Great PUPkin Contest Draws Thousands to Brooklyn Park
The 28th annual dog costume contest featured over 100 participants to raise funds for local park improvements.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Dogs
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The Fort Greene Park Users and Pets Society hosted its 28th Great PUPkin dog costume contest in Brooklyn. Approximately 5,000 spectators gathered at Fort Greene Park to watch more than 100 dogs compete for the top prize.
Why it matters
The annual event directly supports the advocacy mission of the Fort Greene Park Users and Pets Society. These efforts ensure the park remains a functional space for off-leash exercise and community engagement.
The event raised more than $7,000 for the organization while hosting over 100 canine competitors. Attendance reached approximately 5,000 spectators at the park.
The players
Fort Greene Park Users and Pets Society
This local organization advocates for canine access to park facilities and promotes safe off-leash exercise areas in Brooklyn.
The details
A panel of four judges evaluated the canine costumes, crowning The Pawsteige: Transported Dog as the first-place winner. Where's Woof took second place, and The Dogyssey placed third in the competition.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: The Great PUPkin dog costume contest took place at Fort Greene Park.
Culture Shift
The event follows the pattern set by the rise of community-funded urban park maintenance models, where local groups fill budget gaps to preserve shared public spaces. This reflects a broader shift toward civic involvement in maintaining urban environments through local event-based fundraising.
Residents can expect improved park facilities and maintained off-leash areas following the significant funds raised during the event. Participants and spectators should note that this annual competition has become a fixture for pet owners in the Brooklyn area.
The takeaway
Community-led events like the Great PUPkin provide vital financial resources for neighborhood parks while fostering social connections among local pet owners. Organizing similar local pet gatherings can serve as an effective strategy for funding grassroots park improvements.
Further reading
Learn more about local pet activities and community events in our Dogs section.
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