The Best Festive and Spooky Ways to Celebrate Summerween This Year

Ever since Gravity Falls introduced the concept of Summerween in 2012, we've been obsessed with the idea of Halloween in the summertime.

Sure, the late October chill does curate a nice, spooky vibe for the official holiday, but also embracing haunting festivities at the height of summer vacation gives us even more opportunities for fun. The sky is the limit when it comes to Summerween party creativity, but if you need some inspiration, here's where to start.

Carve Summer Fruit

In Gravity Falls, carved watermelon-o'-lanterns were a Summerween staple, but the creativity doesn't have to end there. Other melons, including cantaloupe and honeydew, can also be cut into cute shapes and designs, as can pineapples and papayas. Even better, the interior of these fruits is way tastier and easier to eat thank pumpkin guts and seeds (no baking required).

(Photo credit: Sweety High)

 

Have a Costume Pool Party

One thing we lament about the timing of Halloween is that the October weather is too cold to comfortably go out in the costumes we actually want to wear. Having a similar celebration in the summer frees us up to remove cozy layers and be whatever we want, capitalizing on summer pop culture trends before they're old news in October. For an even bigger twist, try throwing a costume pool party, where everyone focuses on waterproof pieces and creative outfits that allow you to show off your creativity and look cool.

 

Also read about: The Best Instagram Captions for All Your Staycation Shots

 

Participate in Zombie Sports

Zombie tag has become a big Summerween, with one person beginning the game as a zombie and attempting to "bite" the others by tagging them, transforming them into Zombies as well. Of course, the fun doesn't have to end at zombie tag. Shake things up at the basketball hoop with Z-O-M-B-I-E (similar to HORSE), with players needing to make their shots in specific zombie poses, or zombie corn hole, on one leg with one arm behind their back. Think about how you can take your tried-and-true summer games and mix things up with a zombie angle.

 

Watch Summery Horror Flicks

October may be prime time for watching Halloween horror movies, when ironically, summer may actually be the "scariest" time of the year for films. Plan a movie marathon highlighting these classic flicks, from various movies about summer camp, such as Friday the 13th and Sleepaway Camp, to films like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Midsommar and even Jaws. Don't forget to add in the classic "Summerween" episode of Gravity Falls. Together, they serve as the perfect reminder that even the freedom and sunlight of summer can be a great backdrop for big scares. 

(via Unsplash)

 

Also read about: The Definitive Ranking of EVERY Episode of Gravity Falls

 

Tell Campfire Ghost Stories

One of our favorite Summerween activities likely predates the concept by thousands of years, and that's telling spooky stories around a campfire. When a group huddles around a fire, the surrounding darkness, flickering firelight and community aspect truly make the ideal environment for sharing creepy tales—and scaring the pants off your friends and family. You might even manage to scare yourself, but it's especially worth it with snacks and s'mores over the fire.

 

Set Up Some Spooky Yet Tropical Decor

We can't be the only people with way too much Halloween decor stored up in boxes for most of the year. Summerween is the perfect excuse to break out our favorite pieces—but with a tropical and summery twist. Get out your plastic skeletons and deck them out in trunks and bikinis, sunglasses and flower wreathes, and set them up in relaxed vacation poses. Pair oozing green and blood-red beverages in spooky glasses with tiny drink umbrellas, lay out sliced tropical fruit in Halloween trays and lean into a pastel and neon goth aesthetic to really nail the look.

 

Go Reverse Trick-or-Treating

Since Summerween isn't an official holiday, the folks who celebrate it aren't necessarily going to have their schedules aligned to coordinate activities on the same day. Trick-or-treating is out of the question, but that doesn't man you can't go reverse trick-or-treating. Instead of dressing up and going door to door and asking for candy, but a bunch of candy yourself and bring the festive fun to your neighbors houses and offer them some sweet treats. You can go the extra mile with a summer-themed costume and even handmade treats and baked goods. You might get a few blank stares, but that's all part of the Summerween fun.

(Gravity Falls via Disney XD)

 

Feeling a little too hot this summer? Click HERE for our top tips on beating the heat.