As Halloween celebrations get underway around the world, Michael Jackson fans and dance enthusiasts are embracing the spooky spirit in the best possible way: by bringing the legendary “Thriller” back to life!
From school performances and community celebrations to full-scale zombie parades, Michael Jackson’s iconic short film continues to inspire people of all ages to put on their dancing shoes, transform themselves into the living dead and recreate one of the most recognisable dance routines in music history.
With Halloween celebrations taking place across the globe, here are some of the “Thriller” performances and events that have caught our attention this year.
New Haven, Connecticut, USA – Betsy Ross Arts & Design Academy
Students at Betsy Ross Arts & Design Academy (BRADA) in New Haven, Connecticut, brought some Halloween magic to their school on October 30 with a special performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.
Thirteen seventh and eighth-grade students spent several weeks rehearsing the iconic choreography under the guidance of dance teacher Nikki Claxton, a self-confessed Michael Jackson superfan. The performance saw students emerge from school lockers dressed as zombies, complete with homemade costumes, fake blood and frightening makeup, before taking over the school’s corridors and lobby with their dance routine.
The performance was such a success that the young dancers subsequently boarded a bus to take their spooky show to two other New Haven schools, Benjamin Jepson Magnet School and Nathan Hale Elementary School, spreading a little more Thriller magic throughout the community.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA – Thriller on Themis
The living dead also took to the streets in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, for the second annual “Thriller on Themis” celebration.
Bringing Michael Jackson’s legendary zombie anthem into the heart of the community, the event once again embraced the Halloween spirit, with participants recreating the atmosphere of the iconic short film.
Macon, Georgia, USA – 19th Annual Thriller Parade
One of the biggest celebrations dedicated to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is returning to downtown Macon, Georgia, for its 19th year.
Organised by Hayiya Dance Theatre, the annual Thriller Parade has become a major Halloween tradition in Middle Georgia, attracting thousands of spectators who gather to watch more than 100 zombie dancers recreate Michael Jackson’s legendary choreography.
Taking place around Cherry Street Plaza, the celebration features a two-hour pre-show followed by the parade and a family-friendly street afterparty. Beyond the entertainment, the event also supports breast cancer awareness initiatives, with the 2026 edition welcoming the Atrium Health Navicent Mobile Mammography Coach to offer 3D screening.
Taguig City, Philippines – Thriller in BGC
The Baguio Horror Festival brought its famous Halloween tradition to Metro Manila this year, with “Thriller in BGC” taking place on October 24 at the Sun Life Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City.
Led by organiser Paolo Corpuz, the Baguio contingent brought together Halloween enthusiasts, families and dancers for an evening celebrating Michael Jackson’s iconic short film. The move came after the festival faced difficulties securing a venue in its hometown of Baguio, as well as concerns raised by the religious sector. Rather than abandoning the tradition, organisers decided to bring the celebration to a new location and make it more accessible to fans.
One of the evening’s highlights was a special appearance by Daryl Jackson, the Baguio-based professional Michael Jackson tribute artist affectionately known as the “Michael Jackson of the Cordillera”. Hosted by Angelica Ang, the programme featured Michael Jackson music, Halloween characters, interactive games, trivia and a mini dance party before the much-anticipated “Thriller” flash mob brought everyone together at around 7:45 p.m. Even some audience members who had not attended rehearsals joined the dancers!
Despite limited resources, a short rehearsal period and uncertain weather, the event was made possible through the dedication of volunteers and partners. Organisers are already looking towards bigger platforms for future editions, ensuring that the spirit of “Thriller” continues to reach new audiences.
Carlisle, England, UK – Carlisle’s Big Thrill
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” also brought Halloween excitement to the streets of Carlisle in Cumbria, where crowds gathered on Saturday, October 31, for Carlisle’s Big Thrill, a large-scale community dance organised by Dance Ahead CIC.
Taking place in Carlisle city centre at midday, the event brought together dancers, families, friends, schools, businesses and community groups to recreate the iconic choreography. Participants had been invited to learn the routine in advance through rehearsal opportunities, although professional dance experience was certainly not required. Halloween costumes were encouraged, giving everyone the opportunity to embrace their inner zombie!
