The Day of the Dog, billed by the organizers as "North America’s Largest Dog Festival", returned to Santa Monica on Sunday, October 18.
The afternoon was hot and the street was packed. Dogs cooled off in a snow play area and lapped up ice-cold Pawp Water from the can (a hydration drink for dogs), while vendors sold treats, clothing and accessories to canines and humans alike.
This year, doggie crocs and elaborate custom flotillas (or dog strollers) were in.
Scroll through the photos below and decide for yourself: who was top dog?
The pawstumes
No. 1: A dog dressed as "Dogzilla" reigns terror on an intricate flotilla model of Los Angeles. (Photo by Gabe Kaplan)
Nos. 2-4: (from left to right) A dog in fairy wings and a pink tutu; a dog in a pink cowboy hat and gingham shirt; and a dog in pink ski goggles, a ghost-print bandana and pink doggie crocs. (Photos by Gabe Kaplan)
No. 5: A dog dressed as an ear of corn rides in an elote cart labeled "Ramon's" (Photo by Gabe Kaplan)
Nos. 6-8: (from left to right) A poodle-giraffe; a Chihuahua in a Superman costume; and a "Beauty and the Beast" pair. (Photos by Gabe Kaplan)
No. 9: The head of "Dino Fusilli" operates a rusted robot dog, beside a human in a matching robot suit. (Photo by Gabe Kaplan)
No. 10: Two terriers dressed as woodland fairies ride in a stroller adorned with ferns, white flowers, and grass shoots. (Photo by Gabe Kaplan)
No. 11: A white shepherd dressed as Chucky, lies beside No. 12: a brown labradoodle dressed as a peeled banana and wearing pink crocs. (Photo by Gabe Kaplan)
Beyond the costume contest, festival-goers could participate in events including competitive dog races, a pool party with lifeguards and a DJ, a snow play area, dog yoga, and a beer garden raising money for the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation.
The block also hosted more than 100 pet exhibitors, a farmers market, live music, and a collection of classic cars.
The free festival ran from noon to 5 p.m. on Main Street and is a fundraiser for the Just Love Animals Society, a nonprofit animal welfare group.
Day of the Dog shared the street with the Main Street Block Party, which the Main Street Business Improvement Association billed as the city's last street festival of 2026.