Ghoulish employees celebrate one of their four Spooky Awards during the 2026 Halloween & Party Expo.
The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) is thrilled to announce the return of the Spooky Awards, the official celebration of innovation, creativity, and excellence in the Halloween industry. Now entering its third year, this prestigious award program invites manufacturers and creators to showcase the very best in costumes, accessories, décor, makeup, and more. The program continues to attract submissions from leading Halloween manufacturers, helping spotlight the products shaping each season’s trends.
Back by popular demand, the 2026 Spooky Awards promise to conjure even more excitement, recognizing the freshest and most frightfully fun products of the season. The competition is open to all Halloween product manufacturers, HCA members, and non-members alike.
“The Spooky Awards were created to celebrate the incredible creativity and innovation that make the Halloween industry so unique,” said Michele Boylstein, Executive Director of the Halloween & Costume Association. “Each year we are inspired by the imagination, craftsmanship, and passion behind the products submitted, and we look forward to recognizing the best of the best once again in 2026.”
Since its launch, the Spooky Awards have become a respected platform for recognizing innovation, creativity, and product excellence across the Halloween industry.
Submissions officially open today and will be accepted through July 27, 2026. Early submission is encouraged. HCA members receive one complimentary entry, with additional submissions available at a discounted rate. Non-members are also welcome to participate for a fee. To submit your entry, visit: https://www.hiaonline.org/page/Hca_Awards. Entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts based on Innovation, Marketability, Trendsetting Potential, Appeal, and Usefulness.
Finalists will be announced on or around September 25, 2026, and will receive the official HCA Spooky Awards Finalist logo for use in marketing, packaging, and promotional materials. Winners will be revealed live during the 2027 Halloween & Party Expo in New Orleans, where the industry's leading manufacturers, retailers, buyers, and media gather to celebrate innovation and discover what's next in Halloween.
Award Categories Include:
- Accessories (Wigs, Shoes, Hats, etc.)
- Costumes:
- Adult
- Child
- Licensed
- Non-Character (Inanimate Object, Non-Human)
- Most Unique
- Décor (Electronic, Inflatable, Lawn, etc.)
- Makeup
- Masks
- Most Innovative (Open to all categories)