Thursday, April 30, 2026

Paws, claws…and costumes: Coral Gables Library launches ‘Howloween’ pet photo contest

  • ARTS & LEISURE
A smiling Corgi wearing a black witch hat holds a small jack-o’-lantern candy pail in its mouth while surrounded by pumpkins and marigolds outdoors.
Dressed for tricks and treats, a Corgi poses in full witchy style—complete with jack-o’-lantern pail. (Photo by Shutterstock).

By Coral Gables Gazette staff

It’s officially spooky season in Coral Gables—and the city’s most charming costume contest isn’t just for kids.

The Coral Gables Branch Library is welcoming pet lovers of all ages to participate in its annual Howloween Pet Costume Photo Contest, where the ghosts, goblins, and ghouls arrive on four legs, with feathers, scales, or fur.

Beginning Wednesday, October 1, residents can submit a favorite photo of their pet dressed in costume to be displayed in the library’s Children’s Department. Entries will be accepted during normal operating hours through Thursday, October 31, and one lucky winner will be selected at random on Friday, November 1 to receive a pet-friendly grand prize.

How to enter—and who can participate

The contest is open to all pets—from dogs and cats to birds, reptiles, and even the less-traditional companions. All that’s needed is a photo that captures your animal’s Halloween spirit, whether spooky, sweet, or downright silly.

A costumed kitten channels Halloween magic in a witch hat and cauldron—just one example of the creativity expected at the Coral Gables Library’s Howloween Pet Photo Contest. (Photo by Shutterstock).

No digital uploads are required: simply bring a printed photo of your costumed pet to the branch anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The photo gallery will grow over the course of the month, creating a festive and lighthearted display that invites children and adults alike to stop, smile, and admire Coral Gables’ most photogenic creatures.

A whimsical tradition for all ages

The Howloween contest has become a lighthearted fall tradition at the library, offering families a chance to celebrate their pets and enjoy the season together. For young readers, the ever-growing display adds a dose of whimsy to every library visit, with superdogs, pumpkin kitties, and tiny lizards in wizard hats peeking out from the bulletin boards.

There is no cost to enter, and the contest is open to participants of all ages. Whether your pup poses as a pirate or your parrot doubles as Dracula, the event offers a fun and inclusive way to take part in the season.

Contest details and contact information

For more information, residents can contact the Coral Gables Branch Library at 305-442-8706 or email capleybr@mdpls.org. The branch is located at 3443 Segovia Street, with parking available onsite and nearby.

So dig out the doggie tiaras, dust off the cat capes, or craft a tiny superhero suit for your gecko—October in Coral Gables belongs to the pets.

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