Midsummer Scream Celebrates Eight Years With Star-Studded Signings, Immersive Experiences and New Performances
Beloved horror and Halloween convention Midsummer Scream marked its 8th anniversary over the weekend at the Long Beach Convention Center, drawing fans of all things spooky for a three-day celebration packed with icon appearances, interactive experiences, and live performances.
Among the biggest names on hand were Casandra Peterson (Elvira), David Howard Thornton, and Greg Nicotero, with John Carpenter signing autographs exclusively on Saturday. Carpenter also has a slate of musical performances planned for this fall in New York City and Los Angeles, with tickets currently on sale. The weekend offered fans ample opportunities to get up close with horror legends while also enjoying family-friendly activities for younger attendees.
For families and kids at heart, Paranormal Pixie’s Pumpkin Path offered a variety of activities, including a reading from Barry Under Your Bed and a dance party hosted by LVCRFT’s Skeleton Sam. The Hall of Shadows presented a range of haunting interactive experiences, from the CarnEvil of Souls to Sid’s Twisted Toy Box and the Haunted Carwash 360 Photo experience. Show-floor photo ops at booths like Discount Cemetery Los Angeles and LA Ghostbusters provided plenty of memorable moments.
Live performances added an extra jolt of frightful fun. Urban Death, a LA staple for two decades, delivered a bite-sized preview of its October show at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, signaling expansion as the company eyes opportunities in Las Vegas. Killer Fitness brought the Slumber Party & Slashers Stage Show to the floor, featuring a spine-tingling fashion show on the Showfloor Stage and a special musical appearance from Horroroxx. The band, led by Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives director Tom McLoughlin, performed a quick two-song set that included The Ramones’ “Pet Sematary” and Alice Cooper’s “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask).”
The weekend also showcased how horror culture continues to broaden beyond screen and print into stage, music, and immersive experiences, appealing to longtime fans and a new generation of enthusiasts alike. Our coverage includes a gallery of photos capturing the weekend’s standout moments and attendees in full horror-fueled hype.
What this suggests is a resilient and evolving horror community that blends nostalgia with live entertainment and interactive art. Midsummer Scream’s growth—along with related touring acts and new venues—points to a broader appetite for immersive horror experiences across the country.
Summary: Midsummer Scream’s 8th edition at the Long Beach Convention Center delivered star signings, family-friendly activities, and dynamic live performances, while signaling potential future expansions and continued growth for horror culture nationwide. Fans can look forward to more immersive experiences, new artist collaborations, and cross-city showcases in the months ahead.