Forget Christmas in July, people are now going crazy for a new seasonal mash-up: Summerween!
If you simply can't wait until October to dive into all things spooky, then this holiday trend will put a smile on your face. The concept is simple—just start celebrating Halloween in the middle of summer. You can gather your ghoul-friends for a frightfully fun pool party or plan a creepy backyard barbecue for the whole family. And just think how fun it would be to embrace those classic scary fireside stories on your next summer camping trip. All you need are some Halloween decorations, mummy-wrapped hot dogs, and jack-o'-lantern watermelons to host your own Summerween party.
But where did this wacky trend come from and how can you embrace Halloween in the middle of a heat wave? Read on for everything you need to know about Summerween!
What Is Summerween?
The term "summerween" was first mentioned by Disney Channel's animated TV series called Gravity Falls back in 2012. Though it took a decade for the trend to catch on in real life, the show originally came up with the idea in season 1, episode 12 when people in the fictional town of Gravity Falls decided to celebrate Halloween twice a year because they loved the holiday so much.
Fast forward to summer 2024, and people on TikTok are coming up with the most creative Summerween parties we've ever seen!
What Day is Summerween?
In the original TV show, Summerween is celebrated on June 22, but many people are choosing to celebrate it all summer long. Since there's no official date for Summerween, you can take part in the Halloween-themed festivities any time you want! And now that stores, like Walmart and Michaels, are starting to release their latest Halloween collections earlier and earlier every year, you can even get a head start on your Halloween home décor.
How to Celebrate Summerween
Here's where the spooky summer fun begins! With Summerween quickly catching on as a trend, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to host friends and family over for a ghostly good time. Try these party-planning ideas—including decorations, food and drinks, and fun activities—to get into the Summerween spirit:
Carve a Jack-O'-Melon
In the same way that you would carve a pumpkin, try carving a watermelon instead. It's actually easier to scoop out the insides—and you can snack on it, too! Watermelon recipes like melon spritzers, salsa, and fruit salad are all refreshing on a hot day.
Play Halloween-Themed Games
A spooky spider ring toss, creepy eyeball spoon relay races, and piñatas filled with Halloween candy! There are tons of outdoor games to keep the whole family entertained.
Decorate for Summerween
Whether you're hosting around your front porch or poolside out back, you can add Halloween touches to your outdoor space. Mix classic orange and black decorations with summery touches like cute tropical-inspired skeletons, Halloween pool floats, and pink or floral pumpkin décor.
Serve a Buffet of Summerween Food
Don't wait until October to make these fun Halloween food ideas. Get started with summer recipes that have a Halloween theme like mummy-wrapped hot dogs and grilled burgers topped with pumpkin-shaped cheese slices. Or make a picnic with pumpkin hummus and crudités and Halloween deviled eggs. Plus, there's never a wrong time for making Halloween desserts!
Sip Refreshing Summerween Drinks
Cool down on a hot day with a frozen pumpkin smoothie or a pumpkin pie milkshake. You can also try a boozy iced pitcher drink like apple cider sangria or a round of Dark and Stormy cocktails for the grownup ghouls in attendance.
Tell Scary Stories
Gather everyone around the campfire for a night of scary stories. You'll want to whip up a batch of s'mores for this one!
Have a Halloween Movie Night
When night falls, set up an outdoor movie night in your backyard. (If it's just too hot out, you can always take advantage of the air conditioning by moving the party inside!) Either way, curl up and watch your favorite Halloween movie. Don't forget the snacks like popcorn, candy, and Halloween chex mix!
Dress Up in Costumes
Can't decide on just one Halloween costume? Now's your chance to dress up twice! Pick a Summerween costume now, then try something different come October. You can even make it a competition to see if anyone accurately predicts 2024's most popular costume of the year.
Shop Summerween Party Essentials
Flocked Hanging Skeleton
Spooky Ghoul Summer Cute Ghost Shirt
Halloween Party Backdrop Pastel Banner
Pumpkin Piñata
Pink Halloween Ghost Paper Straws
Kara Zauberman is the Senior Editor of Content Strategy at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, lifestyle, news, and more. When she’s not writing and editing, you can find her seeking out new restaurants or cooking for friends and family.
