How to Throw Summerween Party DIY Spooky Summer Ideas


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How to Throw Summerween Party DIY Spooky Summer Ideas! Summer and Halloween may seem like complete opposites, but that's exactly what makes Summerween so much fun!

How to Throw Summerween Party DIY Spooky Summer Ideas!


Summer and Halloween may seem like complete opposites, but that's exactly what makes Summerween so much fun! 

How to Throw Summerween Party DIY Spooky Summer Ideas! Summer and Halloween may seem like complete opposites, but that's exactly what makes Summerween so much fun!

If your family loves sunshine, bright colors, and a little spooky flair, hosting your own Summerween party is the perfect excuse to celebrate the best of both seasons. 

This unofficial holiday combines all the summer fun we love with classic Halloween decorations, favorite treats, and spooky thrills.

If your family loves sunshine, bright colors, and a little spooky flair, hosting your own Summerween party is the perfect excuse to celebrate the best of both seasons. This unofficial holiday combines all the summer fun we love with classic Halloween decorations, favorite treats, and spooky thrills.

This year I hosted one of my favorite Summerween celebrations ever, filled with colorful DIY decor, outdoor games, tropical treats, and plenty of Halloween fun. 

The entire event was designed to encourage kids to enjoy favorite summer activities, get away from additional summer screen time, and create memories together under the summer sun. 

This blog post has it all--let's get started!

Supplies I'm using: 

(affiliate links)

This year I hosted one of my favorite Summerween celebrations ever, filled with colorful DIY decor, outdoor games, tropical treats, and plenty of Halloween fun. The entire event was designed to encourage kids to enjoy favorite summer activities, get away from additional summer screen time, and create memories together under the summer sun. This blog post has it all--let's get started!

What is Summerween?

If you're new to the idea, Summerween originated from the animated show Gravity Falls. In the popular Summerween episode, residents celebrate Halloween in the middle of summer on June 22nd. 

Fans of the show quickly embraced the idea, and what began as a fictional holiday has grown into a fun new trend among Halloween lovers--think of it as a Tropical Halloween Party.

What is Summerween? If you're new to the idea, Summerween originated from the animated show Gravity Falls. In the popular Summerween episode, residents celebrate Halloween in the middle of summer on June 22nd. Fans of the show quickly embraced the idea, and what began as a fictional holiday has grown into a fun new trend among Halloween lovers--think of it as a Tropical Halloween Party.

Summerween combines equal parts summer party and spooky season celebration--during the sunny time of year. 

Think palm trees decorated with ghost faces, watermelon jack-o-lanterns, colorful pumpkins, outdoor games, and a backyard bash full of spooky fun--save your decorations to use for future Summerween parties!

Summerween combines equal parts summer party and spooky season celebration--during the sunny time of year. Think palm trees decorated with ghost faces, watermelon jack-o-lanterns, colorful pumpkins, outdoor games, and a backyard bash full of spooky fun--save your decorations to use for future Summerween parties!

Whether you're planning a haunted pool party, a Halloween-themed pool party, or simply a summer party with a spooky twist, Summerween is the best time to break out the bright colors and embrace a vibrant mix of summer and Halloween.

Whether you're planning a haunted pool party, a Halloween-themed pool party, or simply a summer party with a spooky twist, Summerween is the best time to break out the bright colors and embrace a vibrant mix of summer and Halloween.

DIY Summerween Coasters

One of my favorite projects for this ultimate Summerween celebration was creating colorful jack-o-lantern coasters.

DIY Summerween Coasters One of my favorite projects for this ultimate Summerween celebration was creating colorful jack-o-lantern coasters.

Supplies:

Supplies: Wood slices Plaid Apple Barrel Acrylic Paints Black acrylic paint Plaid Glitter Glitz Paint Paintbrushes

I started by painting natural wood slices using Apple Barrel paints in three of the Seaside Marina paints-inspired summer colors. 

I started by painting natural wood slices using Apple Barrel paints in three of the Seaside Marina paints-inspired summer colors.

I chose cheerful summery colors that felt right at home in tropical summer decor.

I chose cheerful summery colors that felt right at home in tropical summer decor.

