Lights. Camera. Plunge!
Before you take the plunge, review everything you need to know about Plunge Day at Hampton Beach including arrival information, check-in, the plunge experience, and the post-plunge celebration.
All plungers must sign a waiver before plunging. Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete their waiver.
The High School Plunge Premiere
Saturday, February 13th - The 2027 High School Plunge!
| 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Check-in at the Ashworth by the Sea Hotel | |
| 9:00 AM | Hampton Casino Ballroom opens to Plungers | |
| 11:30 AM | Costume Parade | |
| 12:00 PM | Plunge! | |
| Lunch | ||
| 1:30 PM | Awards |
Arrival and Red Carpet access
Relax with fellow plungers and guests before the main event while enjoying complimentary refreshments from our event partners.
strike a pose
Whether you're walking the red carpet solo or arriving with your whole cast, we want to see your creativity shine! Individuals and teams are invited to participate in our Costume Parade before the Plunge. A panel of judges will select the winners, which will be announced during the awards ceremony following the Plunge.
Need some inspiration? Consider:
- Your favorite movie characters
- Hollywood stars and celebrities
- Superheroes and villains
- Animated classics
- Famous duos, trios, or movie casts
- Musical icons and rock stars
- Award show glam and red-carpet fashion
- TV show favorites
- Sports legends
- Original creations inspired by the movies
Pro Tip: Teams that coordinate around a common theme often steal the show!
It's showtime
After the Costume Parade, Plungers will be called by wave and escorted by volunteers from the Casino to the changing tents on the boardwalk just north of the State Parks building. Every Plunger is assigned a wave at check-in. Waves limit the number of people plunging at one time (about 200 per wave). Teams are always kept together, and Plungers who have participated the longest are placed in earlier waves.
Changing tents are divided into smaller changing rooms, separated by gender and student/faculty, each containing designated changing areas with folding chairs. Only registered Plungers are allowed in the changing tents and Plunge area. When you enter the tent, a volunteer will direct you to a changing room and station.
Change into the clothes you plan to wear into the ocean. Some Plungers wear their costume into the water, while others change into lighter clothing. Keep in mind that water weighs clothing down—the more you wear, the heavier it will feel.
Pro tip: Wear something on your feet. Wool socks are a game-changer.
You’ll leave anything not going into the water in the changing tent. Please bring a recognizable bag for your items and avoid bringing valuables.
When your wave is called, you’ll line up, run down the beach, and enter the ocean together. After exiting the water, you'll be handed a towel and return to your changing room, change into dry clothes, place your towel in the bin provided, and head back to the Casino Ballroom.
The After Party
After your plunge, warm up in the Casino Ballroom and enjoy a nice lunch.
After all Plungers return, there will be an award ceremony. Awards will be presented for:
- Top Individual Fundraiser (person that raises the most money)
- Top Team (the team that raises the most money)
- Top Fundraising Team (the team with the highest per Plunger average)
- Best Individual Costume
- Best Team Costume
Before the credits roll
Weather: Rain, snow, or shine, the show goes on! The Penguin Plunge will take place as scheduled, so we encourage participants and guests to dress appropriately for the forecast and outdoor conditions.
Wristbands: Everyone attending the post-Plunge Celebration must have a wristband. Plungers receive one complimentary guest wristband at check-in, and additional wristbands may be purchased for $20 each at check-in or when you arrive to the Casino at the information table.
