The undead are coming: 2023 Asbury Park Zombie Walk takes place Oct. 7

Bill Canacci, Asbury Park Press
Updated ·2 min read

World War Z comes to the Jersey Shore Saturday, Oct. 7, as creepy creatures and grisly ghouls take part in the Asbury Park Zombie Walk.

The 15th annual event — which takes place rain or shine — returns to the boardwalk beginning at 11 a.m. with the zombie gathering. The official info booth and merchandise stand will open on the 4th Avenue Green Space. While many participants attend already dressed to kill, professional makeup artists will be available to work their spooky magic (for a fee).

At 4 p.m., the walk will begin lurching up the boardwalk, heading from Convention Hall down the boards toward the Casino, where it will turn onto Cookman Avenue and head into downtown.

As the all-inclusive event is meant to be safe, lighthearted fun, attendees are asked to leave all prop weapons at home.

A participant is shown at the 2022 Asbury Park Zombie Walk.
A participant is shown at the 2022 Asbury Park Zombie Walk.

Those wishing to participate in the Zombie Costume Contest must be on the boardwalk at 3 p.m. Judges will wander the boardwalk, choosing finalists for Best Young Zombie, Best Adult, Best Couple and Best Group costumes. At 6 p.m. at Johnny Mac House of Spirits, 208 Main St., the final judging takes place. Winners receive cash prizes and a golden zombie trophy.

The 2022 walk had a punk theme, but it was not required. Last week, producers of the event were asking followers on Facebook if there should be a theme. Many said no, although one suggested Zombie Barbie.

Co-founded by Jason Meehan in 2008, the Asbury Park Zombie Walk has become one of the most iconic events in the city. The 4,093 attendees in 2010 made it into the Guinness Book of World Records, as did the 9,592 participants in 2013. The title is currently held by the 2014 Zombie Pub Crawl in Minneapolis with 15,458 zombies.

For more information, follow the walk on social media, or visit asburyparkzombiewalk.com.

Go: Asbury Park Zombie Walk, 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, gather on the boardwalk at Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave. free (professional makeup artists charge a fee); zombiesbiting@me.com, asburyparkzombiewalk.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Zombie Walk Asbury Park 2023 this Saturday