[CONVENTION REVIEW] Monsterpalooza 2024

I’ve been going to Monsterpalooza since 2018 which was my first horror convention ever so my biased might be showing but I ADORE this convention. The people who run it, to the volunteers and the vendors down to the guests themselves, I’m always excited to spend an entire weekend walking through the Pasadena Convention Center to meet new people, grab some photos and new toys for my space and to be immersed with horror fans alike. This year was the 15th anniversary and I have to commend Monsterpalooza for not only getting new vendors this year but also bringing even more live demos to the show floor. The museum was a bit smaller this year but they did include a lot of original work from make-up schools in Burbank, North Hollywood, Studio City, etc. and it’s appreciated when they expand their reach to not only known works but also molded heads from students at the surrounding make-up schools.

It also wouldn’t be a horror convention without the abundance of amazing cosplayers who put their blood sweat and tears into each costume and prop. I was truly blown away this year by everyone’s creativity. My favorite creature of the weekend had to be Fish Girl from Dyad Make-up who I did wait around for to finish because I wanted to see the final product and my god I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest!

I even stumbled upon a Wicked cosplay group complete with Elphaba, Glinda and two flying monkeys 2 & 87. Don’t ask why the monkeys were named that, no one knows.

I will continue going to Monsterpalooza until I decide it’s no longer for me, but I have a strong feeling that won’t happen anytime soon. For more photos you can check out my instagram :)

Review by: Krystina Alfonso