup a spot in the contest. Participation will be capped at 40 contestant slots, and we are seeking handmade costumes. There is a $13 fee to apply this year, which supports this fabulous event.
- Check In for pre-registered contestants will be available from 10:45 – 11:15 AM Sunday morning at the Fairfax & Clinton entrance of the market (by the Valet Lot). Find the Dog Contest Check-In Booth to receive free valet parking stamp and contest card.
HOST / MASTER OF CEREMONIES:
PICKLE IS BACK AS THE HOST FOR 2026!
Pickle is the Drag Laureate of the City of West Hollywood and the executive director of Drag Arts Lab, an organization focused on expanding and elevating the art of drag in
LA County. Pickle will also be performing her latest hit, “A T-Rex Ate My Homework”.
Estimated 2026 Timeline:
Market Opens – 10AM – Participants will be on the VIP&D guest list for free entry on 10/25
10:30-11:15AM – Contestant Check-in by the Fairfax Entrance (Enter on Fairfax and Clinton)
11:30-11:50AM – Dog Parade 🐕 Through The Market led by Pickle!
12:00 PM – Event Kickoff with Pickle! Kick off the show with Pickle’s performance of “A T-Rex Ate My Homework,” then an introduction to the contest.
12:00-1PM – Dogwalk 🐕 Runway Stage Show on the Greenway Main Stage
1PM-1:25PM – Judges Deliberate + Special Performances:
– Enjoy a Performance by Greenway Institute for the Arts Students
– Learn About the Upcoming Production at Greenway Court Theatre
1:30PM – Announcement of the Winners
1:30-2PM – Prizes and Goodie Bags Distributed
2-3:30PM – SuperGOODthings – Live Music Set
3:45-4:30PM – LITTLY Outdoor Library & Author Talk
CONTEST CATEGORIES
Best Float
Best Human/Dog Duo
Best In Show
Patrick Weinbrecht Community Favorite
Dogue CoverDog Award
HOST / MASTER OF CEREMONIES:
PICKLE
Pickle is the Drag Laureate of the City of West Hollywood and the executive director of Drag Arts Lab, an organization focused on expanding and elevating the art of drag in LA County. Pickle will also be performing on of her latest singles, “A T-Rex Ate My Homework!“
THE ESTEEMED PANEL OF JUDGES
Ronald Wilson
Hailing from the pageant world, designer Ronald Wilson is behind the luxury pet brand Rhinestone Master Creations, known for their sparkling bedazzled accessories for any dog or cat who desires a little shine. A longtime Melrose Trading Post vendor, Ronald has served as judge every year since the contest’s inception in 2022.
Blake Anderson
Blake Anderson is a Los Angeles-based creator and filmmaker behind @fadetoblake, where he shares automotive, travel, and everyday life content. He’s usually joined by his Australian Shepherd, Henry, who has become a regular part of the page.
Ann Catherine Close-Farley
Ann Closs-Farley (Costume Designer) has been designing in LA for over 35 years. Some credits include: The Pee-wee Herman Show (Stephen Sondheim Theatre, Broadway), Bring The Rythm (Tokyo Disneyland), Evening Without Monty Python (The Town Hall, NY), Toy Story The Musical (Disney), and What About Dick? (Netflix), The Bourne Stuntacular (Universal Studios), Finn: The Musical (Kennedy Center), Twelfth Night (Guthrie Theater), The Bourne Stuntacular (Universal), Eye of the Storm (Shanghai Disney), Rise of the Ocean Princess (Vin Pearl Harbor, Vietnam), Annapurna (Acorn Theatre, NY), A Christmas Karen (FilmRise), and many more. Closs-Farley is also a long-time member of The Actors’ Gang and evidEnce Room LA theater companies. www.annclossfarley.com
VFRESH – Runway DJ
ADOPTION FAIR!
As we celebrate our dogs on Sunday, we also hope to help more great dogs get adopted with the help Loved Again Pets.
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR NON PROFIT PARTNER
Loved Again Pets – R22
Loved Again Pets is a 501c(3) all-volunteer animal rescue organization in Lane County, Oregon and the Greater Los Angeles area in Southern California. Loved Again Pets rescues dogs that many people would assume are unadoptable due to age, medical situation, or skittishness and transforms them into dogs that are routinely adopted into loving, permanent homes. They also provide long-term foster care for those dogs who are not adoptable and, when necessary, provide hospice care for dogs to spend their last days in a loving home environment.