It’s that time of year here in the U.S. where there’s a holiday lull after the Fourth of July until October 31st. There are no other major holidays happening in this part of the globe during this period, so for us macabre folks, it’s already spooky season. Also, July 23rd marks the 100-day countdown to All Hallows’ Eve, which is a big deal in the Halloween community. To mark the occasion, I release a special guide annually to help you prepare for and immerse yourself in the spooky season. Here, I share my recommendations for shopping, music, costumes, and more!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Where to Shop
- Halloween Costume Predictions
- Halloween Music Recommendations
- Halloween Movie & TV Recommendations
- Events
- Spooky Content
Disclaimer: This post does not contain affiliate links. I simply provide the websites for your convenience.
Where to Shop
Bat In Your Belfry
Michelle Prebich is the artist behind Bat In Your Belfry. She creates illustrations inspired by Halloween, history, and pop culture. You can purchase her dark artwork on art prints, greeting cards, blankets, stickers, and more.
Blackcraft Coffee
Blackcraft Coffee has been operating in Salem, Massachusetts, for years and just opened a location in Los Angeles. But don’t worry, you don’t have to live in either location to enjoy their goods. Make your morning cup of jo spooky with their coffee. They sell a variety of roasts and merch online!
Bloody Knife Pet Toys
I discovered this morbid small business when I attended HorrorCon Los Angeles. Get your fur babies in the Halloween spirit by buying them a cute, blood-splattered toy. They sell toys for cats and dogs in the shape of bloody axes, knives, and more.
Prints of Darkness
Decorate your home for Halloween with decor from Prints of Darkness. Their mission is to make better quality spooky items than the big box stores. They make and sell wall mountables, vases, coffin shelves, and more.
Serpentine Clothing
If you like your wardrobe to reflect your passion for Halloween, then peruse Serpentine Clothing. They sell tees, dresses, and outerwear all in a dark color palette. Their items have an occult vibe that I love.
Spooky Florist
Are you a plant person? The Spooky Florist brings together flowers and gothic design. The floral arrangements are beautiful and great for special events or everyday home decor.
Major Retailers
This year, I wanted to focus on small businesses since big box stores are typically more accessible for most people. However, I realize not everyone may realize which major retailers come out with Halloween goods during this time of year. Here are a few worth checking out:
- At Home: The Spooky Shop
- GrandinRoad: Halloween Haven
- Michaels
- Pottery Barn: The Halloween Shop
- Spirit Halloween
Halloween Costume Predictions
The Vampire Lestat Characters
The Vampire Lestat is the third and newest season of the AMC+ adaptation of Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles. It has everyone talking, and I’m certain people will recreate looks from the show for Halloween. Here are a few characters I think we’ll see:
- Lestat, the Brat Prince himself
- Louis de Pointe du Lac
- Gabriella/Sofia (Lestat’s mother)
- Akasha
- Claudia
- Armand
- Daniel Molloy
Stranger Things Characters
The final season of Stranger Things aired at the end of 2025, so it only makes sense that fans will want to pay tribute to the series this spooky season. The whole cast offers plenty of options for costume ideas. Here are some of the characters people will likely dress up as:
- Eleven
- Mike Wheeler
- Will Byers
- Dustin Henderson
- Lucas Sinclair
- Max Mayfield
- Erica Sinclair
- Steve
- Nancy
- Jonathan
- Robin
- Joyce Byers
- Hopper
Catherine & Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights)
In early 2026, a new film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights was released. It may have introduced the novel to audiences not familiar with it and reignited a spark in long-time Brontë admirers. Catherine and Heathcliff would make a great costume option for couples or besties.
Ghostface (Scream)
The Scream franchise is a significant part of horror cinema history and Scream 7 came out this year. There’s so much hype still surrounding the movie. I feel it’s safe to say that the film’s main villain, Ghostface, will be out trick-or-treating this October.
Paranormal Investigator
There are so many ghost hunting shows nowadays. The paranormal fascinates many (including myself), so dressing up as a paranormal investigator with ghost hunting equipment in tow would be an excellent costume.
Halloween Music Recommendations
Are You Afraid of the Dark? by Scary Black
Scary Black creates gothic rock and darkwave tunes. Are You Afraid of the Dark? is great to play if you’re hosting a Halloween party. The songs will pull at your black heart strings.
Feed the Fire by Nox Novacula
Nox Novacula is a deathrock band from Seattle. Their music captures the spirit of the 80s goth scene. Feed the Fire is filled with awesome gems, such as “Sirens” and “Cursed.”
