Summerween Starter Pack 2026

The last firework from 4th of July has fizzled out and the grill has been cleared of hamburgers and hot dogs. Despite the heat, those who are more spooky-inclined, feel a chill in the air, a hunt of what’s coming next, lurking in the corner of our eyes like an insistent spectre.

That’s right, ladies and gents: We have officially entered into SUMMERWEEN territory.

What is Summerween?
Summerween as it is currently observed ties back to the beloved Disney cartoon, Gravity Falls. Every summer in this odd little two-dimensional town, its inhabitants merge the summer and the spooky into a sweet combination. They carve jack o lanterns out of watermelon and try to remain in the good graces of the “Summerween Trickster.” The concept has broken the fourth wall in recent years, though, becoming a beloved tradition for horror fans of all kinds.

But, the concept of “getting spooky with it” in the middle of summer is not that new of a concept! For centuries, the summer solstice has embraced similar sentiments to those we commonly see during Spooky Season proper. Many practices connect back to appealing to the powers that be to ensure healthy crops for a bountiful winter or crafting love spells to secure yourself a summer romance. Heck even the practice of sharing spooky stories around a bonfire shows that even the most casual horror lovers practice Summerween in some shape or form.

Why is this such a special time of year?
Aside from the pop cultural connections, what is it about promoting Halloween vibes in the middle of summer that just feels so…satisfying? Just because the days are longer does not mean that horrors of the night are less, it simply means those horrors have a knack for stepping into the sunshine, making even the most lighthearted scenes tinged with creepy vibes around their edges.

When you mix the carefree vibes of summer vacation and nostalgic memories of school’s out adventures with the heat of horror causing you to sweat, it can evoke a heady concoction of excitement and fear. It’s a perfect primer for when things get real in September and October when Spooky Season proper are in full swing.

What constitutes a good Summerween movie?
While we at Hack or Slash firmly believe that any horror movie can be a good Summerween movie if you are having a good time watching it, there are some key themes that really seems to amp up the Summerween vibes.

• Coming of Age - Summers are always a time for growth and change when we’re younger. We return to school in the fall a few inches taller, maybe with a deeper voice or a newfound interest schoolyard crushes. But sometimes, as kiddos are dealing with those changes, they have the added challenge of having to face down monsters and ghosts and otherworldly threats. Ultimately learning that the horrors are the growth and changes that were made along the way. Think It, Summer of ‘84, or even Addams Family Values!

• Summer Camp Slashers - The classic summer horror movie fare, complete with horny teenagers, short shorts and some of the most creative kills ever put to screen. When the expected utopia of summer camp life is brutally marred by a masked killer or a crazed psychopath, it can definitely make you rethink your summer plans…Think Friday the 13th, Sleepaway Camp, The Burning or Marshmallow!

• Aquatic Horror - There is something about the water that always holds a like mystery and terror. Creatures lurk beneath, ready and waiting to strike at its prey. You can only hope that their sights aren’t locked on you. Sometimes keeping your head above water can be the perfect place for horror to rise to the surface. Think Jaws, The Shallows, Sharknado, or Dangerous Animals.

• Vacations Gone Wrong - Sometimes the only thing more terrible than asking your boss to approve your PTO is when you find yourself in a situation where the excellent vacation you had planned has now been crashed by sweaty cannibals or knife-wielding cultists. These movies almost reek with flop sweat and make you wonder if maybe a staycation was the better choice. Think The Hills Have Eyes, Strangers: Prey At Night, Cabin in the Woods, or Midsommar.

How is Hack or Slash celebrating Summerween?
For this year’s Summerween, Hack or Slash is touching grass and doing bunk checks…that’s right! We’re going to CAMP! We invite all of our listeners, patrons and horror fan friends to join us this summer at Camp Hack or Slash. Learn more at the link below about what camp Hack or Slash will be all about!

Camp Hack or Slash

As brave campers this Summerween, you’ll be treated to watch parties hosted by your favorite camp counselors, bonus episodes to celebrate the best parts of summer camp horror and to help you get to know your counselors better around the Bondfire.

And, when August ends and the creep of fall starts closing in, we will close out Summerween with a look ahead to what to expect from Hack or Slash during Spooky Season!

So, re-apply your sunscreen, grab a chair and a drink, and embrace the Summerween spirit as it starts to heat up!