The 2025 Spooky Awards announces its submission deadline

Have you ever wished it could be Halloween every day of the year? Well, if you are involved in the Halloween industry, joining the Halloween & Costume Association can help make that dream come true. The HCA incorporated in 2005 as a 501(c)(6) trade organization with a mission “to promote and grow the safe celebration of Halloween and year-round costumed events throughout North America.” The HCA represents businesses that manufacture, import, or distribute Halloween products, and it has become the preeminent authority on Halloween, serving as a non-profit voice in the industry.

On Friday, June 13, the HCA announced the return of the Spooky Awards, the official celebration of innovation, creativity, and excellence in the Halloween industry. After a successful launch in 2024, these prestigious awards are returning to offer manufacturers and creators the opportunity to showcase the best in costumes, accessories, decor, makeup, and more. The competition is open to all Halloween product manufacturers, whether you are an HCA member or not.

Last year’s winners included Ghoulish Productions‘ Skin Bag accessory, Disguise‘s Enderdragon Inflatable costume for a child, Rasta Imposta‘s Glue Gun costume, Mehron Makeup‘s Rigid Collodion, Morris Costumes‘ Skeleton Grave Breaker decor, Halloween Moments‘ innovative Pumpkin Glove Scraper, and several other impressive costumes and products.

This year, the categories for the Spooky Awards are: Accessories, Costumes (Adult, Child, Licensed, Most Unique, Non-Character, and Scary/Horror), Decor, Makeup (Character, 3D, and Scary/Horror), Masks, Most Innovative, Packaging, Sustainability, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Submissions are open from now until August 15, 2025. HCA members receive one complimentary entry — additional entries are available at a discounted rate of $50 per submission. Non-members can send in their entries for $100 per entry. Finalists will be announced on or around October 1, 2025, and will receive the official HCA Spooky Awards Finalist logo for use on packaging and promotions. Winners will be revealed live during the 2026 Halloween & Party Expo. The Expo will be held at the World Market Center in Las Vegas from January 12 through 14, 2026. This industry-exclusive event brings together the biggest names in Halloween retail.