3 Horror Conventions That Belong on Your Bucket List

Every horror movie fan should attend at least one convention. While the temptation to bankrupt yourself will be great, a good horror convention will make you feel like you’re floating on a surreal cloud, starring in your own action-packed movie. When celebrating Halloween one day a year becomes too anticlimactic, up the ante and dive into your first convention for a special sort of thrill.

Each event offers a uniquely chilling experience, but you can expect Q&A interactions with famous filmmakers and actors, photo and autograph sessions, sneak peek movie screenings, merchandise exclusives, roving characters, cosplay parties, concerts, trivia contests, auctions, fashion shows, swanky parties, and maybe a zombie hunt if you’re lucky. By the end of the whirlwind weekend, most people agree it’s mingling with other fans and the buzz brewing in the air that has the most enduring impact.

Not sure where to begin? Your friends at Horror Dome recommend the following “best of the best” horror conventions.

Who: This year’s HorrorHound lineup includes big names like Lost Boys’ Kiefer Sutherland, Billy Zane, Bruce Campbell, Lance Henrikson, Lisa Loring (perhaps better known as “Wednesday Adams”), Judge Reinhold, Nick Castle (“Michael Myers”), Robert Englund (“Freddy Krueger”), and all the child actors from Stephen King’s “IT.”

What: The 2018 event packs in panels for Stephen King’s “IT,” Rob Zombie, “A Nightmare On Elm Street,” Shannen Doherty, “Mad Max 2,” “Cobra Kai,” “Evil Dead 2,” “Super Troopers,” and “The Last Starfighter,” among others. There are costume contests, live performances by Harley Poe, film premieres, a mask festival, and more!

Where: The JW Marriot Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana

When: August 24-26, 2018

Why: You can bank on a great selection of films from around the world, as well as meet-and-greets with some of the biggest names in the industry. Over the years, they’ve orchestrated one-of-a-kind events like Clive Barker’s personal screening of “Nightbreed: Uncut,” the only convention appearance from Jamie Lee Curtis, an original “Nightmare on Elm Street” cast tribute to Wes Craven, and the record for largest assembly of horror hosts in one place (to pay homage to Vampira!)

Who: Already slated for the next Texas Frightmare event are beloved icons Cassandra Peterson (“Elvira”) and Tim Curry (“Rocky Horror Picture Show” & the original “Pennywise the Clown”), as well as “Halloween 2018” stuntman James Jude Courtney. Kathleen Quinlan (“Event Horizon,” “The Hills Have Eyes,” and “Twilight Zone The Movie”) makes her convention debut. More surprises are to be announced, but past guests have included shock rocker Alice Cooper, horror writer Clive Barker, director George A. Romero, and the cast of “The Walking Dead.”

What: You can expect celebrity appearances and autograph signings, film screenings, exclusive parties, horror memorabilia from vendors worldwide, as well as sponsors like Arrow Video, Robert Elrod Monster Art, and Gore Magazine.

Where: Hyatt Regency at the Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas Airport

When: May 3-9, 2019

Why: Texas Frightmare is now in its 14th year and has grown to be one of the biggest conventions in the country. The number of celebrities drawn to each event is downright scary. Fans like that Texas Frightmare remains true to its “horror” roots – rather than branching out into fantasy action, sci-fi, or comic book films like so many other conventions.

Who: The 2019 Monsterpalooza lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but past guests have included Tobin Bell (“Jigsaw”), Cassandra Peterson (“Elvira”), Doug Bradley (“Pinhead”), the Chiodo Brothers (“Critters” & “Killer Klowns From Outer Space”), and Danny Trejo (“Machete”). In addition to well-known actors, you’ll see puppeteers like Bill Diamond, big names in makeup like Michael Westmore, and writer/directors like Tom Holland (“Fright Night,” “Child’s Play,” “Psycho II”).

What: View film props in the Monster Museum. Shop over 250 vendors. Check out a few advanced screenings and anniversary showings with directors and cast members of movies like “The Exorcist,” “Tremors,” and “An American Werewolf in London.” Meet artists from the last season of Syfy’s movie makeup series “Face-Off.”

Where: Pasadena Convention Center in Burbank, California

When: April 12-14, 2019

Why: If you love “the classic” movie monsters, you won’t want to miss the educational, behind-the-scenes focus of Monsterpalooza. See how the makeup is applied, creatures are designed by artists, and special effects are created by the engineers, while mingling with high-profile guests. If you can’t wait for the main event, you can check out “Son of Monsterpalooza” from September 14-16, 2018 at The Marriott Burbank Hotel & Convention Center for celebrity guests, costume contests, special exhibits, and over 150 vendors.

If you’re looking for the perfect get-up to wear at your next horror convention, look no further than The Horror Dome! We’ve got movie-caliber Halloween costumes that’ll stand out from the crowd. We’ve got Evil Dead masks, Night Terror costumes, zombies, killer clowns, stalk-around puppets, and more! Even if you just need some fairy wings or monster feet, we’ve got you covered.

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