More Than 100 Dachshunds Took Over a Chicago Park for a 'Halloweenie' Party

Oz Park in Chicago became the setting for a very specific kind of Halloween gathering over the weekend. More than 100 dachshunds and their owners turned up in Lincoln Park for a 'Halloweenie' party tied to the fast-growing Chicago Doxie Club.

A Halloween party with one clear guest list

Chicago has no shortage of Halloween events, but this one came with a theme that was impossible to miss. More than 100 dachshunds and their owners gathered at Oz Park in Lincoln Park for a 'Halloweenie' party, creating a meetup built entirely around the famously low-slung breed.

What makes the event stand out is not just the number of dogs that showed up, but how focused the occasion was. This was not a general pet gathering with a few dachshunds mixed in. It was a turnout of wiener dogs and the people who brought them, all meeting in one of the city's parks for a social event that has grown out of a local club.

The party also reflected something bigger than a novelty meetup. Behind the crowd was a community that has been expanding through regular get-togethers, with owners returning not only for their dogs, but for the company around them as well.

From a handful of owners to a club of more than 100 members

The Chicago Doxie Club began with only a small number of dachshund fans about a year ago, according to founder Amanda Birch. Since then, it has grown into a group with more than 100 members who meet every week for weenie walks and other social activities.

Birch said the idea behind it is straightforward. The club gives people a fun way to meet, get outside, walk, and spend time in nature, without any cost attached. That mix appears to have helped the group catch on quickly.

She said the size of the meetup seemed to increase week by week, and that each gathering regularly included a large share of newcomers. In her telling, around half the group at a time could be new, which helps explain how something that started small turned into a major turnout at Oz Park.

That growth is a large part of what gives the Halloween gathering its interest. A niche club built around one breed could have stayed tiny. Instead, it has become a weekly destination for a growing circle of owners across the city.

The dogs are making friends, but so are the people

For members, the appeal goes beyond simply showing up with a dachshund. Jerry Moncada said the community Birch has created has been remarkable, and that it has helped his dog spend time around other dogs while also helping him be around more people.

That social element came up again in the way other members described the group. Rachel Nimtz said the club has led to happy hours and regular hangouts, and that during the summer members spent time on patios with their dogs. In her view, the result has been a shared community not just for the pets, but for the wider circles around them too, including girlfriends, boyfriends, fiances, husbands, and others connected to the group.

In other words, the weekly dachshund meetups have become more than a novelty walk. The dogs may be the reason everyone first shows up, but the club has also turned into a place where friendships form among the owners.

That helps explain why a 'Halloweenie' party in a Chicago park could draw more than 100 dachshunds. What started with a handful of wiener dog lovers has become a regular social fixture, one where the main attraction is still the dachshunds, but the staying power seems to come from the community growing around them.

Why dachshunds are such a crowd magnet

Dachshunds are one of the easiest dog breeds to recognise. They were originally bred for scent work and for going to ground, which helps explain their long bodies, short legs and bold, determined temperament. Many owners describe them as funny, confident and very attached to their people, which is a big reason they turn up so often in social media posts, themed meetups and costume events.

That distinctive body shape also comes with extra care needs. Dachshunds can be more prone to back strain than many other dogs, so owners are usually advised to avoid repeated jumping on and off furniture, rough handling and any costume or harness that restricts movement. If a dachshund seems reluctant to walk, cries when picked up or looks stiff after activity, that is usually a sign to stop and get advice from a vet.

What dog meetups and costume parties are actually for

Breed meetups are usually part social outing, part owner network. They give dogs a chance to sniff, walk and play in a controlled setting, while owners swap tips on training, grooming, health and local pet friendly places. For sociable dogs, these gatherings can be a good way to practise calm behaviour around other animals and people.

Costume themed events are mostly for fun, photos and fundraising, but comfort should come first. A good dog costume should be lightweight, non toxic, easy to remove and should not cover the eyes, nose, mouth or ears. If a dog freezes, scratches at the outfit, pants heavily or tries to hide, that usually means the costume is not worth it. Not every dog enjoys dressing up, and that is completely fine.

Useful tips before taking a dog to a big park event

Check the event rules in advance. Some parks and organised gatherings require leads, proof of routine vaccinations or limits on where dogs can go. Even where dogs are allowed off lead, reliable recall matters far more than enthusiasm.

Bring water, waste bags, a lead, treats and a simple towel in case the ground is muddy. For smaller dogs, keep an eye on larger, bouncy playmates and crowded photo spots. Watch body language closely. Loose wagging, soft eyes and brief play breaks are good signs. Staring, tucked tails, repeated lip licking, hiding behind legs or snapping are signs a dog needs space.

If a dog is young, nervous, recovering from injury or easily overwhelmed, a shorter visit at the edge of the action is often better than a long stay in the middle of the crowd.