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.