By Kern Magazine Editors. Published October 26, 2026 | Images courtesy of Cody Grammar
Bakersfield-area Halloween enthusiast Cody Grammer has made the Top 20 in Colossal’s Face of Halloween 2026 competition, and she’s representing Kern County on a bigger stage. Her passion for spooky creativity comes with a cause close to her heart: supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation. Kern County, visit Cody’s official profile to vote and help one of our own move forward.
Face of Halloween 2026 Q&A
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Bakersfield?
I was born in Bakersfield, although my family moved around when I was growing up. I’ve been back in Bakersfield since I was 11 years old, living with my grandparents. This community has been a big part of my life, and my roots here mean a lot to me. Bakersfield is home, and I’m proud to represent my community in the Face of Halloween competition.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not participating in Face of Halloween?
Family is a huge part of my life. I help care for my grandparents through IHSS, and I also help my uncle, who has a disability. Spending time with my family is incredibly important to me. I enjoy walking and exploring places like Lake Ming and Hart Park, especially when I can get outside and enjoy nature. I love anything creative, too, and Halloween gives me a wonderful opportunity to bring my imagination to life.
What are some of your hobbies or passions?
I’m passionate about fitness, exercise, and continuing to grow as a person, both physically and mentally. Over the past year, I’ve lost 115 pounds, which has been a life-changing journey for me. Exercise has become an important part of my life, and I enjoy walking, running, and doing Pilates. Outside of fitness, I love concerts and music, tattoos and piercings, local art, and reading or listening to audiobooks. I also love expressing myself creatively through alternative fashion, makeup, and all things spooky!
What would winning Face of Halloween mean to you?
Winning would mean so much more to me than just a title. It would be proof to myself that I can accomplish something big when I put my heart into it. I’ve worked hard to get this far, and being part of the Top 20 has already been an incredible experience. The prize money would help my family work toward some important dreams, including buying a house instead of living in our current one-bedroom apartment, helping with our upcoming wedding, and taking our kids to Universal Studios. Being able to make those memories with my family would mean everything to me.
Is Face of Halloween a local, national, or international competition?
Face of Halloween is a competition open to eligible participants in the United States and Canada, excluding Quebec. It brings together people who share a passion for Halloween, creativity, and self-expression. I’m excited to represent Bakersfield and show people that someone from our community can compete on a much bigger stage.
How does the competition work, and what happens next?
The competition progresses through several rounds, with contestants advancing based on the voting rules for each stage. I’ve made it into the Top 20, which has been so exciting! Every round gets more competitive, so continued support and daily voting are incredibly important. The official schedule lists the final voting round for December 11–17, 2026, with the winner expected to be announced by January 14, 2027. I encourage everyone to check my official Face of Halloween profile for the latest voting information and updates.
What do you love most about the Kern County community?
One thing I love about Kern County is that it feels like a community where people can come together and support one another. There are so many hardworking people, local businesses, and families who care about their neighbors. Having that community support during this competition has been amazing. Every vote, share, and encouraging message reminds me how special it is to have people cheering you on.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant or place to eat?
One of my favorite local spots is Jerry’s Pizza. They have award-winning posole, which is something I really enjoy. I love finding local places that have their own personality and are part of what makes Bakersfield special.
What are some of your favorite places to visit or ways to spend time with your family?
My family enjoys trips to Morro Bay and Pismo Beach, where we can spend time near the ocean and get away from our usual routine. Jon and I also enjoy taking trips to Las Vegas when we get the chance to have some time together without the kids. Whether it’s a bigger trip or a simple day outdoors, making memories with the people I love is what matters most.
Face of Halloween supports Starlight Children’s Foundation. Why is that important to you?
Supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation makes this competition even more meaningful to me. I love that something centered around creativity, costumes, and Halloween can also help support children and families going through difficult times. I want this experience to be about more than just competing; I want to use it as an opportunity to spread positivity and encourage people to contribute to a good cause if they’re able. The competition’s donation-based voting options help support the charitable fundraiser, subject to applicable fees and costs. Knowing that this journey can help bring some joy to children makes it even more special.
You can vote for Cody Grammar here.
