Dog-O-Ween Returns to 4 Eastern Iowa Locations in 2026
Halloween isn't just for humans! Get your dog a costume and head to Dog-O-Ween at one of the participating Theisen's stores in Eastern Iowa this month!
READ MORE: Halloween 2026 Events in the Corridor & Cedar Valley [LIST]
How Does Dog-O-Ween Work?
Dog-O-Ween is an annual dog costume contest hosted by Theisen's Home Farm Auto, and there are two different competition categories to choose from. There's 'Dog Only,' which is where just dogs are judged for their costumes, and there's the 'Dog & Human' category, where the humans and dogs are dressed up and judged together. People go ALL-OUT for these competitions, so if you really want to win, you'll need to think outside the box!
Once you choose your category, you will be required to pay an entry fee of $10. 100% of those fees are donated to a local animal charity chosen by each store. And, just for entering, you'll receive a goodie bag provided by sponsors Greenies and Nulo, plus a $10-off-$30 Theisen's coupon to use that day!
After you're registered for Dog-O-Ween, you'll be given a number. Make sure you keep that number, because just before the competition starts, you'll be asked to lineup in numerical order. Then the parade of dogs can finally begin!
During the parade, each entrant will be introduced individually. When your name is called, all you have to do is walk across the room in front of a panel of judges. And... that's it! That's all you have to do! Just make sure you stick around for the rest of the contest so you can see if you're one of the big winners. Be sure to snap a photo at the photo booth, too!
What Can I Win?
In both categories, a first, second, and third place winner will be chosen by the panel of judges. Those winners will all receive Theisen's gift cards in varying amounts, as well as a trophy and a Nulo voucher.
When/Where is it Happening?
There are only eight Theisen's locations participating in Dog-O-Ween this year, five of which are in Iowa. Those five Iowa stores are:
- 1315 S Dayton Ave, Ames
- 1800 51st St NE, Cedar Rapids
- 100 Westcor Dr, Coralville
- 3808 Brady St, Davenport
- 2900 Dodge St, Dubuque
All of this year's Dog-O-Ween events will be held Sunday, October 25th. Registration begins at 1 p.m. and the contest kicks off at 3 p.m. It typically takes less than an hour to get through the competition, so your pup shouldn't have to keep their costume on for too long!
This year, I'll be hosting Dog-O-Ween in Coralville, and Brain will be hosting the one in Cedar Rapids. Make sure you stop by our station table to say hi, sign up to win a prize, and let us pet your dog!
Dog-O-Ween is one of our favorite events of the year, so we hope to see you there! For more information about the 2026 event, you can check out the official event page HERE.
READ MORE: A Long List of October 2026 Events Across Eastern Iowa
Theisen's Dog-O-Ween 2025
Gallery Credit: Courtlin
Iowans Show Off Their Adopted Pups on 'National Rescue Dog Day' 2026
Gallery Credit: Courtlin