Odd & Macabre Events 2023

It’s 2023, and one can’t help but marvel at all the upcoming spooky and dark-filled delights the new year has awaiting in the shadows, ready to come forth and lure people in. Vamp Jenn’s Corner has established a tradition around here releasing its annual Odd & Macabre Events Calendar in January. I’ve scoured the beyond to find the most magical experiences slated to happen in the coming months, so you can all set dates and plan outings. Of course, I hope to attend as many of these events as I can as well.

The offerings featured here are taking place in Los Angeles and across the U.S., but I am trying to add events happening internationally too. What follows is what’s been announced thus far, but new activities continue to come up as the year goes on. I also include spooky holidays and special occasions. I will be updating this calendar throughout 2023, so make sure to check back often. Cheers to a New Year of the most sinister escapades yet!   

January

1^st-February 24th: Dita Von Teese’s “Glamonatrix” Tour

The Queen of Burlesque’s “Glamonatrix” North America tour officially kicked off in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve, so I wanted to include it here since the rest of the tour will happen in 2023. Tickets are on sale now with some dates already sold out. Act fast!

2^nd: World Introvert Day

A day dedicated to introverts! For my experience, read “Being an Introvert” and check out my podcast episode “Celebrating World Introvert Day & Being an Introvert.”

5th: Reading, Clearing & Balancing Your Aura Presented by Ipso Facto

This virtual session kicks off Ipso Facto’s year of in-person and online classes and events. This aura class takes place at 7:30 p.m. and is pay what you wish. Visit the shop’s website for to view their calendar.

5^th-February 6^th: Paranormal Cirque

A wicked traveling circus show. There are performances lined up for Arizona, California and Texas. Admission prices start at $20.

7^th: The Oddities & Curiosities Expo

Happening in Anaheim, CA, at the Anaheim Convention Center.

7th-28th: Hive Tarot 14 Show at The Hive Gallery

Opening night at The Hive Gallery in Los Angeles from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The theme of this dark art show is the Tarot. Admission is free, but suggested donation is $5.

10^th: Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies 2023 Season

Miskatonic kicks of its new season of horror studies at its institute in London. Visit the website for information regarding the class schedule lineup for the London, New York and Los Angeles locations.

13^th: Phantasmagoria Presented by The Sixth Chamber

Lineup includes Eva O, Luna 13, Edgar Allan Poe reading by Mary Misery, and The Sixth Chamber. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through EventBrite.

14^th: Witches Brew Night Market

Happening in Downtown Santa Ana, CA, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free.

19^th: Edgar Allan Poe’s Birthday

Read about the famous gothic writer and poet in my blog post “Poe Pop Culture: A Birthday Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe” and listen to the podcast episode.

19^th: Brew a Potion Day

Potions have a long and ancient history and have been used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. These elixirs have also been popularized by fairy tales and books such as Harry Potter. This is a day meant to explore the role of potions in reality and in pop culture.

22nd: Edgar Allan Poe’s Birthday Celebration at The Glass Coffin

An event happening in collaboration with Nevermore Academy at The Glass Coffin in Austin, TX. Takes place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be drinks, drag, a Wednesday Addams dance contest and more entertainment.

February

1^st: National Serpent Day

This day pays homage to the serpent, a creature that embodies much symbolism and mystery. Learn about powerful snakes in history and mythology in this article.

4^th-5^th: Creep I.E. Con

Horror convention happening at the Ontario Convention Center in the Inland Empire, CA. Tickets are on sale now and start at $25.

5th: Dead Rose Presented by Nightmare Market LA

Happening from noon to 6 p.m. in Los Angeles. The morbid Valentine’s Day event will feature dark art, vendors, food, and more.

11th-March 18th: “Bite Me” Vampire Exhibit at SugarMynt Gallery

Vampire art exhibit in Pasadena, CA, featuring the undead works of several artists.

11th: Mardi Gras After Dusk—An Endless Night Vampire Ball Pre-Party

This event is presented by The Olde World Emporium and will feature a special presentation by the great grandnephew of Bram Stoker, Dacre Stoker. Happening from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased via The Olde World Emporium website.

12^th-November 4^th: Mysterious Adventures Tours

Mysterious Adventures is a tour company that specializes in mystical and obscure travel experiences. Their first trip of 2023 is Dave Schrader’s Egypt Obscuro from 2/12 to 2/23. There are different experiences scheduled throughout the year and across the globe, exploring vampires, the supernatural, witchcraft, and more. Visit the website for booking information.

14^th: Valoween

The holiday of love just got spooky. Learn how to celebrate Valoween the macabre way by clicking the link above.

17th: Dacre Stoker Presentation at SugarMynt Gallery

The great grandnephew of Bram Stoker is doing a special discussion at the SugarMynt Gallery in Pasadena, CA, as part of their “Bite Me” vampire exhibit from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $45 can be purchased via The Menagerie Oddities Market.

19^th: Endless Night Los Angeles Vampire Ball

The event will take place at the Globe Theatre from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Read about my time there in this blog post.

