The annual zombie walk began in 2000 and was put together last minute by Gen Con. The first ever zombie walk started in Sacramento, California, and has since spread throughout San Francisco, Long Beach and other cities outside of California.
The zombie walk originally was just seven people and was a fundraiser for local charities. Originally there were fewer than 50 participants. Now, after 18 years, it has grown significantly.
The annual zombie walk is an event that combines pop culture and community spirit. It has grown immensely in popularity and is highly anticipated. The event takes place in late October, just before the Day of the Dead celebrations.
This year’s annual Mexico City zombie walk took place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Thousands of people in zombie costumes and makeup took over the Historic Center for a parade. Mexico City is now one of the biggest zombie walk events in the world.
On October 11, 2014, the annual zombie walk in New Jersey broke the Guinness World Records for the largest gathering of zombies. The current world record is 15,458, which beat the last record of 9,592, which was set the year prior.
Many of the zombie walks that happen are to raise money for charities such as food banks or programs for children with brain cancer. Numerous organizations collect donations to give to local charities. The zombie walk is an annual tradition to help out communities and it has been growing larger and larger each year.
