Hosted by the Esplanade Association, the annual fundraiser supports the nonprofit’s year-round park care and free public programming. This year’s celebration includes a professionally timed 5K, a 1.5-mile community walk and festivities running through 12:30 p.m.
A new Halloween outing for Boston dogs
Making its debut, the Paws & Pumpkins Parade invites dogs and their humans to show off their Halloween costumes.
The parade gathering begins at 9:45 a.m., followed by costume awards at 10:30 a.m. Categories include most creative, scariest, funniest, and best dog-and-owner duo. Participation carries a suggested $15 donation, but is free to enter.
Visitors can also enjoy food, music, giveaways, entertainment and family-friendly activities while meeting local community partners.
Run, walk and support the Esplanade
The morning begins with registration at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. Advance race registration costs $35. Find the full schedule of events here.
Walkers can take a more leisurely route along the waterfront, with strollers and leashed dogs welcome. Dogs and strollers cannot join the timed run.
Organizers list different walk start times: 10:15 a.m. on the registration page and 10:30 a.m. in the press release. Check your confirmation before arriving.
“This is the only 5K held in the park that directly supports its care,” said Esplanade Association Executive Director Jen Mergel.
How to attend
Head to Fiedler Field on the Charles River Esplanade, next to the Night Shift Esplanade. Walk registration costs $35.
Register through the Fall Fest event page, which also provides schedule updates and participation details. Festivities wrap up at 12:30 p.m., leaving plenty of Sunday afternoon to explore Boston.
