In recent years, Summerween has been growing in popularity. It’s a fun twist on Halloween—celebrated during the summer!
The idea of Summerween first appeared in the Disney cartoon Gravity Falls. In the show, the town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, loves Halloween so much that they celebrate it twice a year—once on October 31st and again on June 22nd (or the second-to-last Friday in June).
Since pumpkins aren't in season during the summer, they carve jack-o'-melons instead of jack-o'-lanterns. There’s even a local legend about a mysterious creature called the Summerween Trickster, who punishes children who don’t show enough Summerween spirit... by eating them!
Many people have come to love Summerween so much that they've made it part of their own summer traditions! From horror movie marathons to thrilling reads, the spirit of Summerween can be enjoyed across all kinds of media. To help you celebrate, I’ve put together three curated lists—shows and movies to watch and books to read—all perfect for bringing that spooky, Halloween-inspired vibe into your summer.
tv shows
One of the easiest ways to get into the Summerween mood is by watching a 30–60-minute episode of a spooky or cozy show. For this list, I’ve included a range of series—from light, cozy spooky vibes to darker, more haunting stories. There’s something here for everyone, no matter your scare tolerance.
Gravity Falls, Scooby-Doo, and Over the Garden Wall are fun animated shows that can be enjoyed year-round, but each carries strong Halloween vibes. With their mix of mystery, spooky elements, and supernatural twists, they’re perfect choices for getting into the Summerween spirit. While they aren’t the scariest shows out there, their charm and storytelling makes them seasonal favorites.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch is a lighthearted series based on the Archie comics, featuring a whimsigoth aesthetic and plenty of feel-good, magical humor. It’s perfect for those looking for something cozy and fun.
On the darker end of the spectrum, Locke & Key, Ghost Whisperer, and Stranger Things delve into heavier themes, blending the supernatural with mind-bending, otherworldly, and sci-fi elements. These shows can definitely deliver some chills—and even a few nightmares.
If you’re into full-on horror, The Haunting of Hill House is a masterfully crafted ghost story that hooks you from the very beginning and keeps you gripped until the end. Twin Peaks carries a similar sense of unease, with disturbing and surreal moments that linger. Buffy the Vampire Slayer also includes some truly scary episodes, but balances them with humor, heart, and action, making it a classic for fans of spooky storytelling.
movies
Just like shows, movies bring out the seasonal vibe—and their longer runtime makes them ideal for a full-on Summerween movie marathon.
Corpse Bride and Coraline are incredible stop-motion dark fantasy films (Coraline is my personal favorite!) that truly embody the Halloween spirit. They’re spooky, visually stunning, and tell captivating stories. The live-action Scooby-Doo (2002) is a feel-good adaptation of the beloved cartoon, set on a spooky island—making it a perfect Summerween pick.
What We Do in the Shadows is a hilarious mockumentary about a group of vampire roommates navigating life in the modern world. If you’re in need of a good laugh this Summerween, it’s a top choice.
For cozy and light-hearted vibes, Halloweentown, Hocus Pocus, and Practical Magic are must-watches. These '90s classics have a whimsical atmosphere and strong themes of magic, family, and friendship.
Moving into scarier territory, the final three films are horror staples that can be watched year-round. Sleepy Hollow is a chilling adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow—a moody, gothic thriller. I Know What You Did Last Summer is a perfect Summerween movie: it’s a horror film set in the summer… what could be more fitting? And finally, Scream is a horror classic that brings the ultimate scary vibes to the season.
books
While summer is usually filled with romance and beach reads, these picks bring just the right touch of Halloween spirit to your sunny days.
The first half of the books on this list are classic Gothic novels. These are always a great choice to read year-round, but they’re especially fun during Summerween. While they’re not your typical horror stories or outright scary books, they do add a nice touch of spookiness.
I also included a couple of lighthearted novels—The Ex Hex and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches—which feature witches and magic. I personally loved both and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys a mix of magic and romance. Harry Potter is another series that many people enjoy rereading in the fall, but it also fits perfectly with the Summerween vibe.
Finally, the last book on the list—The Monstrumologist—is ideal for anyone looking for something a bit gorier and more intense. It’s a young adult horror novel with compelling characters and a gripping plot. If you’re new to the horror genre, this is a great place to start.
I hope you enjoyed these Summerween recommendations! What are your personal favorites?