You know that feeling when you’re lounging around in the summer, sipping something cold and fruity, but your heart is secretly craving the eerie magic of Halloween? Yeah, me too. And it turns out—we’re not alone. I’ve just discovered this fabulous new (well, kind of new) holiday called Summerween, and honestly, it might just be the best thing to happen to spooky season lovers since pumpkin spice lattes.
If you’ve never heard of it before, buckle up, my witchy friends—because this one’s got summer sun, spooky vibes, and enough room for glittery ghosts and vegan (!) BBQs.
So, what is Summerween?
Picture this: jack-o’-lanterns made from watermelons (although let’s be real—I’ll be using something else because watermelons are utterly disgusting in my book 😂), skeletons in sunglasses, and horror movies under the stars. Summerween is basically Halloween’s cheeky younger sibling, rocking up mid-year to remind us that the spooky season doesn’t have to wait till October (YAY!)
It actually started out as a made-up holiday in the animated series Gravity Falls (how cool is that?!), where the residents are so obsessed with Halloween that they throw a second one in June using jack-o’-melons instead of pumpkins. I mean… PURE GENIUS, right?.
And now? It’s totally spilled over into real life. People all over the world are throwing Summerween parties, dressing up, decorating their homes, and just embracing spooky vibes in the sunshine.
Why Summerween is perfect for Halloween lovers (like me… and probs you too)
Let’s be honest, one Halloween a year just isn’t enough. And Summerween gives us that much-needed creepy fix right when summer is starting to feel a bit too… perky and hot. Here’s why I think it’s a total win:
You get to dress up again
No more waiting until October to wear that witchy outfit or channel your inner vampire. Think zombie lifeguards, mermaid ghosts, or sunburnt werewolves. Your imagination can go wild. And yes, costume pool parties are a thing now. Mind you, not that I need an excuse to dress up!
It’s ridiculously creative
Instead of pumpkins, carve watermelons (or carved fruit lanterns). Serve popsicles with gummy eyeballs. Make a haunted BBQ platter. You’ve got all your usual spooky faves—but with a summery twist. Honestly, it’s like Pinterest exploded.
Summer evenings are MADE for spooky stories
I don’t know about you, but I would love a good ghost story around the fire. Add in s’mores, fairy lights, and a bit of eerie background music? Boom. Halloween-in-July (or August) magic.
You can do it your way
There are no hard and fast rules. Some people celebrate on 22 June (that’s the official Gravity Falls date), others just pick a weekend in July or August. Whether you’re going full-on party mode or just lighting a few candles and watching Hocus Pocus in your garden, it totally counts.
Summerween Vibes: How to Get Involved
If this is all sounding like your kind of thing (I mean, come on—sunshine and spooky?!) here are a few ways to bring some Summerween magic into your life:
Decorate – Think string lights, black candles, and quirky touches like skeleton flamingos or haunted pineapples. I’ve even seen pink candles and pumpkin decor that makes it feel even more summery, which is fun.
Host a garden horror movie night – A white sheet and a projector is all you need. Bonus points for popcorn in cauldron buckets.
Dress up – Even if it’s just you and your partner or your cats (Myrtle, Shannon, Sadie, I’m looking at you), throw on a costume and get silly. Luna would totally rock a bat costume.
Get creative in the kitchen – Make creepy ice lollies, bat-shaped vegan cookies, or a fruit salad in a carved watermelon head. It’s the perfect excuse to get weird in the kitchen (and who doesn’t love to get weird in the kitchen?).
Have a spooky campfire night – Tell ghost stories, toast marshmallows, and let your imagination run wild.
A little nerdy fact for fellow Halloween fans…
In Gravity Falls, the Summerween monster is literally made of all the rejected sweets kids didn’t want. Which, let’s be honest, is the most brilliant metaphor ever. Don’t be stingy with your sweets, folks—those unwanted toffees might just turn into a sugar-fuelled creature of doom.
So… are you in?
Whether you’re a Halloween obsessive (guilty!) or just fancy something a bit different this summer, Summerween is such a fun, quirky, and totally customisable celebration. And honestly, in a world that’s a bit too serious at times, why not embrace something delightfully weird and a little bit spooky?
If you do decide to throw a Summerween bash—or even just make a jack-o’-melon—I’d love to see pics! Tag me or drop me a message. I might even film my own little Summerween evening and share it on my YouTube at some point…
