Checked October 2026 · Sources: Hillsborough County, National Park Service (NPS), American Kennel Club (AKC)
Florida has three dog events worth putting on the calendar between Halloween and mid-December: a free costume contest at a county dog park, an evening of dog programs at a national park, and the biggest dog show weekend of the year. Details below are from each organizer’s official listing. Check the listing again before you go, since times can change with the weather.
Oct. 31: Paws in the Park costume contest, Apollo Beach
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Where | Apollo Beach Dog Park (meet in the dog park area), Hillsborough County |
| When | Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to noon (costume photos taken during this window) |
| Cost | Free |
| Prizes | First, second and third place for costumed dogs |
| Rules | Dogs on a 6-foot non-retractable leash, well behaved; owners pick up after them |
| Contact | Hillsborough County, (813) 981-4201 |
The county notes the event may be canceled for weather with no rain date, and participants under 18 need an adult. Bring water for you and your dog. County event listing.
Nov. 21: Bark After Dark, Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park near Homestead is holding a free afternoon-into-evening celebration for dogs and their people at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center area, 9700 SW 328th Street, according to the NPS events listing.
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 1–4 p.m. | Miami-Dade Animal Services on site |
| 3–4 p.m. | Dog painting |
| 4–5 p.m. | Ranger-guided dog walk |
| 5:32 p.m. | Sunset |
| 6–7 p.m. | S’mores and treats |
The park is extending its hours for the event (until 8 p.m.). National park rules still apply: leash 6 feet or shorter, bag your dog’s waste, and keep dogs out of areas posted as closed to pets. Questions: (786) 335-3620. Biscayne National Park.
Dec. 11–13: AKC National Championship, Orlando
The AKC National Championship returns to the Orange County Convention Center (North/South Concourse) in Orlando. The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes are on Friday, Dec. 11, and the National Championship and the National Owner-Handled Series Finals run Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12–13. Championship Week also includes the AKC Agility Invitational, the Obedience Classic, the RACH (Rally) Invitational and a diving dogs attraction.
Can’t go? The AKC says coverage will be on AKC.tv and the AKC YouTube channel. Spectator tickets and the full broadcast schedule had not been posted in the press release; check the AKC National Championship page closer to the date. If you plan to go, check the AKC’s spectator rules before bringing your own dog.
Before you go
- Check each listing on the morning of the event for weather changes.
- Bring water and a collapsible bowl, waste bags and a 6-foot leash.
- Leave dogs who are nervous in crowds at home; costume contests and festivals are loud.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car while you check out a show or vendor booth.
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This article is general information for dog owners, not veterinary or legal advice. Event details can change. Follow the official source when it differs from this article.
Sources
- Hillsborough County: Paws in the Park, Oct. 31, 2026
- NPS events listing: Bark After Dark, Biscayne National Park, Nov. 21, 2026
- AKC: Entries open for the 26th AKC National Championship (Sept. 16, 2026)