Every October, before Tennyson Street Fall Fest officially begins, another tradition brings North Denver together. Hundreds of pet lovers gather with dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens—and even the occasional pig—for the Denver Nook Pet Parade, an event that has become one of the neighborhood’s most anticipated annual celebrations.
Now in its ninth year, the parade has grown from a small gathering into the official kickoff to Tennyson Street Fall Fest while raising funds for Colorado Pet Pantry.
For Denver Nook’s Broker Owner Liz Rossof, the idea started with a simple question.
There was already this longstanding event on Tennyson called Trick or Treat Street,” Rossof said. “Kids came to flaunt their halloween costumes get candy at the retail shops, and I remember thinking, ‘What about the pet parents?’”
Armed with a handful of flyers and an idea for a costume contest, Rossof organized the first event. About 40 people attended. Today, the parade welcomes more than 400 registered participants, along with thousands of spectators who line the streets to cheer on creatively costumed pets.
It’s become a widely anticipated community event,” Rossof said. “I start planning for next year’s Parade about two days after it ends. It’s my favorite day of the year!”
Participants have dressed their pets as everything from South Park characters and Casa Bonita divers to members of the Addams Family and circus performers. “We’ve had pigs, chickens, rabbits, ferrets, birds—even a cat won the grand prize one year,” Rossof said. “Our community is unbelievably creative.”
Each year, Rossof introduces something new. This year, she is partnering with the Mexican Cultural Center to create a Día de los Muertos altar honoring pets who have passed away. That celebration will be October 27th in the same park where the Pet Parade holds the award ceremony, at 41st and Tennyson St.
“I get emails from families telling me their pet has passed and thanking me for the memories they made at the parade,” Rossof said. “It felt like such a beautiful opportunity to celebrate our beloved pets while also sharing an important piece of Mexican heritage.”
Beyond the costumes and festivities, the parade serves a larger purpose by raising funds for Colorado Pet Pantry, helping families keep their beloved pets during times of financial hardship.
Registration is now open for the October 17 Denver Nook Pet Parade. Whether you bring a pet in costume, participate in the online fundraising contest, or simply come to cheer on your neighbors, you’ll be part of a tradition that celebrates creativity, community and the special bond between people and their pets.
To register visit https://www.denvernook.com/petparade2026.
“We’ve had pigs, chickens, rabbits, ferrets, birds—even a cat won the grand prize one year.”