24^th-26th: Nosferatu Festival

An event dedicated to the classic vampire film, Nosferatu, happening in Austin, TX. Tickets on sale now.

24^th: Red Vampire Night: Vol. 3 at The Black Box

Live concert happening at The Black Box in Tijuana, MX. Lineup includes Nosferatu, Eva O, The Sixth Chamber and Orlok. Tickets can be purchased through Arema and start at $10.

24th: The Secret Circus

A queer cabaret troupe presenting a Moulin Rouge-themed Valentine’s Day event in downtown Los Angeles from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

March

2nd-April 18th: Haunted Tavern

This is a dark pop-up cocktail experience happening in Los Angeles and other cities in the U.S.

3^rd-4^th: Cagliostro III Presented by The C.O.I.N.

An immersive DIY exhibit dedicated to Cagliostro happening in Detroit, MI. The event will take place in a historic, gothic castle. Tickets start at $9.

4th: Nevermore: A Peculiar Pop-Up

Presented by The Menagerie Oddities Market and happening from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Stockton, CA. Several vendors will be selling oddities, jewelry, taxidermy and more.

4th-31st: “Aloha From Hell” at Dark Art Emporium

Opening night of group art show from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Long Beach, CA. Admission is free. Exhibit will be up for a few weeks.

4th-September 16th: Aurelio Voltaire Tour

Goth dark cabaret musician Aurelio Voltaire kicked off his tour in January in Mexico City. He’ll continue to tour across the U.S. and will add more dates. Visit his website for tickets and other dates.

5^th: National Absinthe Day

A holiday celebrating the alluring and often misunderstood spirit. Read my interview with absinthe connoisseur Adrienne LaVey to get the facts on this libation.

11th: H.R. Giger Tribute at Copro Gallery

This will be a group art show featuring the works of several artists in Santa Monica, CA. Opening night is on March 11th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Featuring art by Chet Zar, Lizz Lopez and more. Admission is free and exhibits usually run for a few weeks, although no end date has been announced yet.

24th: Lesbian Goth Night Presented by Nightmarket LA

Hellraiser and Matrix themes with DJ spinning goth, industrial and darkwave music. Happening at The Paramount LA in Los Angeles from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets on sale now.

31^st-April 2^nd: Dark Side of the Con at Dark Force Fest

A dark alternative convention happening at The Sheraton in Parsippany, NJ.

April

1^st-2^nd: The Oddities Flea Market Chicago

Happening in Chicago from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $20 and are on sale now. Read my coverage of the event here.

7th-8th: John Waters Easter Presented by Lethal Amounts

An event celebrating the 50th anniversary of John Waters’ film Pink Flamingos. Taking place at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, CA. Tickets are on sale.

8^th-June 15^th: The Boulet Brothers Dragula “Titans” World Tour

The tour kicks off today in Orlando and travels across North America and Australia. Visit Obsessed for ticket information.

17^th: International Bat Appreciation Day

These nocturnal creatures are beloved by many in the goth community. They’re also absolutely adorable and important to the earth’s ecosystem. Learn how you can help end bat extinction by visiting Bat Conservation International.

26^th: World Burlesque Day

A holiday paying homage to this tantalizing performing arts form. Check out my burlesque blog series where I interview different performers.

26^th: Alien Day

A day celebrating the Alien sci-fi horror films.

28^th-30^th: SatanCon Presented by The Satanic Temple

Taking place in Boston, MA, and will be commemorating TST’s 10^th anniversary.

28th-30th: Whitby Goth Weekend

One of the most notorious goth events in the world taking place in the UK. The festival features live music performances and a Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market.

28th-30th: ‘Out of the Crypt’ Virtual Market

Event is presented by Darksome Art & Craft Market and will be held virtually on their IG account and website.

29th-30th: The Witch Craft Bazaar

The event will take place at The Crooked Path in Burbank, CA, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May

3^rd: National Paranormal Day

Do you believe in the paranormal? Check out my blog post “Destinations Surrounded by Paranormal Activity” and listen to the podcast episode.

5th-6th: Carolina Chainsaw Massacre Test II

A festival for all you metalheads and horror fans out there. On May 5, the event will take place at The Kraken in Chapel Hill, NC. Day two happens at Arizona Pete’s in Greensboro, NC.

6th: 3rd Annual World Goth Day Celebration Presented by The Menagerie Oddities Market

Happening in the San Franciso Bay area. More details TBA.

6th: Jeremy Cross ‘Retrospection’ Solo Exhibit at Dark Art Emporium

11^th: National Twilight Zone Day

A day celebrating the iconic horror TV series.

14th-December 17th: Market of the Beast

A traveling dark art and occult market happening in Eugene, OR. This date kicks off their 2023 schedule across the U.S. Refer to their website for the full line up.

19th-21st: Spooky Empire: The Dark Side of Comic Con

One of the biggest horror conventions in the U.S. This event is happening in Orlando, FL, at Double Tree at Universal. Tickets are on sale now.

