Grass Valley, CA – The streets of downtown Grass Valley are about to go to the dogs, again—literally! On Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 3:00 PM, the community will gather for the 12th Annual Howl-o-Ween Dog Mob Parade presented by PAWS’itive Pals Dog Training and The City of Grass Valley.

Crowd of people and dogs, some in costumes, gathered outside Thirsty Bird storefront on a sunny street

This free family event that celebrates creativity, community spirit, and of course, our four-legged companions. What began in 2014 with just 14 dogs has grown into one of Nevada County’s most beloved traditions, with a record-breaking 600+ dogs in attendance in 2023.

This year, organizers are aiming for 1,000 dogs (and their humans) to flood the streets in costume for a spooktacular afternoon filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Woman in a tattered gray ghost costume with a white wig, posing arms outstretched next to a small dog wearing a wheelchair cart, in a bar decorated with fake spiderwebs
Child dressed as a bee in yellow and black striped costume with antenna headband, wings, and round glasses, standing beside a dog

Rain or Shine we show the community spirit. The shopkeepers are excited to welcome you in for those seasonal gifts and join to watch the parade—and the prize baskets for the contest include so many gifts from businesses including Yuba Blue, GoodTimes, Mom’s and Minis, and so many more.

Shop Local and Have Fun.

Dog Costume Parade & Contest Registration is open 10.1.26 through 10.21.26: Categories include Most Grass Valley, Dolly Pawton, Clever/Witty/Funny, and the Judges Choice.

12th Annual Grass Valley Howloween Dog Mob Costume Parade, Sunday, October 25, 2026, 3:00-4:30 PM, meet at El Barrio Market, 309 Neal St, Grass Valley CA. Dogs, costumes, downtown fun

Families can enjoy plaza seating, shop local, and capture memories at themed photo spots. We encourage everyone to come and watch the show.

Community Turnout: There is ample seating on the Mill Street Plaza, but you can pack your own chair to ensure you are comfortable for the event. There are some added features you won’t want to miss.

Volunteers: Do you want to help make this event even more paw-tastic? We are in need of 10 community members to support our parade behind the scenes.

Event organizer Lauren Hayes of PAWS’itive Pals Dog Training shares, “I am so excited to sit with the judges this year, and see each costume. I have missed so many while participating, I can’t wait to see the community’s joy as a spectator. Now it’s hundreds of dogs, thousands of smiles, and the entire Mill Street Plaza buzzing with joy.”

The parade kicks off at El Barrio Market (Downtown Grass Valley) and runs from 3:00 – 4:30 PM. All well-behaved dogs and their humans are welcome to join.