After the paint dried completely, I painted simple black lantern faces on each wood slice. The silly spooky faces instantly transformed the colorful wood slices into Summerween decor.

After the paint dried completely, I painted simple black lantern faces on each wood slice. The silly spooky faces instantly transformed the colorful wood slices into Summerween decor.

Once the black paint dried, I brushed a layer of Plaid Glitter Glitz Paint over the jack-o-lantern faces.

Once the black paint dried, I brushed a layer of Plaid Glitter Glitz Paint over the jack-o-lantern faces.

 The glittery sparkle catches the sunlight beautifully and gives the coasters just enough spooky shimmer.

The glittery sparkle catches the sunlight beautifully and gives the coasters just enough spooky shimmer.

These colorful coasters are perfect for serving fruit juices, eerie drinks, or any tropical beverage during summer ween parties.

These colorful coasters are perfect for serving fruit juices, eerie drinks, or any tropical beverage during summer ween parties.

Dollar Store Sand Bucket Makeover

Every summer party needs a fun centerpiece, and this inexpensive project was one of the easiest festive party essentials.

Dollar Store Sand Bucket Makeover Every summer party needs a fun centerpiece, and this inexpensive project was one of the easiest festive party essentials.

Supplies:

Supplies: Orange plastic sand bucket Black acrylic paint Black Glitter Glitz paint

I found an orange plastic sand bucket at the dollar store and decided it already looked suspiciously pumpkin-shaped.

I found an orange plastic sand bucket at the dollar store and decided it already looked suspiciously pumpkin-shaped.

Using black acrylic paint, I added a simple jack-o-lantern face to the front. After it dried, I applied Black Glitz paint over the design for extra sparkle.

Using black acrylic paint, I added a simple jack-o-lantern face to the front. After it dried, I applied Black Glitz paint over the design for extra sparkle.

The finished bucket worked perfectly as a candy station filled with gummy worms, candy eyeballs, favorite treats, and other sweet treat options for guests.

The finished bucket worked perfectly as a candy station filled with gummy worms, candy eyeballs, favorite treats, and other sweet treat options for guests.

Bright Pink Pumpkin Snack Bowl

No ultimate summerween party would be complete without a colorful pumpkin.

Bright Pink Pumpkin Snack Bowl No ultimate summerween party would be complete without a colorful pumpkin.

Supplies:

Supplies: Ceramic pumpkin ColorShot Farmer's Daughter spray paint Plaid Glitter Glitz Paint

To create a playful Summerween twist, I spray painted a ceramic pumpkin using ColorShot Farmer's Daughter spray paint. The bright pink color instantly transformed an ordinary pumpkin into something that felt perfectly suited for the summer season.

After allowing the paint to dry completely, I added Pink Glitz paint to pink pumpkin.

To create a playful Summerween twist, I spray painted a ceramic pumpkin using ColorShot Farmer's Daughter spray paint. The bright pink color instantly transformed an ordinary pumpkin into something that felt perfectly suited for the summer season. After allowing the paint to dry completely, I added Pink Glitz paint to pink pumpkin.

The finished pumpkin became a beautiful snack container filled with treats throughout the party. It would also look adorable holding mini pumpkins, wrapped candy, or summerween treats.

DIY Summerween Fabric Ghost Decoration Every Halloween celebration needs at least one friendly ghost, so I created an easy no-sew fabric ghost using Plaid's Mod Podge Stiffy and supplies I already had on hand.

DIY Summerween Fabric Ghost Decoration

Every Halloween celebration needs at least one friendly ghost, so I created an easy no-sew fabric ghost using Plaid's Mod Podge Stiffy and supplies I already had on hand.

DIY Summerween Fabric Ghost Decoration Every Halloween celebration needs at least one friendly ghost, so I created an easy no-sew fabric ghost using Plaid's Mod Podge Stiffy and supplies I already had on hand.

Supplies:

  • Mod Podge Stiffy
  • Green leafy fabric
  • Plastic cup
  • Plastic bag
  • Black acrylic paint
  • Paintbrush

Supplies: Mod Podge Stiffy Green leafy fabric Plastic cup Plastic bag Black acrylic paint Paintbrush

To begin, I covered a spray paint bottle with a plastic bag. The plastic bag acts as a release layer, making it easy to remove the ghost once everything is dry.

