Knoxville, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville will host its First Annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest and Parade at the John T. O’Connor Center. Pet owners can dress their furry friends in creative costumes for prizes, with a pet parade starting at noon. The event features a food truck and community resources, with an entry fee of $15 and sponsorship opportunities available.
Knoxville
The First Annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest and Parade for pets is set to take place at the John T. O’Connor Center in Knoxville on Friday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. This engaging event invites pet owners to dress their furry friends in creative costumes, offering them a chance to win prizes across multiple categories. An entry fee of $15 per pet will help support the center’s programs for older adults.
The highlight of the event is a pet parade that will commence at noon, where attendees can enjoy a colorful procession of costumed animals and their owners. A distinguished panel of celebrity judges will evaluate the pet costumes, adding an element of excitement to the festivities.
Along with the pet parade, attendees can indulge their appetites at a Ham ‘n Goodys food truck, which will be serving delicious food from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. A portion of the cookie sales from this food truck will go towards benefiting the John T. O’Connor Center.
In addition to the costume contest and parade, the event will feature community resources and pet vendors offering a variety of spooky fun for all participants. Local businesses are encouraged to get involved; new sponsors can secure promotional space for a $25 contribution. Presenting sponsors for this year’s event include Wisdom Insurance Network, River Dog Bakery, and Ham ‘n Goodys.
To ensure participation, pet owners interested in registering or inquiring about sponsorship opportunities can call 865-523-1135 or visit https://tinyurl.com/JTOHowlOWeen.
About John T. O’Connor Center
The John T. O’Connor Center is committed to serving Knox County residents aged 50 and older. The center offers a variety of essential services, including health services, fitness classes, recreational activities, and educational programs. The center operates on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and membership is free, although some classes may have a small fee.
Event Details
- Event: First Annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest and Parade
- Date: Friday, October 31
- Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Location: John T. O’Connor Center, 611 Winona Street, Knoxville
- Entry Fee: $15
- Pet Parade Start: Noon
- Food Truck Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sponsorship Fee: $25
- Contact Number: 865-523-1135
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Costume Contest and Parade |
| Date | October 31 |
| Time | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Location | John T. O’Connor Center |
| Entry Fee | $15 |
| Parade Start Time | Noon |
| Food Truck | Ham ‘n Goodys |
| Sponsorship Fee | $25 |
| Contact for Registration | 865-523-1135 |
FAQ Section
What is the First Annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest and Parade?
The First Annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest and Parade is an event for pet owners to dress their pets in costumes, featuring a parade and the chance to win prizes.
When is the event scheduled?
The event will take place on Friday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where will it be held?
The event is located at the John T. O’Connor Center, 611 Winona Street, Knoxville.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there is an entry fee of $15 per pet to participate in the contest.
What happens during the event?
Participants can dress up their pets for a chance to win prizes, enjoy a pet parade, and food from a local food truck. Additionally, community resources and pet vendors will be present.
What are the food truck hours?
The Ham ‘n Goodys food truck will be serving food from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How can I register or inquire about sponsorship opportunities?
You can call 865-523-1135 or visit https://tinyurl.com/JTOHowlOWeen.
What services does the John T. O’Connor Center provide?
The center provides health services, fitness classes, recreational activities, and educational programs for residents age 50 and older.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Knoxtntoday: Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest
- Knox News: Halloween Fun in Knoxville
- Knoxtntoday: Howloween Pooch Parade
- Knoxville Moms: Halloween Events
- Inside of Knoxville: Downtown Events Planner
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- Google Search: Halloween Events Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- Google News: Halloween Knoxville
- Google Search: Knoxville Pet Events
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
