🏆 Contests & Competitions
Think your pup has what it takes to sleigh the runway? 🎄
Show off your dog’s talents, tricks, and holiday spirit in one (or more!) of our Holiday Paws Downtown Block Pawty contests!
Some contests require an online submission before the event, and others can be entered in person on December 7.
All contests are free or low-cost, and a portion of proceeds benefit the Providence Animal Rescue League (PARL).
🐕 Best Trick Blitz
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM on the Main Stage
💻 Entry: Online submission required by Wednesday, December 3
💲 Fee: Free
Think your dog’s got talent? Show us their best move! From rollovers to moonwalks to holiday-themed tricks, we want to see what makes your pup shine.
How It Works:
Submit a short 30-second video of your pup performing their best trick.
Our judges will select 10 finalists to perform live on stage at 1:00 PM.
Finalists will be notified by Friday, December 5 with check-in details.
Judging Criteria: Creativity (40%), Teamwork (30%), Stage Presence (20%), Audience Reaction (10%).
🎁 Prizes for the top 3 finalists!
👗 Howl-iday Costume Runway Show
🕐 Time: 1:40 PM on the Main Stage
💲 Entry Fee: FREE
📋 Registration: Hybrid — 20–25 preregistered online + 10–15 day-of sign-ups (12:00–1:15 PM at the Info Tent)
It’s the most adorable runway in Rhode Island! From sequins to sweaters, bring your pup’s holiday best and strut the stage with host Mario Hilario.
How It Works:
Pre-register online or sign up on-site before 1:15 PM.
Check in 15 minutes before showtime.
Contestants will walk the runway by category.
Winners announced right after the show!
Award Categories:
🎅 Best Holiday Look – Classic festive style (Santa, elf, snowman, etc.)
🧑🤝🧑 Best Human + Pup Duo – Coordinated costumes for owner & dog
🐶 Funniest Sweater – Over-the-top or hilarious holiday looks
👨👩👧👦 Most Festive Group – Two or more dogs or families in a shared theme
🐾 Tiny but Mighty – Small breeds with big holiday energy
❄️ Winter Wonderland Wow – Glamorous, creative, or “wow factor” costumes
Judging Criteria: Creativity (40%), Theme Fit (30%), Presentation (20%), Audience Reaction (10%)
🏆 Winners in each category + one “Best in Show” grand prize!
Pro Tips:
✅ Arrive early and get in the lineup by category.
✅ Keep costumes comfortable & safe.
✅ Have fun — the jollier, the better!
🎤 Ho-Ho-Howl! Holiday Howling Contest
🕐 Time: 2:30 PM on the Main Stage
💻 Entry: Online submission required by Wednesday, December 3
💲 Fee: Free
Does your dog “sing” to Christmas music? 🎶 Send in a short clip and show us their vocal range!
How It Works:
Submit a 10–20 second video or audio clip of your dog howling to a song.
8–10 finalists will be invited to perform live at 2:30 PM.
Each pup gets a short moment on stage — we’ll play their chosen song snippet!
Judging Criteria: Musicality (40%), Personality (30%), Humor & Crowd Energy (30%).
🎤 Big applause = big points!
🍰 Pup Cup Eating Contest
🕐 Time: 3:00 PM on the Main Stage
💲 Entry Fee: Free
📋 Sign-Up: On-site starting at noon at the Info Tent
🥐 Sponsored by Ellie’s Bakery
A sweet showdown for pups with a serious sweet tooth!
Three rounds by size (Small, Medium, Large) — first dog to finish their pup-safe whipped treat wins.
How It Works:
Sign up early at the Info Tent (limit 30 total dogs).
Check in 5 minutes before your round.
Cheer loud for your favorites — and watch the cleanup get silly!
Prizes for winners in each size category. 🎁
❤️ Contest Reminders & Fine Print
All dogs must be friendly, leashed, and supervised at all times.
Positive reinforcement only — no punitive training tools or behavior.
Contest participation implies consent for photos/videos to be used for promotional purposes.
Event staff reserves the right to remove any participant for safety reasons.