Asbury Park Zombie Walk Draws Thousands

The 17th annual Asbury Park Zombie Walk took place Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, drawing thousands to the boardwalk and city streets to kick off the Halloween season. The free, all-ages, family-friendly event opened a Zombie Walk Makeup Tent at 11 a.m. and launched its parade at 4 p.m. from Convention Hall, proceeding down the boardwalk, Cookman Avenue and Main Street. Organizers prohibited prop weapons; participants wore a wide variety of costumes and used on-site makeup stations as final judging supported a costume contest. Final judging and awards, including cash prizes and a golden zombie trophy, were held on the stage outside Johnny Mac’s House of Spirits. Local businesses prepared for the influx of revelers (one restaurant ordered 500 pounds of meat), and galleries photographed the ghoulish crowds.