A Kooky Ocean City Tradition: Local Surf Festival Blends Halloween Fun with Philanthropy

Get ready for an annual dose of haunted hang tens! The Spooks and Kooks Costume Surf Festival is back, bringing its uniquely spirited blend of surfing, Halloween fun, and community giving to the sands of Ocean City. Far more than just a surf contest, this beloved event has been a local tradition since its inception in 2012.

This festival is dedicated to surfing in Halloween costumes. Transforming the normally serious sport into a hilarious and wonderfully bizarre spectacle. Participants take to the waves while dressed as everything from superheroes to pizza. Over the years, the costumes have become legendary, and this year promises another slate of wildly creative outfits.

The festival is the brainchild of Dennis Siteman, who has been involved since the very beginning. He’s joined by dedicated Trustees, Sue McElwee (who also organizes the North Street Christmas Tree), Kevin Farrell, and Rich and Erica Ford.

The forecast has shifted the focus slightly for 2025. Due to the pending storm on Sunday and Monday, the event will be more of a beach costume contest. “It’s gonna be gnarly one for sure, everyone is ready though,” said Siteman. “The real emphasis has always been on the costumes.”

The competition has seen its share of legends. Scotty Kirkpatrick took home the top prize at the inaugural 2012 event. But the man to beat is Ron Curcio, the reigning undisputed champion and holder of the coveted King Kook trophy since 2013.

Photo by Joe 3 Photography

The heart of the Spooks and Kooks festival is its commitment to the community. The entry fee to the contest is a $20 gift card to either Acme or ShopRite, benefiting the Ocean City Food Cupboard. In addition to the contest entry fee, the festival features special giveaways that help raise funds for the Food Cupboard. For the third year in a row, Wildlife Surfboards is donating a custom surfboard featuring the Spooks and Kooks Logo. Local artist Jim McHugh is donating a beautiful hand-painted work of art surfboard. Additionally, many local businesses, like Surfer Supplies, Heritage, 7th Street Surf Shop (which “goes above and beyond”), and many more, have contributed prizes to help make the event a true testament to Ocean City’s community spirit.

Varsity Inn is also a sponsor

If you want to get in on this truly unique event or catch a glimpse of the wildest costumes you’ll ever see, head down to the 7th Street beach this Sunday, October 12th. Sign-ups start at 11:30 am. The first 50 to register will receive a special event t-shirt. Roma Pizza will be providing food, and photographer Joe Almo will be there to capture all the chaotic, costumed action!