More than 8,000 guests and their four-legged friends are expected to turn out Oct. 26 for Bridgeland's fifth annual Howl-O-Ween Fest. Animal performances, a canine fashion show and dozens of pet-oriented vendor booths will await guests at the event hosted by the master-planned community.

This year also features the inaugural Ruff Run—a 1-mile fun run that begins at 9 a.m. in Waterway Park. The kick-off event—which costs $25 to register online and $30 on-site—will benefit about 10 animal rescue groups.

"These donations will help them foster, rescue and adopt pets in need in the Houston area," said Lona Shipp, marketing manager for Bridgeland.

Prizes will also be given away for the best costumes—pet and owner—during the fun run portion of the event.

"Since it's the weekend before Halloween, we're urging people to get fun and creative and dress up in costumes," Shipp said.

Two new performing groups will make an appearance at the festival, including the Sundance Dog Team with dog trainer Kyra Sundance.

"She's an expert dog trainer and a fun-spirited person who teaches that anyone can teach their dog to do interesting and fun tricks," Shipp said. "The second [new] group is Mutts Gone Nuts, a dog comedy act with all rescue dogs. They've taught them to do some awesome tricks."

More than 10 food trucks will be on-site, including Bernie's Burger Bus, Coreanos, The Lunch Bag and Chi'lantro BBQ.

"We'll have more food trucks out at this event than we've ever had in the past, so there will be a large selection of cuisine," Shipp said.

The pet fashion show begins at 1 p.m., and prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants.

"We had great attendance last year, and the costumes were spectacular," Shipp said. "I think we'll have another great showing of creativity in the costumes this year."

In addition, the Foundry Church will host its fall festival during the event, featuring outdoor laser tag, bounce houses and train rides.

"Not many events in our area allow you to bring your dog, so people can bring the entire family and spend the day and have lunch and experience some of the fun activities we're offering and get a taste of life in Bridgeland for the afternoon," Shipp said.

Howl-O-Ween Fest lasts from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Oak Meadow Park in Bridgeland.