Halloween Events in Amherst for Kids & Dogs!

Amherst Dog Park’s Halloween Pawty – Saturday, October 24, 2026

The annual Halloween dog costume “Pawty” is on for Saturday October 24 (rain date Sunday, October 25) from 2-4p.m. Bring your spooky and adorable dogs. We will have judges for the best dog costumes and the best dog/human duo for both little and big dogs. There will be prizes, raffles, food and lots of fun. This event is free to attend – suggested donation of $5. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Amherst Dog Park.

Volunteers are needed for this event. 

Please email the Amherst Dog Park or fill out this Volunteer Form.

About Amherst Dog Park:

The Amherst Massachusetts Dog Park is located on 1.5 acres of town-owned property along the southwest side of Old Belchertown Road, off Route 9. The Amherst Dog Park is open year-round, from dawn to dusk, and is free to all visitors. The park is ADA compliant. It is governed, run and maintained by volunteers, collectively called the Friends of the Amherst Dog Park.

Halloween Spooktacular – Sunday, October 25, 2026 

Get ready for a day full of fun and frights for the whole family! Amherst Recreation will be hosting their annual Halloween Spooktacular on Sunday, October 25 from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm. The event includes an exciting lineup of festive activities.

Downtown Trick-or-Treating 

The event will kick off with Downtown Trick-or-Treating from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in collaboration with the Amherst Business Improvement District. Participating businesses will be identified by flyers displayed at their locations. Pick up a free paper trick-or-treat bag and a list of participating businesses beginning Monday, October 19 at the Amherst Visitor Information Center (35 South Pleasant St) or the Amherst Recreation office, now located on the 2nd floor of Bangs Community Center (70 Boltwood Walk). 

Costume Parade 

Show off your creative costumes at the Costume Parade! Participants should gather at 1:00 pm, with the parade officially starting at 1:15 pm on the North Common. All ages are welcome to join in the fun.

Haunted House & Kids Carnival 

After the parade, the Halloween Spooktacular continues on the North Common from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with an afternoon full of festive fun! Enjoy Halloween-themed activities, including haunted-happening character encounters, a kids’ carnival, a photo booth, and not-so-scary story time with the Jones Library. This event is weather permitting. 

Partners and Sponsors

This event is made possible through the generous support of community partners and local businesses. This event is hosted by Amherst Recreation in partnership with the Jones Library and Amherst Business Improvement District. Sponsors include Miss Saigon (lead sponsor), Amherst Innovative Living, Encharter Insurance, and Atkins Farms Country Market. 

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Amherst Recreation Outreach Director Becky Demling at demlingb@amherstma.gov or 413-259-3151.