To begin, I covered a spray paint bottle with a plastic bag. The plastic bag acts as a release layer, making it easy to remove the ghost once everything is dry.

Next, I squeezed the Mod Podge Stiffy into a plastic cup, about 1/4 cup. 

I dunked the fabric (cut into a big circle) right into the cup and it soaked up the stiffener. 

I draped it over the plastic bag and arranged the fabric so it would dry beautifully overnight.

Next, I squeezed the Mod Podge Stiffy into a plastic cup, about 1/4 cup. I dunked the fabric (cut into a big circle) right into the cup and it soaked up the stiffener. I draped it over the plastic bag and arranged the fabric so it would dry beautifully overnight.

Once the fabric was fully dry and rigid, I carefully lifted it off the bottle and removed the plastic bag. The result was a freestanding ghost with soft flowing folds that looked perfect alongside my Summerween decor.

Once the fabric was fully dry and rigid, I carefully lifted it off the bottle and removed the plastic bag. The result was a freestanding ghost with soft flowing folds that looked perfect alongside my Summerween decor.

To finish the project, I painted a simple winky ghost face using black acrylic paint. The playful expression gave the ghost plenty of personality while keeping the decoration fun and kid-friendly rather than spooky.

To finish the project, I painted a simple winky ghost face using black acrylic paint. The playful expression gave the ghost plenty of personality while keeping the decoration fun and kid-friendly rather than spooky.

I loved how the leafy fabric tied into the tropical theme of the party while still embracing classic Halloween elements. 

The finished ghost looked adorable displayed near the snack table and leafy garlands. It was the perfect blend of spooky fun and summer colors, making it a standout piece among all the colorful Summerween decorations.

I loved how the leafy fabric tied into the tropical theme of the party while still embracing classic Halloween elements. The finished ghost looked adorable displayed near the snack table and leafy garlands. It was the perfect blend of spooky fun and summer colors, making it a standout piece among all the colorful Summerween decorations.

This project is inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and a great way to create custom Summerween decor that can be reused year after year.

This project is inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and a great way to create custom Summerween decor that can be reused year after year.

Easy Summerween Decorations

The goal was creating colourful decorations that felt more tropical than spooky.

Easy Summerween Decorations The goal was creating colourful decorations that felt more tropical than spooky.

I decorated the party space with leafy garlands, palm leaves, bright summer colors, and fun Halloween-inspired accents.

I decorated the party space with leafy garlands, palm leaves, bright summer colors, and fun Halloween-inspired accents.

For the main focal point, I created a simple Summerween sign by painting "Happy" and "Ween" onto pieces of kraft paper. I hung them on either side of a large gold mylar balloon banner that spelled "SUMMER."

For the main focal point, I created a simple Summerween sign by painting "Happy" and "Ween" onto pieces of kraft paper. I hung them on either side of a large gold mylar balloon banner that spelled "SUMMER."

The result was colorful, playful, and perfectly captured the vibrant mix of summer and spooky season.

The result was colorful, playful, and perfectly captured the vibrant mix of summer and spooky season.

DIY Summerween Snack Containers

Single-serving snack containers can double as party decor.

DIY Summerween Snack Containers Single-serving snack containers can double as party decor.

I painted the tops of individual Pringles containers using bright Plaid acrylic paints and added black jack-o-lantern faces after they dried.

I painted the tops of individual Pringles containers using bright Plaid acrylic paints and added black jack-o-lantern faces after they dried.

The colorful containers fit perfectly into the party theme and looked adorable displayed together on the snack table--I love hiding brand names under a fun DIY.

The colorful containers fit perfectly into the party theme and looked adorable displayed together on the snack table--I love hiding brand names under a fun DIY.

Outdoor Summerween Activities

One of my goals was helping kids focus on summer fun instead of screens.

For outdoor entertainment I picked up:

  • Bubbles
  • A hula hoop
  • A beach ball

Simple activities like these encourage movement, creativity, and social interaction while still fitting perfectly into the Summerween theme.