God Is Dead by Twin Temple
Twin Temple is a Satanic music duo creating songs inspired by the occult and 50s/60s rock n’ roll. They have a doo wop-inspired sound. This album includes tracks like “Two Sinners,” “Black Magick,” and “Spellbreaker.”
Necrophiliac Among the Living Dead by Terrortron
Terrortron produces amazing horror soundtracks. Play their album Necrophiliac Among the Living Dead as you’re getting ready to attend a haunt. It gives 80s horror movie energy and will prepare you for fun scares.
Occult Pleasures by The Devil & the Universe
The name of this group was inspired by two Tarot cards. Their music combines 80’s electronica, industrial beats, and tribal sounds. I really enjoy the Occult Pleasures album. It’s darkly atmospheric and will put you in a spellbound mood.
“She Returns on Halloween” by Shadow’s Symphony
Every album by Shadow’s Symphony is perfect to listen to during Halloween season. The individual behind this project creates instrumental music that’s inspired by haunted attractions and horror movies. “She Returns on Halloween” is one of their newest singles.
Halloween Movie & TV Recommendations
Faces of Death (2026)
Do you remember the controversial Faces of Death VHS tapes you could rent at your local video store? It all started with the 1978 original, which you can stream on Prime. This horror movie is inspired by the gory, horrifying imagery contained in those videos. The plot is suspenseful and had me on the edge of my seat.
Guts & Glory (2025)
Executive producer Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead) came out with his own horror competition reality TV show in 2025. Players must endure various immersive horror experiences to stay in the game. It’s a fun watch.
Hell Motel (2025)
I really liked this series, and the plot was filled with twists and turns. A group of guests are invited to be part of the reopening of the newly renovated Cold River Motel. However, it’s not your typical motel as it was the site of a Satanic mass murder 30 years prior. Suddenly, one-by-one guests begin to turn up dead.
House on Eden (2025)
This movie follows a trio of paranormal investigators as they check out an abandoned house in the woods. While this isn’t their first paranormal investigation, they quickly realize something eerie resides on the property.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Night of the Living Dead by George A. Romero is a horror classic, and I just watched it! Yes, I know, this was long overdue, and I hope other horror fans don’t judge me too harshly. The movie does a great job building the tension as a group of people must stick together in a house to protect themselves from the savage zombies that are hungry for human flesh. And the ending left me speechless.
Possession (1981)
I kept seeing this movie pop up on top horror countdown specials, and there was always one particular scene people would zero in on. The film is truly chilling and even though I saw it to the end, I still wasn’t quite sure what was going on. It’s rooted in some type of sinister force. I was mesmerized by the character Anna (Isabelle Adjani). All I will say is the birth scene is like nothing I’ve ever seen in a film.
Events
My Odd & Macabre Events calendar is an insightful source for Halloween events happening in the U.S., as well as across the globe. I list horror conventions, haunts, activities, shows and other attractions. Take a look to see what’s scheduled so far and begin making plans. I do my best to update it.
Spooky Content
By Pumpkin’s Light
By Pumpkin’s Light is hosted by Miranda of Spooky Little Halloween and Mike of All Hallows Geek. Their podcast celebrates Halloween year-round and features guests that are involved in the Halloween community. I was recently a guest on By Pumpkin’s Light episode #87, which you can listen to now!
Horror Movies and Beyond
Ivotres Littles is the person behind Horror Movies and Beyond. She brings you the latest in horror on her YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok. She does reviews, interviews, and horror con panels.
Pinup Palmer
Although I’ve been following Pinup Palmer on Instagram for awhile, I recently started watching her YouTube videos, and they’re so entertaining! Her motto is keeping things “pink and spooky.” She’s got pinup style, but a macabre soul. I recommend watching her spooky vlogs where she visits all sorts of fun spots in the Los Angeles area.
ScaredieCat Vasquez
Justin, aka SacredieCat Vasquez, has been sharing his passion for Halloween, haunts, and horror for several years. Lately, he’s been taking a trip down memory lane sharing old school theme park haunt footage. He also interviews spooky small business owners and promotes their products.
Sinead Hanna
Sinead Hanna specializes in spooky books, films, and lifestyle. I subscribed to her YouTube channel, but she’s also active on Instagram and TikTok. Her content is informative, offering ratings and reviews of all sorts of works in the horror genre.
Vamp Jenn's Corner 
Wow, that is certainly an extensive guide
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