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 Penguin Plunge Premiere

Sunday, February 14^th - The 2027 Penguin 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

Plungers can arrive at Hampton Beach any time after 9:00 a.m., though we recommend arriving no later than 10:00 a.m.

There are several metered parking lots along the beach (meters are not active during the winter), as well as parking on nearby side streets, behind the Casino, and in the municipal lot located directly behind the Casino parking lot. If you need to check in, head to the Ashworth by the Sea Hotel. If you’ve already checked-in, go directly to the Casino Ballroom.

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, 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
Top 100 Fundraisers

We'll keep the celebration moving so you can head home with great memories, a full stomach, and bragging rights from your latest plunge.

Before the credits roll

Accommodations: For those considering an overnight stay during Plunge weekend, the Ashworth by the Sea hotel has a limited number of rooms available. Rates vary by room type and reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at (603) 926-6762.

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.