By Matt Testa
Associate Broker | Atlantic & Alpine Realty | EXP Realty

A corgi dressed as a stick of butter. A lion with an ocean view. Two leopard-print pups with their own security detail. Ogunquit really knows how to do Halloween!

Halloween is one of my favorite times of year on the Maine coast, and this year's Dogtoberfest is a pretty good example of why. I filmed the reel below in Ogunquit, and there was no shortage of costume inspiration. The dogs brought the personality. Their people brought some seriously creative outfits.

A little butter, a lot of personality.

Watch our Dogtoberfest reel from Ogunquit

Hit play for a little of the fun from Dogtoberfest 2026, then tell me who gets your vote. The butter costume makes a strong case, but I'm not sure I could pick just one!

Watch the Dogtoberfest reel and join the conversation on Facebook.

A whole weekend of Halloween fun in Ogunquit

Dogtoberfest is part of the bigger OgunquitFest celebration. The Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce's 2026 festival was October 23 through 25, with a weekend program that brought together costumes, crafts, music and some very Maine settings.

The official 2026 schedule placed the Dogtoberfest Costume Parade at the entrance to Main Beach on Saturday, October 24. The weekend also included downtown trick-or-treating, a children's costume parade in Perkins Cove, the classic car show at Main Beach and an artisan craft fair at the Dunaway Center and Dorothea Jacobs Grant Common. Sunday's High Heel Dash in Perkins Cove supported the Frannie Peabody Center.

This is why I love Ogunquit in October. You can spend the afternoon enjoying the costumes, wander through the shops and still find time for a walk by the water. Add a stop for something warm and you've got a pretty great fall day. If you usually visit in the summer, put a Halloween weekend on your list.

Why I like this side of the Maine coast

Summer gets plenty of attention here, and for good reason. But I love seeing Ogunquit have this much fun in the fall. The costumes, the dogs and the people willing to go all in are such a great reminder of the personality this little coastal town has.

It's also the kind of afternoon I'd encourage anyone considering a home here to experience. Take a break from the listings and spend some time in town. Find the places you like, meet a few people and see what you'd want to come back for. For me, weekends like this are a big part of the appeal.

If you're curious about a home on the coast, you can explore homes from Kittery to the Kennebunks or get in touch with me at Atlantic & Alpine. I'm happy to help you think through the location and lifestyle along with the property itself.

For now, enjoy the dogs. Happy Halloween from Atlantic & Alpine! Head over to the reel on Facebook and let me know your favorite costume.

Planning a future visit? Check the Chamber's current event information before making plans; dates, activities and locations can change.

Connect with Matt Testa

Matt Testa
Associate Broker
Atlantic & Alpine Realty | EXP Realty

Mobile: 508-562-0230
Email: matt@teamsyrene.com
More about Matt