So here in the U.S., many have deemed the day after the Fourth of July the official start to spooky season. And, why not? There are no other major holidays that happen in the states until October. I noticed tons of people take to social media on July 5th announcing the official countdown to Halloween. It made me giddy! It also signaled that it’s time to release my annual Countdown to Halloween Guide, which I tend to publish around the 100-day mark on July 23rd (because that’s also a big deal in the Halloween community). While not an exhaustive list, I’ve compiled information regarding shopping, costumes, music, events and more. Happy Haunting!
Where to Shop
Disclaimer: This post does not contain affiliate links. I’m simply providing the websites for your convenience.
Small Businesses
Just as the name of this shop suggests, it’s October year-round here. The vibe is witchy rustic, and most items are handmade, which means you can depend on receiving a one-of-a-kind piece.
It’s horror galore at A Wicked Bootique! Find t-shirts and accessories inspired by your favorite horror icons, including Frankenstein, Jack Skellington, Ghostface, Jason Voorhees and more.
Forget Bath & Body Works because it’s all about Bats and Body for the spooky shopper. This business crafts macabre body oils and bath bombs with themes like “Slasher” and “Killer Dolls.”
Spooky season can be a busy time, so stay caffeinated with Bones Coffee. Their packaging features skeletons and other creepy characters, and they have a variety of flavors, from dark chocolate to French toast.
This shop is for the creeps who want to look like they’ve just risen from the grave. They sell all sorts of apparel and accessories.
While this goth boutique is based in Long Beach, CA, they have an online store and ship across the U.S. It’s the perfect place to shop if you want to expand your gothic wardrobe this spooky season.
If you’re looking for unique Halloween decorations, peruse the selection at GOREnaments. Designs feature pumpkins, ghosts, candy corn and other classic Halloween emblems that will put you in the spirit.
Laura Lee is the founder behind this small business. She’s an artist who specializes in Halloween art and she does custom work. Browsing her Etsy page gave me all the autumn feels. She prints her art on apparel, mugs, totes and more.
Since Halloween is a pagan holiday, it’s only fitting to decorate your home with witchy décor. The Pickety Witch Shop sells a menagerie of magical goodies, such as vinyl figures, plushies and jewelry.
I purchased the Dracula Candle from this shop last year at Midsummer Scream, and I’m glad I did because it’s sold out on their website. They have such an amazing collection of horror-inspired candles that I found it hard to walk away with just one. Their scents are the perfect way to make your home smell like Halloween.
Note: The website states the shop is temporarily closed, likely because they’ll be vending at Midsummer Scream at the end of July. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to order online again in August!
Major Retailers
At Home is one of those major retailers that tends to be one of the first to showcase spooky season goods. My local store had a small selection when I went in June, but I expect them to put out more the further we venture into summerween.
GrandInRoad takes a more sophisticated approach to Halloween décor and their pieces always look carefully made. Their full collection released online on July 16th.
Head into your local HomeGoods to see what Halloween items they’ve put out. I usually spot fun finds at a budget-friendly price.
Ah, Michael’s. People get really excited about the unveiling of their Halloween collection every year. For 2024, the theme is “Hippie Hallow Collection.” It’s a little too colorful for my tastes, but if you’re spooky and love the disco era, then this assortment is for you.
You know I can’t leave Spirit Halloween off the list. They’re one of the few major retailers (if not the only major retailer) that embraces Halloween 24/7. They’ve got new animatronics featuring Terrifier’s Art the Clown and new decor. They usually release a special collection for the spooky season. I haven’t seen anything yet, so just keep your eyes peeled.
Halloween Costume Predictions
Abigail/Nosferatu
In essence, these would entail vampire costumes—my favorite! I think kids and adults would have fun dressing up as the ferocious child vampire from the film Abigail. And this Creepmas, the gothic tale of Nosferatu will be revived in cinemas, so I think this may inspire individuals to assume the role of the OG vampire.
Art the Clown
Who else is anticipating the release of Terrifier 3 in October? I know I am, as well as many others, which is why I believe horror fans will die to don an Art the Clown costume come Halloween.
Beetlejuice Characters
With Beetlejuice Beetlejuice slated to hit theaters in September, amid the hype of spooky season, I not only predict but KNOW that people will race to get their Beetlejuice-inspired costumes. Besides being the “ghost with the most” himself, I think we’ll see plenty of individuals dressed as Lydia, deceased Barbara and Adam, and other classic characters.
