WCVB NewsCenter 5 anchor Rhondella Richardson will host the Downtown Boston Alliance's annual Doggone Halloween Pet Parade on Saturday, October 24, bringing together hundreds of pet lovers and their costumed companions in Downtown Crossing. The free event runs from noon to 3 p.m. and marks the 12th year of a neighborhood fall tradition.
According to WCVB, the parade features dogs in creative costumes, seasonal entertainment, and family-friendly activities meant to celebrate the spirit of Halloween. Richardson brings deep local pedigree to the hosting gig — as The Famous Info notes, the anchor joined WCVB in September 1996 and has spent more than a decade emceeing the Duckling Day parade in the Boston Public Garden, making her a familiar face at the city's signature civic gatherings.
This year's edition builds on serious momentum. The 11th annual parade in October 2025 hosted over 100 dogs and drew more than 1,000 spectators, per The Berkeley Beacon. That kind of turnout has turned a simple costume contest into a genuine neighborhood fixture.
Registration, Categories and Prizes
Advance registration for costumed dogs opened October 1 for five grand prize competition categories — Best Costume, Cutest Costume, Scariest Costume, Best Dog and Human Duo, and Best Dog and Child Duo — according to The Boston Calendar. One returning contestant reportedly began her dog's handmade costume two months before the event, while local social media dogfluencers and multi-year returning champions compete for sponsor-provided prize packages, the Beacon's reporting adds.
The parade takes place at Summer Street Plaza and Washington Street in Downtown Crossing. Beyond the runway itself, organizers have set up a dedicated POOCHAPALOOZA Zone this year, complete with a photo booth, face painting, free pet treats, and a pet-focused vendor village, per The Boston Calendar.
Who's Behind the Parade
The event is produced by the Downtown Boston Alliance, formerly known as the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District, which is dedicated to creating a vibrant, welcoming downtown and supports local businesses, enhances public spaces, and produces community events throughout the year, per WCVB.
A Halloween Gathering for Dogs
The Downtown Crossing parade brings dogs and their owners together for a Halloween celebration.
More information on registration and the day's schedule is available through the Downtown Boston Alliance's event page. For dog owners still deciding on a costume, the parade's five prize categories leave plenty of room for anything from spooky to downright adorable.
