Thousands of zombies, monsters and other costumed characters took over the Asbury Park Boardwalk on Saturday as the Asbury Park Zombie Walk returned for its 18th year, officially kicking off the Halloween season at the Jersey Shore.
The all-ages event began with participants gathering on the Boardwalk at 11 a.m., where makeup artists offered zombie transformations at the 4th Avenue Green Space. A costume contest followed in the afternoon before the main walk began at 4 p.m.
Zombies Take Over the Boardwalk
The route started near Convention Hall, moved down the Boardwalk toward the Casino and then continued into downtown Asbury Park before ending at Johnny Mac’s House of Spirits on Main Street.
The event is free and family-friendly, with participants encouraged to stay in character by walking, groaning and acting like zombies throughout the route. T
A Jersey Shore Halloween Tradition
The Asbury Park Zombie Walk was founded in 2008 and has become one of the city’s signature fall events.
It has also earned national recognition. Organizers say the event broke the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of zombies in both 2010 and 2013.
This year’s walk was led by the Paranormal Books & Curiosities Hearse, continuing a long connection between the event and the local paranormal-themed business.
More Than Just the Walk
Businesses across Asbury Park joined the celebration with pre-parties, after-parties, music and themed events.
The official after-party was held at Johnny Mac’s, while other venues around town hosted special Zombie Walk activities throughout the day.
For Asbury Park, the annual event has become more than a costume parade. It marks the unofficial start of the city’s “spooky season”, bringing residents, visitors and businesses together for one of the Jersey Shore’s most unusual fall traditions.
Sources: Asbury Park Zombie Walk, Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce
By NJ RADAR Team