The Boulet Brothers
This costume prediction isn’t based on a movie character but on personas in the world of drag. Drac and Swan have sprung to fame due to their popular competition series Dragula. Their Halloween masks are sold out, but I think creative people will still find ways to emulate the Queens of Darkness this spooky season.
Ghostbusters
A new chapter in the Ghostbusters storyline was released this year titled Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The 80s films are horror classics, so I’m guessing we can expect to see people dressed as characters from the original and newer movies.
Halloween Music Recommendations
Aurelio Voltaire
Besides being a prominent figure in the goth scene, Voltaire embodies the macabre lifestyle, from his music to his home décor. His latest release is titled The Last Halloween Party and features five new tracks that are perfect for the spooky season. Plus, he’s currently on his Halloween Forever tour.
Horror Film Scores & Soundtracks
What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by listening to scary movie soundtracks? You can create a playlist that includes singles from films like Friday the 13th, Halloween, Scream, The Shining, The Exorcist and Psycho, just to get you started.
Morbus Tenebris
I had the pleasure of interviewing Benjamin Fouché of Morbus Tenebris. He’s creating delightful gothic instrumental music that is perfect to play as you decorate for Halloween or pass out candy.
Rob Zombie
It may seem a bit random that I’m including Rob Zombie on my list, and to be honest, he randomly popped into my mind as I was working on this section. His music is great for the person who likes to rock n’ roll throughout spooky season. Who can forget “Living Dead Girl” playing in Bride of Chucky? My top album recommendations are Hellbilly Deluxe, The Sinister Urge,and Past, Present & Future.
Halloween Ambient Videos on YouTube
Over the years, I’ve discovered various Halloween ambient videos on YouTube. These are neat because they feature festive All Hallows Eve or autumnal backgrounds as the music plays. Some channels to check out include Cozy Cottage, Elemental Soundworks and Melody Makers. While these channels aren’t entirely dedicated to Halloween, they do contain a nice selection of macabre playlists. I also suggest just searching “Halloween ambient music” on YouTube.
Spooky Events
Here are just some of the events happening during September and October to give you an idea of what’s going on. However, refer to my Odd & Macabre calendar for a more detailed list of spooky events occurring worldwide.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
The last Dark Harbor event was held in 2019. For a couple of years, it was replaced by Shaqtoberfest. I was thrilled when they announced that Dark Harbor would be returning to the Queen Mary this year, so I had to highlight it on here! If you’re in Long Beach, CA, between 9/20 and 11/2, don’t miss it.
Horror Cons
There are a wide range of horror conventions taking place across the U.S. I also came across one happening in Glasgow, Scotland. These events are a great way to get into the Halloween spirit.
Theme Park Haunts
Of course, I can’t forget the haunts happening at theme parks, from Disneyland to Universal Studios. There’s Six Flags Fright Fest, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, Knott’s Scary Farm and more. Even SeaWorld Orlando has a Halloween event called Howl-O-Scream. If you’re in the U.S. or another country and have a nearby amusement park, check to see what they have going on for Halloween.
Endless Night Presents: Dia de los Muertos
The Endless Night Vampire Ball is happening in New Orleans from October 31st to November 2nd and is commemorating the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead as well as All Hallows’ Eve.
Halloween Blogs, Vlogs & Podcasts
Halloween Happy
Pay homage to Halloween year-round with Halloween Happy! This YouTuber posts videos featuring Halloween hauls, spooky arts and crafts, home decorating and more.
Ghouls Night In
Ghouls Night In is a podcast created by Midge Munster and Penny Snark. I included this show on my roundup of top dark podcasts. Conversations always center around spooky topics and are fun to listen to.
Horror Movies & Beyond
I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Ivotres Littles of Horror Movies and Beyond. She posts horror movie reviews and celebrity interviews on her YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Scare You to Sleep
Another podcast that made it on my list of the best dark podcasts. What better way to immerse yourself in the Halloween season than by listening to creepy tales? You may end up sleeping with the lights on.
Señor Scary
I just discovered this blogger while doing research for this guide. Jerry is the individual behind this fun website, which he started under a different name in 2009. Señor Scary talks all things Halloween, haunts and horror on his blog.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Vamp Jenn’s Corner’s Countdown to Halloween Guide. May it help you tap into the Halloween spirit and make the most of the spooky season. Happy Halloween!
Vamp Jenn's Corner 
This is a great list and I see that you included Screams in Waxahachie on your calendar. That is one of our favorite places to visit in October.
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Thank you! Yes, I had first added it in 2023 when you told me about it and made sure to include it this year too 🙂
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