The kids spent hours running around, playing games, and enjoying the beautiful weather.

Outdoor Summerween Activities One of my goals was helping kids focus on summer fun instead of screens. For outdoor entertainment I picked up: Bubbles A hula hoop A beach ball Simple activities like these encourage movement, creativity, and social interaction while still fitting perfectly into the Summerween theme. The kids spent hours running around, playing games, and enjoying the beautiful weather.

Other Fun Summerween Party Ideas

Looking for even more great ideas? Here are additional ways to make your own Summerween party unforgettable:

Other Fun Summerween Party Ideas Looking for even more great ideas? Here are additional ways to make your own Summerween party unforgettable:

Create a Summerween Boo Basket

Fill a basket (with a painted jack-o-lantern face) with Summer fun activities that require no screens. Paints and rocks, coloring book and colored pencils, bubbles, beach ball, sand box toys, hula hoop and more!

Create a Summerween Boo Basket Fill a basket (with a painted jack-o-lantern face) with Summer fun activities that require no screens. Paints and rocks, coloring book and colored pencils, bubbles, beach ball, sand box toys, hula hoop and more!

Create a Spooky Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth using a white sheet backdrop, palm trees, skeleton flamingos, inflatable eyeballs, glow sticks, fake cobwebs, witch hats, and life-sized skeletons.

Bonus points if guests share their photos on social media afterward.

Host an Outdoor Movie Night

Set up an outdoor movie screen and enjoy family-friendly spooky movies or Scooby Doo marathon after sunset...or watch a scary movie with older teens and young adults.

An outdoor movie night is a perfect addition to any backyard bash.

Create a Spooky Photo Booth Set up a photo booth using a white sheet backdrop, palm trees, skeleton flamingos, inflatable eyeballs, glow sticks, fake cobwebs, witch hats, and life-sized skeletons. Bonus points if guests share their photos on social media afterward. Host an Outdoor Movie Night Set up an outdoor movie screen and enjoy family-friendly spooky movies or Scooby Doo marathon after sunset...or watch a scary movie with older teens and young adults. An outdoor movie night is a perfect addition to any backyard bash.

Build a Summerween Snack Bar

Fill your candy station with:

  • Gummy worms
  • Candy eyeballs
  • Favorite treats
  • Cheese slices
  • Black olives
  • Fruit skewers
  • Summerween treats

Make Ghost S'mores

Use graham crackers, vanilla ice cream, marshmallows, and chocolate for a cool twist on traditional ghost s'mores.

Build a Summerween Snack Bar Fill your candy station with: Gummy worms Candy eyeballs Favorite treats Cheese slices Black olives Fruit skewers Summerween treats Make Ghost S'mores Use graham crackers, vanilla ice cream, marshmallows, and chocolate for a cool twist on traditional ghost s'mores.

Tell Ghost Stories Around a Fire Pit

Gather around the fire pit at sunset and share silly ghost stories. Keep them lighthearted and fun for younger guests.

Create a Haunted Luau

Mix tropical summer decor with Halloween decorations for a haunted luau theme featuring palm leaves, summery colors, and spooky faces hidden throughout the party area.

Host a Costume Contest

Encourage guests to dress in summer-inspired costumes with a Halloween twist. Create a simple dress code that combines beachwear and spooky accessories.

Tell Ghost Stories Around a Fire Pit Gather around the fire pit at sunset and share silly ghost stories. Keep them lighthearted and fun for younger guests. Create a Haunted Luau Mix tropical summer decor with Halloween decorations for a haunted luau theme featuring palm leaves, summery colors, and spooky faces hidden throughout the party area. Host a Costume Contest Encourage guests to dress in summer-inspired costumes with a Halloween twist. Create a simple dress code that combines beachwear and spooky accessories.

Add Waterproof Lights

If you're hosting a spooky pool party or haunted pool party, waterproof lights can make the evening feel magical while keeping the tropical atmosphere alive. Decor can be set up inside or outdoors. It's easy to just decorate a table to make it feel exciting and fun!

