Halloween & Costume Association Named Spooky Award Finalists
Consumers can vote on top holiday products in eight categories through mid-October.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Home Cleaning
Live Poll
Do you typically consider industry award winners when shopping for seasonal holiday costumes?
The Halloween & Costume Association has announced the finalists for its third annual Spooky Awards. The competition recognizes industry achievements across eight categories, including costumes, masks, and decor.
Why it matters
The awards highlight the latest trends and inventive designs in the Halloween industry. This recognition helps set the standard for seasonal innovation for household holiday displays and costumes.
Finalists across eight categories were selected by experts based on innovation and trendsetting potential. The association represents companies with $4.3 billion in cumulative sales.
The players
Halloween & Costume Association
An industry group representing member companies that generates $4.3 billion in annual sales.
The details
A panel of industry experts evaluated entries based on five specific criteria: innovation, marketability, trendsetting potential, appeal, and usefulness. The selection process narrows down the field for the upcoming fan voting phase, which influences the final results of the annual competition.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Finalists for the third annual Spooky Awards were announced.
October 1-15, 2026: Public voting for favorite products is open.
October 16, 2026: Fan Vote finalists for each category will be announced.
January 11, 2027: Winners will be revealed at a ceremony at Mardi Gras World.
January 11-13, 2027: The Halloween & Party Expo takes place in New Orleans.
The Home Front
The Spooky Awards operate alongside the major industry cycle marked by the annual Halloween & Party Expo. This recognition platform reinforces broader seasonal retail trends established at the expo.
If you enjoy seasonal decorating or costume shopping, monitor the fan voting portal to see the latest industry trends. Consider checking these innovative product finalists to plan your holiday decor for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
The Spooky Awards provide a preview of the most innovative products hitting the market this year. Check the official association channels in mid-October to see which items are trending for your next holiday celebration.
What happens next
Public voting begins October 1, 2026. The Fan Vote finalists will be announced on October 16, 2026, followed by the awards ceremony on January 11, 2027.
Further reading
For more on seasonal home preparation, visit our Home Cleaning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Action Figure Insider.
Live Poll
Do you typically consider industry award winners when shopping for seasonal holiday costumes?
