Armando Glen (left), who works security at Shoreline Village, participated in the “Meet the Monsters” photo-op during the Oct. 11 “Zombie Walk” event. Glen was dressed as Eddie Krueger, Freddy Krueger’s fictional brother from “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

As nightfall engulfed the popular tourist spot, Shoreline Village, zombies ran amok.

The undead spanned all forms and ages, from children to adults. Even the Grinch became a zombie on Saturday night.

The annual “Zombie Walk,” where guests dress up as zombies and shuffle down the pier, has become a Halloween party tradition in the Long Beach community during the spooky season.

On Oct. 11, the festivity continued.

“It’s becoming a tradition for us to come here to this event in Long Beach, especially ‘cause we live around here,” said Erik Marroquin, a second-year attendee who came with his family. 

A little girl waves her wand while wearing a Harry Potter-inspired costume at the “Zombie Walk” on Saturday, Oct. 11. The first half of the “Zombie Walk” had a section for younger children with less scary activities. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

What began as a small roaming event planned by an outside group has been adopted by Shoreline Village organizers and expanded into an annual community bash, with large turnouts every year.

“[The event is] just to bring the community into Long Beach and to Shoreline Village specifically,” Elaine Meyers, Shoreline Village’s event coordinator, said. “Believe it or not, a lot of people in Long Beach don’t even know Shoreline Village.”

The event, which ran from 4 to 10 p.m., aimed to include everyone with activities for all ages. 

Before complete zombie horror took over, children participated in light-hearted festivities from 4 to 7 p.m. in a grassy area near Yard House restaurant.

Mini ghouls had the opportunity to create Halloween-themed crafts, including their own monster. Families played Jenga and Connect 4. Legos were spread out on mats.

Kids and families danced to Halloween music, including fan favorites like “Thriller,” while others waited in long lines for face painting and balloon figures.

The 2025 “Zombie Walk,” which took place at Shoreline Village on Oct. 11, had a large turnout this year. The event has grown more popular in Long Beach, with guests dressing up as undead characters and shuffling down the pier. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

At 8 p.m., as night crept up on Long Beach, it was time for the main event: the “Zombie Walk.”

Leading the shuffle was Meyers, who dressed up as the off-putting, villainous Aunt Gladys from this year’s hit horror movie, “Weapons.”

Meyers gave out candy to attendees and popped up when least expected. 

Elaine Meyers, one of the “Zombie Walk” event organizers, gave out candy to attendees on Saturday, Oct. 11. Meyers dressed up as Aunt Gladys, a modern take on a witch from this year’s hit horror movie, “Weapons.” Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Shoreline Village was packed with enthusiastic attendees, with crowd sizes sometimes limiting movement throughout the event.

Armando Glen, working security at Shoreline Village, dressed up as “Eddie Krueger,” Freddy Krueger’s lesser-known brother. The character does not canonically exist in “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” but is rather a fan creation by Glen.

Glen participated in event photo-ops where attendees got to meet ghouls and monsters. He said the event helps kids overcome their fears. 

Returning this year was the “World’s Greatest Clown Rock Band,” The Clowns. The vociferous band made their presence known at the already loud event, with lead singer Simon Ferocious screaming incoherent lyrics.

Before punk band The Clowns played on Oct. 11, “Zombie Walk” attendees danced to various Halloween songs at the Long Beach event, including a grown-up and little kid version of Art the Clown. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Although the night festivities were geared toward older children and teenagers, younger children still attended the event.

Before The Clowns’ performance, a grown-up and a little kid version of Art the Clown, the deranged killer from the “Terrifier“ movie series, danced together as a circle formed around them. 

Some attendees got creative with their undead costumes, with two artists designing office culture-themed characters.

Artists Shanita Bump (left) and Sandy Taboo attended the “Zombie Walk” on Oct. 11. Bump visited from Beverly Hills, and Taboo lives in the area but had never visited Shoreline Village. The two artists have gained a following for their art on social media. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

“We’re zombies,” Shanita Bump joked. “We’re workforce corporate, giving we own three-fourths of this company.”

Sandy Taboo, one of the zombies, owns a company called Taboo World, which sells art products. Bump described herself as a performance artist. 

They said their characters died in a work meeting.

As 10 p.m. struck and the event ended, the zombies suddenly disappeared.

But Long Beach better look out – they are sure to reappear next year.