Jamaica Plain’s furry friends brought their Halloween A-game this year for the 22nd running of the JP Canine Costume Parade. Held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the neighborhood staple enjoyed perfect weather and an unprecedented turnout, with a record-breaking 120 dogs strutting their stuff down the red carpet. Thanks to the community’s generous donations and entry fees, the festive procession raised a fantastic $1,480 to benefit Shultz’s Guest House, a dog rescue based in Dedham, Massachusetts.
Blue Frog Bakery owner Brad Brown served as the energetic MC for the red carpet, guiding the four-legged contestants past an esteemed panel of local judges. District 6 City Councilor Ben Weber, Cathy McCarthy of TCB – The Cooperative Bank, and Dan Bernblum, owner of The Mindful Mutt, had the delightful but difficult task of picking the top pups from the massive crowd.
Taking home the coveted first-place prize was a brilliantly creative costume inspired by “The Odyssey.” Second place went to a spooky nod to “The Exorcist,” while a dashing “Robin Hood” trotted away with third. All of the top dogs were rewarded with a giant dog biscuit courtesy of Blue Frog Bakery, alongside special prizes and treats from Polkadog Bakery.
This beloved local tradition wouldn’t be possible without a massive community effort. Special thanks go out to the event’s sponsors: TCB – The Cooperative Bank, The Mindful Mutt, Happy Tails Market, and First Church Jamaica Plain. The parade organizers also extend their deep gratitude to the E-13 Police Precinct for the police escort, the Loring Greenough House and First Baptist Church for sharing their beautiful lawns, and DJ Soul Kore and JP Honk for keeping the music lively. Finally, a huge round of applause goes to all the wonderful neighborhood volunteers who ensured the record-breaking day ran smoothly.
Irina Rojas and Danny Shapiro with Archie and Monty show off their love for the “Game Of Bones”.
Tad and Marnie with their Boston sports dogs Leroy and Davy Jones.Audience members congratulate canines after their red carpet walk.Lauren, Emma, and SnugsGillian, Sarah, and Shannon with Bean and ArfurYou can follow three adventures of Jaryn Finch and Aynu on Instagram with @AmyuTheFrenchie.Meg attempts to tame her “lion” Oakley.Jess, Eric, and Tim with Winnie show off their presentation of The Odyssey.Ella and Noah with Leo show their love for this year’s Project Hall Mary movie.Deb and Arlo with Snacks enjoy representing the weather.Judges Boston City Councilor Ben Weber, Cathy McCarthy from TCB, Dan Bernblun Mindful Mutt, and Ginger Brown from JP Centre South Main Streets present the 1st Place prize to Jess, Eric, and Tim with Winnie for their homage to The Odyssey.Judges Boston City Councilor Ben Weber, Cathy McCarthy from TCB, Dan Bernblun Mindful Mutt, and Ginger Brown from JP Centre South Main Streets present the 3rd Place prize to Trevor, Danielle, and Charlie for their portrayal of Robin Hood.Gomer with his human Paulette, to portray the Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka.The Henderson Family with Tucker celebrate their love for Dunkin Donuts.Sophie Canon helps promote The Barking Puppy by Lori Lobenstine. Sophie is the main character in the book.Luna and Dobby got over their embarrassment showing up both as Cookie Monsters for the red carpet walk.Paula and Nathalie with Nino 80s AerobicsRoxana with Chuchi and Frida present a sad reality of pet stewardship.Rafael, 8 Ball, and Rosie, Sweet 15, with humans Jackie and Joan.Callie is just a little bowling ball hanging out with her “pin” friends.Celebrating the 70s horror classic The Exorcist, Debbie is compelled/saved by Fuzz. They Erin 2nd Place but weren’t available to claim their prize.Bubba is not ashamed that he is the the “Fart Factory”.Canine fans line the red carpet for the fashion show.Tollie and Margo relax before their red carpet walk.Cozy jumps for a treat with humans Hannah and Meg.JP Honk provides music for the parade.Meaghan and Michaela Keenan with Poppy and Claire are “Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing/Sisters With Sisters”.Parade participants make their way to the Loring Greenough House.Taking a quick sandwich break at The Real Deal, Connor and Stella dine while Koda wants them to put the food in their “doggy bag”.The JP Dog Parade marches down Centre StreetParade participantsParade participantsParade participantsSpectators get to meet the stars of the parade as well as cheer them on.JP Honk leads the Dog Parade down Centre Street to the Loring Greenough House.