The mass dance formed part of Carlisle’s wider Halloween celebrations, taking place ahead of the city’s annual Fire Show. With the aim of bringing the community together through dance and participation, Carlisle’s Big Thrill demonstrated once again how Michael Jackson’s legendary creation continues to inspire people and generations around the world.
New York City, USA – Village Halloween Parade
New York City once again embraced the spirit of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as the 53rd annual Village Halloween Parade took over Manhattan on October 31. Among the many attractions of this year’s spectacular celebration was the much-loved “Thriller” zombie dance, performed by Thriller NYC, a dedicated group that has been bringing Michael Jackson’s legendary choreography to the parade since 2004.
What started around two decades ago with just a handful of dancers has grown into an impressive group of 165 zombies, who took to Sixth Avenue in full costume to recreate the iconic routine. A firm favourite of the annual parade, the performance once again demonstrated that, even after more than four decades, “Thriller” remains an essential part of Halloween celebrations in New York!
Plailly, France – Parc Astérix
Even at Parc Astérix, just outside Paris, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is helping bring Halloween to life! The popular French theme park is celebrating its annual Halloween season, “Peur sur le Parc” (Fear at the Park), from October 3 to November 8, 2026, with a series of spooky attractions, shows and nighttime celebrations.
Among this year’s highlights is “La Danse des morts-vivants” (The Dance of the Living Dead), a spectacular stage performance featuring macabre choreography and staging inspired by Michael Jackson’s legendary “Thriller”. The park also incorporates the iconic song into its Halloween nocturnal parade, ensuring that visitors get another taste of the King of Pop’s timeless classic as the monsters take over after dark.
With Halloween entertainment continuing until late into the night, Parc Astérix is yet another place where “Thriller” remains an essential part of the celebrations!
Paris, France – A Peaceful “Thriller” Gathering at the Eiffel Tower
In a rather unusual Halloween gathering, hundreds of people came together at the Trocadéro in Paris on October 31, directly opposite the Eiffel Tower, to perform Michael Jackson’s legendary “Thriller” choreography.
The gathering took place against the backdrop of continuing protests across France, which have been marked by unrest, clashes and damage to businesses and public property, particularly during the first major demonstrations on October 17. Rather than adding to the tensions, participants used music and dance to express themselves peacefully, with Michael Jackson’s iconic zombie routine providing an unexpected moment of unity. An online call inviting people dressed as zombies to recreate the “Thriller” choreography at the Trocadéro had circulated ahead of the gathering, bringing a Halloween twist to the ongoing demonstrations.
Once again, more than four decades after its release, “Thriller” proved its extraordinary ability to bring people together, even in the most unexpected circumstances.
A Thrillerween to Remember!
What a Thrillerween it has been! From New Haven to New York, from Carlisle to Paris, and from community dance performances to spectacular Halloween parades, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” has once again taken over the world!
This year’s celebrations have been particularly special, with the renewed love and interest in Michael Jackson, undoubtedly boosted by the success of the biopic, bringing his music to a whole new generation while reminding longtime fans why his legacy remains so extraordinary.
And the celebrations may not be over just yet! With “Thriller” being played, streamed and danced to across the globe, all signs point towards another impressive Halloween chart performance next week. Could we see the legendary track climb even higher in the charts? We certainly wouldn’t be surprised!
Of course, the events featured in this article are just a small selection of the incredible celebrations taking place around the world. Countless fans, dance groups, schools, families and communities have taken to their local streets, dance floors and Halloween parties to recreate the unforgettable choreography, dress up as zombies and celebrate the magic of Michael Jackson.
More than 44 years after its release, “Thriller” continues to unite people across generations, cultures and countries. It is more than just a Halloween song; it is a cultural phenomenon, a musical masterpiece and a reminder of Michael Jackson’s extraordinary influence on the world.
And as the zombies return to their graves for another year, one thing is certain: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is still very much alive!
