Press Release: Costumed canines, a Puppy Parade, and a Haunted Spelling Bee(r) bring Halloween fun to Downtown
Downtown Albany is gearing up for two Halloween-themed events this October, starting with a festive canine takeover on Saturday, October 18, Hounds of Halloween, followed by a scary fun spelling competition on Friday, October 24, our brand new Haunted Spelling Bee.
Hounds of Halloween invites registered pups and their humans to trick-or-treat at participating Downtown businesses, compete in a Canine Costume Contest, and enjoy Yappy Hour specials at local bars and restaurants.
This year’s event brings something brand new: the first-ever Downtown Puppy Parade, free for spectators to enjoy. Beginning at 3:30 PM, costumed canines and their companions will strut around Clinton Market Collective, making for one of the cutest Halloween spectacles in the Capital Region.
Tickets for participating dogs are $20 in advance at downtownalbany.org/houndsofhalloween or $25 day-of, available at Quackenbush Square. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Each registered pup receives:
- Entry into the Puppy Parade and Canine Costume Contest
- An official trick-or-treat map with all participating stops
- An exclusive Hounds of Halloween tote bag
- Access to Yappy Hour specials at participating bars and restaurants
Costume contest winners will be chosen through both public voting on Facebook and a Judge’s Choice selection, with prizes including Downtown Albany Gift Cards and tickets to next year’s event.
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025
12:00 PM | Check-in and day-of registration at The Olde English Pub & Pantry's dog-friendly patio
12:00 PM-4:00 PM | Hounds of Halloween trick-or-treating & Canine Costume Contest
3:00 PM I Puppy Parade at Clinton Market Collective (step off at 3:30 PM)
4:00 PM-6:00 PM | Yappy Hour at participating bars & restaurants
Day-of registration & photos: Quackenbush Square, next to The Olde English Pub & Pantry (683 Broadway)
New Event: The Haunted Spelling Bee(r)
The Halloween fun doesn’t stop with Hounds of Halloween. The Downtown Albany BID is also launching a brand-new event: The Haunted Spelling Bee(r).
The competition takes place on Friday, October 24, from 6:30 PM–8:30 PM at Clinton Market Collective (11 Clinton Ave). Hosted by comedian El Kennedy and Downtown Albany BID’s own Jevan Dollard, this frightfully fun spelling showdown dares competitors to test their skills for a chance at scary good prizes, including $50 cash and a gift from Common Roots Brewing for the champion.
Registration is $5 (competitors only; spectators free), with just 13 slots available. Runners-up will also win prizes.
Food and drink will be available for purchase from Wizard Burger and Common Roots Brewing Albany Outpost. Guests 21+ must present a valid ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.
For full details and registration links for both events, visit:
downtownalbany.org/houndsofhalloween
downtownalbany.org/spellingbee
