September Rumblings š: Welcome to autumn.
This week we rang in the first day of fall and ushered in the āBer months, complete with pumpkin spice lattes and our favorite fall āfits. The cozy autumn aesthetic is everywhere (even if the Florida thermostat isnāt cooperating!), and for this month's Rumblings, we are throwing it back to our Behind the Buzz podcast where we spoke to our old friend, Scott Swensonāthe absolute scare-master. We dive into what it takes to pull off a scarily good Halloween experience from planning to marketing to execution, because they all work hand in hand.
The buzz weāre into
As spooky season continues to evolve and grow in popularity, even Halloween is sporting a new style. Itās no longer isolated to trick-or-treating toddlers or screaming horror encounters, itās much more whimsical and aesthetic.
If you live in the world of theme parks or placemaking, your Halloween programming was put to bed long ago. But if you just woke up to the scent of apple cider and realized you havenāt planned anything to secure your slice of this $13 billion industry (yes, thatās billion with a B), weāve included a few easy-to-implement ideas, below.
100% that witch - With Practical Magic living rent-free in our heads right now, anything witchy and darkly macabre is having a moment. Include DIY broom-making stations, wish boxes, and leaning hard into gothic glam. It's also easy to theme your restaurant and bar offerings around, Midnight Margaritas anyone?
Craft Nights - Pinterest-core meets spooky szn. From making your own spooky ghost garlands to pressed flower pumpkins, crafting is officially back in. Keep your stress levels low by partnering with local craft clubs or makers to host a seamless, gord-geous DIY night.
Tap Into Major Nostalgia - Retro Halloween energy hits us in the feels. Screen a classic throwback movie and curate your restaurant or bar offerings into a progressive dining experience that takes guests on a full nostalgic journey. Channel the Sanderson sisters with spellbinding cocktails (think "Amuck, Amuck, Amuck" potion) or "Dead Man's Toes" (gourmet pigs in a blanket), and a dessert board that looks straight out of the book of witchcraft.
Murder, Mystery & Margaritas - Book clubs are the rage, so give yours a dark, gripping twist. Focus on psychological thrillers, mysteries, or classic horror. Partner with local indie bookstores or book clubs to discuss the monthly page-turner. Lean into the theme with literary-inspired cocktails and bites like the "Gone Girl" gin gimlet, "Silent Patient" blackberry elixirs, and more.