Mummy Hot Dogs

Wrap some hot dogs in crescent roll dough and bake in the oven to create spooky mummy hot dogs perfect for lunch or dinner.

Watermelon Jack-O-Lantern

Carve out a watermelon just like a real pumpkin and fill it up with the blocked up fruit for a great serving bowl and refreshing snack.

Add Waterproof Lights If you're hosting a spooky pool party or haunted pool party, waterproof lights can make the evening feel magical while keeping the tropical atmosphere alive. Decor can be set up inside or outdoors. It's easy to just decorate a table to make it feel exciting and fun! Mummy Hot Dogs Wrap some hot dogs in crescent roll dough and bake in the oven to create spooky mummy hot dogs perfect for lunch or dinner. Watermelon Jack-O-Lantern Carve out a watermelon just like a real pumpkin and fill it up with the blocked up fruit for a great serving bowl and refreshing snack.

Summerween is the Perfect Mid-Summer Tradition

One of the things I loved most about hosting this Summerween party was how easily it brought everyone together. By the middle of summer, we've already enjoyed pool parties, trips to the park, and plenty of days in the sun. Summerween offers something a little different while still embracing everything we love about the season.

Summerween is the Perfect Mid-Summer Tradition One of the things I loved most about hosting this Summerween party was how easily it brought everyone together. By the middle of summer, we've already enjoyed pool parties, trips to the park, and plenty of days in the sun. Summerween offers something a little different while still embracing everything we love about the season.

Kids especially enjoyed the combination of familiar Halloween elements mixed with cheerful summer colors. Instead of traditional orange and black decorations, the bright pink pumpkin, colorful coasters, and glittery jack-o-lantern faces felt fresh and unexpected. The colorful projects became conversation starters and helped create a festive atmosphere without requiring expensive supplies or elaborate planning.

Summerween is also a great opportunity to get creative with crafting. Many of the decorations can be made using materials you already have on hand, and there are endless ways to personalize the theme. Try painting mini pumpkins in neon colors, creating watermelon jack-o-lanterns for the snack table, or decorating themed plates with spooky faces. The combination of summer colors and Halloween-inspired details allows for lots of creative freedom.

Kids especially enjoyed the combination of familiar Halloween elements mixed with cheerful summer colors. Instead of traditional orange and black decorations, the bright pink pumpkin, colorful coasters, and glittery jack-o-lantern faces felt fresh and unexpected. The colorful projects became conversation starters and helped create a festive atmosphere without requiring expensive supplies or elaborate planning. Summerween is also a great opportunity to get creative with crafting. Many of the decorations can be made using materials you already have on hand, and there are endless ways to personalize the theme. Try painting mini pumpkins in neon colors, creating watermelon jack-o-lanterns for the snack table, or decorating themed plates with spooky faces. The combination of summer colors and Halloween-inspired details allows for lots of creative freedom.

That's it!

Summerween is quickly becoming a favorite unofficial holiday for families who aren't ready to wait until October for Halloween fun. Combining bright colors, summer decor, outdoor play, and a little spooky fun creates a celebration everyone can enjoy.

Whether you keep things simple with colorful pumpkins and outdoor games or go all out with a haunted luau, outdoor movie screen, and elaborate Summerween decor, this unique holiday is a wonderful way to celebrate the summer season.

Summerween is quickly becoming a favorite unofficial holiday for families who aren't ready to wait until October for Halloween fun. Combining bright colors, summer decor, outdoor play, and a little spooky fun creates a celebration everyone can enjoy. Whether you keep things simple with colorful pumpkins and outdoor games or go all out with a haunted luau, outdoor movie screen, and elaborate Summerween decor, this unique holiday is a wonderful way to celebrate the summer season.

Gather your guest list, pull out your favorite Halloween decorations, embrace those summery colors, and create your own ultimate Summerween celebration. It's the perfect blend of sunshine, spooky fun, and unforgettable memories.

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How to Throw a Summerween party! Gather your guest list, pull out your favorite Halloween decorations, embrace those summery colors, and create your own ultimate Summerween celebration. It's the perfect blend of sunshine, spooky fun, and unforgettable memories.






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