Your guide to surviving Midsummer Scream
For us horror fans, Halloween isn't just one day of dressup and candy induced comas: It’s a lifestyle. That is why every smoldering summer, thousands of fans, filmmakers, haunt enthusiasts, artists, scareactors, and Halloween lovers flock to Long Beach Convention Center for one of the most immersive conventions of the year.
If you've never been before, it can feel overwhelming. Between celebrity guests, Hall of Shadows, hundreds of vendors, film screenings, live performances, workshops, and educational panels, there's simply too much to see in one weekend. So we've put together our own guide to the experiences we're most hyped about. Whether you're attending for one day or the entire weekend, here's what we think deserves a spot on your schedule.
No visit to Midsummer Scream is complete without spending time in the legendary Hall of Shadows. This massive immersive area transforms part of the convention center into a maze of haunted attractions, cinematic sets, live monsters, and unforgettable photo opportunities.
This year's theme, Descent Into Darkness, promises some incredible walkthrough experiences from haunt creators across the country. You'll find everything from eerie forests and abandoned asylums to movie-inspired environments and interactive horror experiences. Universal Horror Unleashed, Fear Farm, Lionsgate (A personal favorite of mine), Rawl of the Dead’s Iconic Photobooth (this year’s theme: Hawkins National Laboratory), and several incredible independent haunt creators that are all bringing something iconic to the convention floor.
Even if haunted attractions aren't usually your vibe, the artistry alone makes Hall of Shadows worth visiting. The practical effects, scenic design, costumes, and lighting are inspiring for photographers, filmmakers, and Halloween fans alike.
One of the biggest highlights of Midsummer Scream is the incredible lineup of celebrity guests. This year's convention is packed with icons from some of horror's most beloved franchises.
Fans of Scream have an especially exciting weekend ahead with appearances by Matthew Lillard, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Jamie Kennedy, Roger L. Jackson, Lee Waddell, Joseph Whipp, and composer Marco Beltrami. Also if you didn’t know it’s Scream’s 30th anniversary this year, so there is definitely bound to be a few knives up their sleeves with some frightful surprises.
The guest list continues with legendary filmmaker John Carpenter, Friday the 13th creator Sean S. Cunningham, special effects legend Ve Neill, horror actress Dee Wallace, Bill Moseley, Barry Bostwick, Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills, Alan Howarth, Terrance Zdunich, Nathan Baesel, and many more.
Whether you're collecting autographs, attending Q&A sessions, or simply getting the chance to meet the people behind your favorite horror films, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with the creators who helped shape the genre.
The convention schedule is filled with presentations covering nearly every corner of horror and Halloween culture. Haunt fans won't want to miss presentations from Knott's Scary Farm, Halloween Horror Nights, Queen Mary's Dark Harbor, Six Flags Fright Fest, Winchester Mystery House, and Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, where attendees often get exclusive previews of the upcoming Halloween season.
Film lovers can enjoy discussions celebrating the 30th anniversary of Scream, the cast and creators of Repo! The Genetic Opera (too HYPED FOR THIS!!), practical effects workshops, filmmaking panels like Blood, Sweat, and Screams, and conversations about horror music, sound design, and storytelling.
For aspiring haunt designers, there's also programming focused on scare acting, walkthrough design, haunt construction, and the creative process behind some of the industry's biggest attractions. I am also intrigued by a lot of the screenwriter workshops. Being a writer myself, I would love to be able to up my ante on my knack for the macabre.
Experience horror on stage
One thing that makes Midsummer Scream unlike any other horror convention is its live entertainment. Throughout the weekend you'll find stage productions ranging from comedy to horror musicals and burlesque performances. Shows include Stephen King's IT: A Musical Parody, SCREAM'D: An Unauthorized Musical Parody, The Shining! The Musical!, Final Girl: The Musical, Return of the Living Drag Musical, and the always entertaining Peepshow Menagerie Burlesque Show.
Even if musicals aren't usually your thing, these performances have become fan favorites thanks to their humor, creativity, and love of horror. I have seen some snippets online of these parodies and cannot wait to see the actors in their full element.
Spend time in the Screaming Room
If you enjoy independent horror, you better make time for the Screaming Room.This dedicated screening space features short films, independent features, filmmaker Q&As, and special presentations throughout the weekend. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover up-and-coming filmmakers and support independent horror while taking a break from the busy convention floor. Who knows maybe you’ll meet the next Jordan Peele or Damien Leone before they hit it big!
Shop until your wallet screams
The vendor hall is a destination all on its own. Be sure to call your credit cards and up those limits so you can buy till your little hearts content.
With hundreds of exhibitors, it's easy to spend several hours browsing everything from horror artwork and handmade jewelry to clothing, collectibles, masks, props, practical effects supplies, candles, books, comics, cosmetics, and Halloween décor.
Some of the booths we're especially excited to visit include Trick or Treat Studios, Fangoria, Dark Delicacies, Storm King Comics, Rue Morgue Magazine, Sin City Props, Froggy's Fog, Tom Devlin's Monster Museum, Universal Products & Experiences, Bloody Disgusting, HorrorBuzz, Strange Cvlt, Backstitch Bruja, Darkness Cosmetics, Kreepsville, LVCRFT, Mad Monster Masks, and dozens of talented independent artists and makers.
If you're planning to shop, consider bringing a backpack, coffin on wheels or maybe a body bag; you'll probably leave with more than a handful.
Leave room for the unexpected
While it's tempting to plan every hour of your weekend, some of the best moments at Midsummer Scream happen when you wander. Stop to admire incredible cosplay, strike up conversations with artists, discover a vendor you've never heard of, do one of the cool crafting stations, or stumble across a panel that wasn't originally on your list.
That's part of the mysticism of Midsummer Scream. It's not just about checking off things on your bucket list, it's about celebrating a community that keeps Halloween alive all year long.
See you in the fog!
