2015 Horror Events You Won’t Want to Miss

If you are anything like us and like to immerse yourself into the horror culture more than just around Halloween, then take a look at some events that are happening inside (and many more outside) Southern California.

HAuNTcon

When: February 6th-10th
Where: Baton Rouge, LA
Cost: $$$$

This is a haunter tradeshow and conference. If you are a home-haunt, or any other haunter who is looking to see more in your field, this show has educational workshops, vendors that specialize in props, equipment, and other materials used for constructing your haunt space. You can network with other haunters across the country, or get a glimpse of what kind of haunts are out there if you are just a fan of attending haunted attractions. If you are interested in going, this event will cost you quite a bit. The full weekend will cost you $95, but there are a whole slew of attraction tours that all run $40 or more. The cost is worth it, no doubt, but for the average fan, it might be something to plan ahead.

Monster-Mania Con

When: March 13th-15th
Where: Cherry Hill, NJ
Cost: $

If you’re in the area, then Monster-Mania’s event may be just what the crazy, serial-killer doctor ordered, especially if you are a horror memorabilia collector. Attending this convention will be easy on your wallet for a day ticket, and even the $150 for their VIP passes is a good deal, but you will want to set aside a little extra if you want to get autographs and photos from their awesome guest list or grab your fill on shelf-collectibles from the vendors who will be lining the con floor.

HorrorHound Weekend

When: March 20th-22nd
Where: Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $

This convention is put on by HorrorHound Magazine, and at $20 for each day ticket, it would be sinful not to attend, not to mention the plethora of iconic horror guests who will be there doing autographs, photo-ops, and panels. If you are looking for a place to get your horror fix, or even to begin your journey (and are in the Cincinnati area), then this is the con for you.

MONSTERPALOOZA: The Art of Monsters

When: March 27th-29th
Where: Burbank, CA
Cost: $

As horror fans, we have attended this convention for the last few years and are really excited to attend this year’s convention. MONSTERPALOOZA isn’t so much a convention for the average fan, but is a place for those in the business of bringing monsters to life. While you can connect with some excellent guests, the highlight of this event is connecting and networking with artists from their nearly endless list. Although this show will be relatively inexpensive to attend, we recommend setting aside some funds for the cool masks and other horror props you will find at this event. And, do not forget your camera! Every year there is a central display that features some of your favorite horror movie moments, either actual props, or replicas that really demonstrate the amazing work that goes into bringing your nightmares to life.

HauntX

When: April 30th- May 3rd
Where: Reno, NV
Cost: $$

When we attended Scare LA last year, this event was talked up as the event to attend if you were a big fan of the haunting industry. Just one look at their site tells you that everyone who is anyone in the haunt business will be there. You will be able to find almost every available haunt vendor, attend amazing workshops, and get your scare on with some exclusive mazes and parties tailored for the tradeshow. Tickets for the various events can start to stack up in cost, but from what we hear, it is all worth it. HauntX promises to be one helluva show!

World Horror Convention 2015

When: May 7th-10th
Where: Atlanta, GA
Cost: $$$$

The place to be if you are an artist, writer, or even an academic of gothic and horror culture, WHC is home to the Bram Stoker Awards and will be having their 25th anniversary celebration this year in Atlanta. Not like the traditional horror tradeshow, the WHC is the place where folks delve deeply into what horror means in our culture. If you love reading, art, or a combination thereof, (and can afford the steep price) then this is the place for you!

Scare LA

When: (Late summer, probably in August)
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $

If you are a Southern California horror fan that isn’t too far from LA (we are only an hour or so away), then it would be a shame not to go to this event. We went last year (as we have said before) and we had an absolute blast. This year we will be attending the whole event to bring you all the theme park announcements for the haunting season you can handle! There were hourly performances from scare actors, small horror experiences throughout the con floor, and outdoor horror trucks for an extra price. Scare LA also does scare instructing, and small workshops for building props for your home haunt. This event is definitely an up and coming in the SoCal horror scene, and its third year should be fantastic.

Bruce Campbell’s Horror Fest

When: August 22nd-23rd
Where: Chicago, IL
Cost: $$

What is better than horror? A horror con brought to you by the fan-dubbed King of them all, Bruce Campbell! I’ve met Campbell a couple times and if you ever have the chance of watching him speak, taking a photo, or getting an autograph at a convention, you should do it. Not only is he hosting this Fest, but it is put on by Wizard World, who is in charge of putting on a lot of other conventions. This con is only two days long and daily admission will run you $50 or more, but in the end, if you are in Chicago at the time, it will be worth the cost.