BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas — Halloween is approaching, and Gulf Coast Times is giving Brazoria County residents a chance to show off their creativity, compete against fellow community members and earn recognition for their costumes — all without spending a dime to enter.
Gulf Coast Times has officially launched its 2026 Halloween Costume Contest, inviting children, teenagers, adults, couples, families and even pets to participate in a free community competition.
Whether it's a homemade costume assembled after weeks of planning, an elaborate family theme or a last-minute Halloween creation, residents are encouraged to submit photographs for consideration.
There is no entry fee, no purchase necessary and no cost to participate.
Winners will be recognized in a special Gulf Coast Times article and receive their own Facebook spotlight, giving participants an opportunity to share their creativity with family, friends and neighbors throughout Brazoria County.
Seven Categories Give Everyone a Chance to Participate
The contest features six costume categories along with a special Peoples' Choice Award, allowing participants of different ages and interests to compete.
Best Kids' Costume — Ages 0–12: From adorable first Halloween outfits to elaborate costumes created by parents and children, this category recognizes young participants.
Best Teen Costume — Ages 13–17: Teenagers can showcase their creativity, originality and Halloween spirit.
Best Adult Costume — Ages 18 and Older: Adults are encouraged to participate with everything from classic Halloween characters to unique costume creations.
Best Couples or Duo Costume: Open to couples, friends, siblings or any two people wearing matching or coordinated costumes.
Best Family or Group Costume: Families and groups of three or more people can enter costumes built around a shared theme.
Best Pet Costume: Dogs, cats and other pets can join the Halloween fun with their own costumes.
GCT Peoples' Choice Award: In addition to the regular contest categories, community members will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite costume from a selection of finalists.
The Peoples' Choice Award will give Brazoria County residents a direct role in recognizing one of the contest's standout entries.
How to Enter the Halloween Costume Contest
Entering the contest is simple, and participants do not need to create a Gulf Coast Times account or purchase anything.
Residents interested in participating should visit:
https://gulfcoasttimes.com/contact-us
Once on the contact page, participants should:
- Enter their name and email address.
- Upload a photograph of their Halloween costume.
- In the message section, write "Halloween Costume Contest Entry."
- Include the category they would like to enter.
Participants may also include a brief description of their costume, such as what inspired it or whether it was homemade.
For anyone under 18, submissions must be made by a parent or legal guardian who authorizes the photograph to be published.
Participants must have permission to submit the photographs they provide, including permission from others pictured in group entries.
Entries Accepted Through November 2
Gulf Coast Times is accepting costume submissions beginning October 15, with the initial submission period continuing through Halloween on October 31.
Residents who would rather wait until Halloween night to photograph their costumes will have two additional days to participate.
The official contest schedule is as follows:
- October 15–31: Halloween costume submissions open.
- November 1–2: Final opportunity to submit costume photographs.
- November 3–5: Contest judging and Peoples' Choice voting.
- November 6: Official winners announced by Gulf Coast Times.
Additional information about the Peoples' Choice voting process will be shared ahead of the voting period.
Winners to Be Featured by Gulf Coast Times
Although the contest is free to enter, participants will have an opportunity to receive recognition beyond their immediate family and friends.
Winning costumes will be included in a special Gulf Coast Times article announcing the results of the 2026 competition.
Each winner will also receive an individual spotlight through Gulf Coast Times' Facebook page.
The goal is to recognize the time, effort and imagination residents put into celebrating Halloween while giving the community an opportunity to participate in something enjoyable together.
Costumes do not need to be expensive or professionally made to be considered.
Local Businesses Invited to Support Community Contest
Gulf Coast Times is also welcoming local businesses interested in helping support the Halloween Costume Contest through sponsorship opportunities.
Several sponsorship levels are available, allowing businesses of different sizes to participate while receiving promotional recognition through Gulf Coast Times.
Sponsorships will help support the contest, potential prizes and other event-related expenses while allowing participating businesses to connect with the local community.
Businesses interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities can contact Gulf Coast Times through its website.
Any additional prizes secured through sponsorships will be announced once confirmed.
A New Halloween Tradition for Brazoria County
The Halloween Costume Contest is part of Gulf Coast Times' effort to encourage community participation and highlight the people, families and businesses that make Brazoria County unique.
Residents throughout Freeport, Lake Jackson, Clute, Angleton, Brazoria, Sweeny, Pearland and other Brazoria County communities are invited to participate.
With categories covering nearly every age group — along with families, couples and pets — the contest offers an opportunity for residents to get involved regardless of how elaborate their costumes may be.
Gulf Coast Times encourages residents to submit their photographs, share the contest with friends and family, and help make the first Halloween Costume Contest a new annual community tradition.
To enter the 2026 GCT Halloween Costume Contest, visit https://gulfcoasttimes.com/contact-us and submit your photograph no later than November 2.