Halloween & Costume Association Names Finalists for 2026 Spooky Awards; Fan Vote Opens Oct. 1

# What happened

The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) announced the finalists for the third annual Spooky Awards on September 25, 2026. The competition recognizes product and creative achievements in the Halloween and costume industry across eight categories.

# Why this matters

The Spooky Awards highlight new products and designers that HCA's judges consider innovative, marketable, and trendworthy. For manufacturers, retailers, and buyers who attend the Halloween & Party Expo, the awards spotlight items that may influence seasonal merchandising and buying decisions for the 2026–27 season.

# How finalists were chosen

A panel of industry judges evaluated entries on five criteria: Innovation, Marketability, Trendsetting Potential, Appeal, and Usefulness. Michele Boylstein, HCA executive director, said narrowing the field was difficult given the quality of entries.

# Key dates and events

• Fan Vote: Oct. 1–15, 2026. The public will be able to vote among all award finalists.
• Fan Vote finalists announcement: Oct. 16, 2026.
• Winners announced: Jan. 11, 2027, at the Spooky Awards ceremony during the Halloween & Party Expo Welcome Reception at Mardi Gras World, New Orleans.
• Halloween & Party Expo dates: Jan. 11–13, 2027, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

# Award categories

The finalists cover eight categories:

• Accessories
• Adult Costume
• Child Costume
• Licensed Costume
• Most Unique Costume
• Décor
• Masks
• Most Innovative Product

# Who's behind the awards

HCA is a trade association representing the Halloween and costume industry. The association reports cumulative member company sales of $4.3 billion and organizes the Spooky Awards as part of its industry-facing programming. The Halloween & Party Expo is co-owned by HCA and Clarion Events and is a trade-only event for retailers, manufacturers, and buyers.

# What to expect next

HCA will open the Fan Vote on Oct. 1. After the public voting window closes on Oct. 15, the organization will name the Fan Vote finalists on Oct. 16. The single finalist with the most public votes will be named the Fang Favorite at the January awards ceremony.

# Practical takeaways for readers

• Retail buyers and manufacturers: watch the Fan Vote and awards results for indicators of products likely to drive consumer interest in the 2027 season.
• Fans and consumers: you can participate directly by voting Oct. 1–15 to select the Fang Favorite.
• Trade attendees: plan travel around Jan. 11–13, 2027, to attend the Halloween & Party Expo and the live awards presentation.

# Where to follow updates

HCA will share updates and the official finalist list via its social channels, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, and through HCA communications leading up to the Expo.