Oh, those summer frights… You’ve heard of Christmas in July, but have you heard of Summerween? Who says we need to wait until the fall to celebrate the spookiest time of the year? Not us! Enter Summerween: a new, just-for-fun holiday that encourages people to celebrate Halloween early, and with a summery twist! Whether you’ve heard of Summerween already, or you’re a little in the dark, today’s post will bring you up to speed on this fun trend.
Halloween enthusiasts are going wild for Summerween across social media, sharing their creative ideas to mark the occasion. With retailers releasing their Halloween-themed products earlier and earlier in the year, we think the emergence of Summerween was pretty inevitable, and now stores are coming out with frightfully good summer-inspired Halloween designs. Think bikini-wearing skeletons, ghosts with sunglasses, and watermelon jack-o’-lanterns. So, move over hot girl summer, it’s time to make some room for hot ghoul summer!
The Origins of Summerween
The term ‘Summerween’ actually originated all the way back in 2012, and was coined by Gravity Falls, a cartoon on the Disney Channel. In the show, the residents of Gravity Falls celebrate Halloween twice a year, because they love it so much! While this episode came out over a decade ago and some viewers may have celebrated it since then, the trend itself only started truly popping off and making its way into the mainstream in 2024.
How to Celebrate Summerween
Now that you’re up-to-date on the beginnings of this unique celebration, you’re probably wondering how exactly to celebrate it. We’re here to share our favorite ideas for observing Summerween in 2025, and they’re all treats (no tricks)!
Carve Some Jack-o’-Melons
During Summerween in Gravity Falls, watermelons are carved instead of pumpkins – an activity that many have adopted for their real-life celebrations, too. Watermelons are easy to find in summer and are just as fun to carve! Plus, their leftovers will make an ideal refreshing snack for a hot summer’s day.
Watch a Scary Movie
This is a classic Halloween activity guaranteed to bring the boos! You could even set up your very own backyard theater and watch movies outdoors. Get comfortable, sit back, and relax as you watch some classic or brand-new scary movies. If you really want to stay on-theme, opt for scary movies that are set in summer such as Jaws (1975), IT (2017), Friday The 13th (1980), Sleepaway Camp (1983) or I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997).
Tell Fireside Tales
Summer’s milder nights make it the best time to tell fireside ghost stories! Gather around an outdoor firepit and try to spook your friends and family with your favorite scary stories. Make sure to offer up some blankets if it gets a little chilly, and illuminate your backyard or porch with some adorable Halloween fairy lights. This is also an excellent opportunity to cook some delicious s’mores!
Throw a Summerween Pool Party
Nothing says summer like a pool party! Decorate your pool area with some classic Halloween characters, living their best summer lives! Try to find some inflatable pumpkins you can place in the pool. Set up a skeleton decoration on a pool lounger, or make a ghost out of a sheet and put some sunglasses on them for a clever touch. It’ll be totally wicked!
Make Summerween-Inspired Food and Drinks
Every Summerween party needs some on-point refreshments! Mix up some summery cocktails or mocktails and add some candy eyeballs or bat-shaped ice cubes to make them more festive (oh, and don’t forget the little umbrellas). For snacks, focus on hydrating fresh fruits and charcuterie boards arranged into Halloween-themed displays, or traditional BBQ food for that sunny summer feeling!
Dress Up in Costumes
Summerween also is an excuse to dress up in your most fang-tastic attire! Whether you want to keep cool in a simple Summerween t-shirt, or would prefer to go all out with a full-on costume, the choice is yours. Add a summer vibe to any Halloween look by wearing some sunglasses, swimwear, or holding a beach ball in your hand! Don’t forget to snap some pics.
Summerween Party Supplies
Summerween is an occasion you can always observe solo, but if you’re throwing a big bash, don’t forget to grab a few more supplies! Send out special invitations to your guests, and opt for some Halloween-themed tableware to take your party to the next level!
Summerween Decorations
An important part of Halloween is the decorating, and Summerween is no exception! Get creative and deck out your space with a mix of summer and Halloween accents for an impressive on-theme combination. Decorate your home, your garden, and even your business. This is a chance to bring a breath of fresh scare to your usual autumnal Halloween décor!
We hope you enjoy your Summerween thoroughly, if you choose to celebrate it. We firmly believe that life’s way too short not to bask in your favorite season twice a year. With that, we’re signing off. So, witch way to the party?
Ella is a content specialist from Cork, Ireland. Her passions include spending time with her two energetic dogs, fashion, photography, and trying new vegan food!
