Get ready to shake your decomposing limbs and shuffle your undead feet because the Thrill the World Zombie Crawl is returning to haunt the streets of Campbell, California, on Saturday, October 26, 2024. This spooktacular event will kick off at 7:00 PM, keeping the town in its eerie grip until 9:00 PM.
The Zombie Apocalypse Hits Downtown Campbell
Every Halloween season, a peculiar curse befalls the otherwise charming downtown of Campbell. Instead of the usual bustling shoppers and diners, the streets fill with a horde of groaning, stumbling zombies. But don’t worry, these aren’t your garden-variety brain-eaters. These zombies have rhythm!
The Thrill, the World Zombie Crawl, is an annual event that turns ordinary folks into dancing undead sensations. Organized by the clever minds at Adira Dance and Costume in San Jose, this ghoulish gathering brings Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to life (or, should we say, afterlife?).
Dancing Dead on Parade
Picture this: You’re enjoying a nice meal at an outdoor table in downtown Campbell when suddenly, you hear the unmistakable beat of “Thriller.” Before you can say “Shamone,” a group of zombies appears, ready to recreate one of the most iconic dance routines in music video history.
These dancing dead will perform their spine-tingling (and spine-cracking) routine 6 to 8 times throughout the evening.
The first stop is at Opa’s restaurant shortly after 7 PM. From there, the zombies will lurch toward the railroad tracks, then loop back down the street to Aqui’s. The grand finale? A last hurrah at El Guapo’s just before 9 PM.
A Global Phenomenon
But wait, there’s more! Campbell’s Zombie Crawl isn’t just a local oddity. It’s part of a worldwide phenomenon called Thrill the World. This annual international dance event brings together participants from around the globe to simultaneously channel their inner zombie and bust out the “Thriller” moves.
Thrill the World has even broken world records. In 2009, 22,923 participants from 33 countries danced together, setting a new world record. Who knew the undead could be so coordinated?
Join the Undead Army
Feeling left out? Don’t worry; you can join the ranks of the dancing dead, too. The organizers typically hold workshops leading up to the big day to teach potential zombies the “Thriller” moves. It’s like a zombie boot camp but with more moonwalking and less brain-eating.These workshops are perfect for everyone, from kids to grandparents. After all, age is just a number when you’re undead. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other zombie enthusiasts and practice your best “I’ve been dead for centuries” look.
Why “Thriller”?
You might wonder, why “Thriller”? According to Ines Markeljevic, the mastermind behind the original Thrill the World event, “Thriller” has a special hold on people. “Regardless of where people are in the world, they love Thriller, they want to do the dance,” she explained.
It’s true. There’s something about those iconic moves that brings people together. As Shawn Sides, a Texan artist involved in a Thrill the World event in Austin, put it: “Thriller is like the national choreography of the United States.” Now that’s patriotism you can dance to!
More Than Just Fun and Games
While the Thrill the World Zombie Crawl is undoubtedly a blast, it’s not just about having fun. Many Thrill the World events also raise money for charity. In 2009, these events raised over $100,000 for 80 different charities. So, by participating, you’re not just entertaining the living – you’re also helping make the world a better place. Who said zombies couldn’t be philanthropists?
How to Catch the Zombies
If you want to witness this bizarre and hilarious spectacle, grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables at a downtown Campbell restaurant, hang out on the street, and keep your eyes peeled for shuffling, dancing undead. Don’t worry. These zombies don’t bite – they’re too busy trying to remember the dance steps!
Remember, when Halloween rolls around in Campbell, the dead don’t just rise – they dance! It will be a thriller night, so you had better be prepared to see some zombie dancing, which is scary and good.
Sources: downtowncampbell.com, allsides.com
Header Image Source: downtowncampbell.com
