Halloween on Central Dog Races 2026
Sunday, October 25, 2026 · 12–5 PM
Dog races: 1 PM to about 3 PM · Costume parade: 4 PM
Dog Bar St. Pete
2300 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
The races and parade take place in the street outside Dog Bar.
We’re spending another Halloween on Central with our neighbors, and we’d love to see you and your dog out here. This is our sixth year partnering with the Grand Central District. We’ll have a fenced race track in the street, a costume parade, dog trick-or-treating, DJ Robin, and Jell-O shots supporting the rescue.
Before 1 PM: Dogs are welcome to try a practice run at the track.
1 PM to about 3 PM: Small Dog Races, with the finals around 3 PM.
4 PM: Meet at the track for the free costume parade.
Come watch a few races, wander Central, and come back for the parade.
How the dog races work
We have four race categories this year: Dachshund, Chihuahua, Corgi (new this year), and Open Breed for any dog under 30 pounds.
Your dog doesn’t need racing experience. We expect a few very determined runners and a few dogs who stop to look around.
The races take place in a temporary fenced track in the street outside Dog Bar. Dogs run in heats of four, matched as closely as possible by breed, age, and weight.
The winner and runner-up from each heat move to the semifinal. The winners and runners-up from the semifinals then race in the final around 3 PM. There will be prizes and medals for the winners.
Practice runs are welcome before 1 PM. Please check in at the race tent at least 10 minutes before your heat.
Register your racer
Use the form below to register your dog for the races.
Online registration closes Thursday, Oct 22. After that, you can sign up at the track before 1 PM on event day.
Race registration is separate from Dog Bar registration. If you’re planning to visit inside Dog Bar or use the off-leash yard, please read the entry requirements below.
Meet us at the track at 4 PM
Our costume parade starts at 4 PM. It’s free, and there’s no signup—just meet us at the race track with your dog.
Categories include Best Ensemble, Most Creative, and Funniest. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to coordinate your outfit with your dog’s, this is a pretty good one.
All ages and all dogs are welcome in the street. Please keep dogs leashed outside the race area.
The races help dogs find homes
This year’s races benefit Skyway Dachshund Rescue—and Corgis and Friends.
100% of race entries, raffles, and Jell-O shot sales go to the rescue.
Skyway is an all-volunteer, foster-based 501(c)(3). They’ve rehomed more than 500 dogs over more than 15 years. When you enter your dog, buy a raffle ticket, or purchase a Jell-O shot, you’re helping support that work.
In the street
The races, costume parade, dog trick-or-treating, and DJ in the street welcome all ages and all dogs.
There is no spay or neuter requirement for the street activities.
Dogs must stay leashed outside the race area.
Inside Dog Bar and the off-leash yard
Humans must be 21 or older.
Dogs must be spayed or neutered and have current vaccinations.
First-time visitors must register their dog with Dog Bar before coming inside or using the yard. Race registration does not replace Dog Bar registration.
Buses and parking
PSTA is Halloween on Central’s official transportation provider. Its fixed-route buses are fare-free on October 25.
The SunRunner connects St. Pete Beach and Downtown, running about every 15 minutes at peak times. Service continues until midnight.
Bringing your dog on the SunRunner? Pets must stay inside a secure, hand-held container or carrier for the entire ride. A pet that cannot fit inside a closed carrier cannot ride loose or on a leash. Trained service animals are permitted without a carrier.
Please plan your ride around your dog as well as your schedule.
Driving over? Check the “Where to Park” section on the Grand Central District’s event page for parking maps and details. Central Avenue will be closed to cars for the festival, so allow time to park and walk over to Dog Bar.
There’s a whole street festival around us
Halloween on Central is St. Pete’s largest street festival, with 22 blocks of Central Avenue closed to cars. On Sunday, October 25, from noon to 5 PM, the street will be filled with costumes, candy, vendors, music, and family zones.
Dog Bar’s races and parade are part of the day. Come spend some time with us, then walk the neighborhood and see what everyone else has planned.
A few things you might be wondering
Yes. The Open Breed category welcomes any dog under 30 pounds.
Practice runs are welcome before 1 PM so you can see how your dog feels about the track. If they’re uncomfortable, please don’t push them. You can enjoy watching together.
The street activities welcome all ages. You must be 21 or older to enter Dog Bar or the off-leash yard, where the separate dog entry requirements also apply.
Yes, attending Halloween on Central is free, and the costume parade is free with no signup. Race entries, raffle tickets, and Jell-O shots are paid separately and support Skyway Dachshund Rescue.
Use the parking maps and details in the “Where to Park” section of the Grand Central District’s event page. The Parking & Buses button above takes you there. PSTA’s fixed-route buses are also fare-free on October 25.
There are prizes and medals for the winners. The finals take place around 3 PM.
Yes. Online registration closes [DATE]. After that, sign up at the track before 1 PM. Check in at the race tent at least 10 minutes before your heat.
Race registration is separate. Inside Dog Bar and the off-leash yard, humans must be 21+, dogs must be spayed or neutered with current vaccinations, and first-time visitors must register their dog with us. Use the Register Your Dog with Dog Bar button in the rules section.
Still have a question? Give us a call at (727) 317-4968. We’ll help you figure it out.