What began as a small neighborhood idea in Oceanside during the pandemic has become one of Long Island’s most beloved Halloween traditions. The fifth annual Houdini Tribute Illusion Shows, created and hosted by magician Eric Wilzig, drew hundreds of spectators this year for a day of large-scale illusions, family fun and community giving.
This year’s event was held on the big courts at Rolling River Day Camp. While admission was free, attendees were encouraged to donate to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, also known as Blood Cancer United, and to Ava’s Army, a nonprofit which funds pediatric leukemia research and support programs.
While admission is free, attendees are encouraged to donate to the year’s chosen cause. Proceeds in recent years have gone to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, also known as Blood Cancer United, and now to Ava’s Army, which funds pediatric leukemia research and support programs.
“This is for someone near and dear to this community’s heart,” Wilzig said. “Because we are raising money for cancer, we get a lot of kids who are cancer survivors, leukemia survivors, that come every year and love what we do. Every event, there are always people who share a story about how important the organization is, even for someone they have lost.”
The Houdini Tribute began in 2020, when most Halloween events were canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Hoping to bring some joy back to the season, Wilzig performed a small show in front of his Oceanside home. He expected a few dozen people. Instead, more than 1,000 residents filled the streets.
Since then, the annual event has only grown. What started as a driveway performance has turned into a large-scale community spectacle featuring three illusion shows throughout the day, complete with stage lighting, professional sound and a lineup of magicians.
Wilzig, who has been performing magic since the age of five, headlines the event with the help of his wife and team. Each year, he recreates and reimagines some of Harry Houdini’s most famous escapes, honoring the legendary magician who died on Halloween in 1926.
“Harry Houdini died on Halloween, I mean, that was the whole reasoning for the Houdini aspect of the show,” Wilzig said. “It’s a great way to tie it all together.”
This year’s main performance featured jaw-dropping illusions including teleportation acts, audience levitations reaching 70 feet above ground and a dramatic attempt to break Houdini’s record for escaping a straightjacket while suspended upside down. The event opened with a performance by fellow magician T.J. Tana, followed by Wilzig’s full-scale illusion show.
Despite its impressive production, Wilzig emphasized that the event remains a grassroots effort.
“For all people know, this event is put on by a massive organization, but in reality, it really is just me and my family trying to put on a fun event for the community and raise some money,” he said.
One of the unique aspects of the Houdini Tribute is its last-minute promotion. The event is typically announced just four or five days before it happens — and yet it still manages to draw crowds in the hundreds.
This year, Rolling River Day Camp not only donated its space but also helped promote the show, ensuring a larger, more comfortable venue after the event outgrew Wilzig’s neighborhood streets.
Wilzig said the show’s combination of wonder and purpose keeps people coming back each year.
“It’s amazing when people say this is the highlight of their year,” he said. “We have people looking forward to this every year.”
“This is probably the only event of its kind where people are coming to see Houdini’s biggest escapes and illusions and really don’t have to pay for anything,” Wilzig said.
For Oceanside residents, the Houdini Tribute has become more than a magic show. It is a testament to community spirit, creativity, and compassion. And as Wilzig wrapped up this year’s final performance, he promised the magic, and the mission, will continue.
