2026 Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest

2026 Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest

Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 5pm to 7pm (winners announced at 6:45pm)
Location: WEC Exposition Center 2
Free Event

Get ready for a barking spooktacular time! The annual Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest returns to World Equestrian Center – Ocala from 5pm to 7pm in Exposition Center 2.

This free event is your chance to dress your dog in their Halloween best and compete for cash prizes, dog swag and more.  Line up to parade past the judges starting at 5pm, with winners announced live at 6:45pm.

The costume contest is only part of the fun.  Show off your dog's look, enjoy the play zones, strike a pose together at the photo booth or sit for a caricature with your dog. Vendors keep the paw-ty going with treats for pups, fall favorites for humans, and spooky sips from our cash bar.

No pup? No problem. Spectators are welcome, and no registration is required to attend.

Pre-registration for the costume contest is encouraged. Select the number of dogs you would like to enter in the costume contest, click “Register” and complete the checkout process. Walk-up participants will be accepted as space allows.

Costume ready? Leash in hand? Join us at Hocus Pawcus!

Please Note:

• Dogs must wear a collar with ID tags and remain leashed and attended at all times.


• Dogs must be current on all required vaccinations.


• Please refrain from bringing intact male dogs, female dogs in heat or puppies younger than 8 weeks.


• Owners are responsible for their dogs and any damages they may cause.


• Owners must clean up after their dogs. Doggy cleanup stations will be available throughout the center.


• Upon arrival, eligible participating dogs will be issued a registration number.

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If you have questions regarding this event, please reach out to: 
Kim Kent, Assistant Director of Special Events 
1390 NW 80th Ave Ocala, FL 34482 
Office: 352-414-7855 
Email:  [email protected] 
www.wec.net