20^th: Endless Night Tampa Vampire Ball

Happening at Castle Ybor in Tampa, FL.

21st: Macabre Masquerade Presented by The Raven Societea

A Victorian-themed immersive pop-up experience happening at The Globe Theater in Los Angeles from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets on sale now and start at $79.99.

22^nd: World Goth Day

A day celebrating the music-based subculture. Click above to read how I got into the goth scene and listen to my Goth Day podcast episode.

26^th: World Dracula Day

The iconic novel Dracula by Bram Stoker was published on this day in 1897! Read the blog post by clicking on the link above and listen to my Dracula Day podcast episode.

27th-28th: “A Great Storm of Putrefaction” Presented by Blasphemeet & Coma VVitch

Event in Los Angeles featuring many sinister vendors and entertainment. A special event is set to take place on May 26th. More details TBA.

?: Petals & Poison Tea Room Grand Opening

The date of the grand opening of the Petals & Poison tearoom has not been set, but it will be located in Orange County, CA. The Victorian-style tea house will feature the brand’s tea blends, as well as desserts and pastries.

June

1^st: Marilyn Monroe’s Birthday

The birthday of the iconic blonde bombshell. For your reading and listening pleasure, check out my blog posts “Remembering Marilyn Monroe” and “Kissed by Marilyn Wines” and this podcast episode.

2nd-3rd: Summer Goth Celebration

An event presented by Absolution that will happen at Propaganda Nightclub in Lake Worth, FL, from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

2^nd-4^th: Monsterpalozza

Happening at the Pasadena Convention Center in California. Read about my time there in this blog post. Tickets are available now and the Early Bird Special ends on March 31^st.

3^rd-11^th: Love Your Burial Ground Week

A time commemorating the historical significance of burial grounds and the workers responsible for maintaining them. Pay respects by visiting your local graveyard or cemetery or reading up on the subject.

10th: Tiny Terrors 666 at Dark Art Emporium

Group dark art exhibit in Long Beach, CA. Admission is free.

July

28^th-30^th: Midsummer Scream

A three-day horror convention happening at the Long Beach Convention Center. Ticket sales TBA.

29th: 2nd Annual FREAKSHOW! Presented by The Menagerie Oddities Market

Happening in the San Franciso Bay area. More details TBA.

August

5^th: Marilyn Monroe’s Passing

Commemorating the memory of Marilyn Monroe who died on this day. To keep her spirit alive, watch any of her films. I also recommend Blonde on Netflix.

6th: Psychic Day

A day recognizing clairvoyant abilities and raising awareness about tuning into our own. Read my interview with psychic Shelley Hofberg.

11th-13th: 4th Annual Victorian Oddities Show Presented by The Menagerie Oddities Market

Happening in the San Franciso Bay area. More details TBA.

17th: National Black Cat Appreciation Day

Black cats often get a bad rap as harbingers of bad luck, but those of us with an appreciation for the macabre know these ebony-colored felines are nothing but beautiful and mysterious.

27th: International Bat Night

Another day celebrating bats, creatures often associated with vampires and the night. Click the link above to support Bat Conservation International’s efforts to protect these animals.

30^th: Frankenstein Day

The occasion marks the birthday of Mary Shelley who wrote the notorious gothic novel Frankenstein. Find out how you can celebrate Frankenstein Day and listen to my podcast episode!

?-October 31^st: Disneyworld Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween

Event happening at the Orlando theme park. Dates TBA.

September

9^th: Endless Night Salem Vampire Ball

Happening at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA.

10^th: Marie Laveau’s Birthday

Marie Laveau was renowned as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. You can read more about her in my feature “History’s Most Formidable Occult Figures.”

10th: Solano Sideshow Presented by The Menagerie Oddities Market

Happening in the San Franciso Bay area. More details TBA.

14th-October 31^st: Knott’s Scary Farm

Halloween event in Buena Park, CA. More info TBA.

30th: National Ghost Hunting Day

A day recognizing that some experiences are beyond human comprehension. Ghost hunting has become popularized in the 2000s with the emergence of a variety of ghost hunting TV shows. Visit the Society of Psychical Research, the first institution dedicated to paranormal studies.

?-October 31^st: Disneyland Halloween Time

Event happening at the theme park in Anaheim, CA. Dates TBA.

?-October 31^st: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios

Halloween event happening at Universal Studios theme parks in Los Angeles, Orlando, Japan and Singapore. More details TBA. Read about my time at the Hollywood 2022 event here.

?-October 31^st: Fright Fest at Six Flags

Halloween event taking place at the theme park. Six Flags has locations across the U.S., and in Mexico and Canada. Dates TBA.

?-October 31^st: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Halloween event. Dates TBA.

October (Black Cat Awareness Month)

1st-31st: Screams Halloween Theme Park

A Halloween event happening in Waxahachie, TX. It features five haunted houses and other spooky experiences. The dates are tentative, but it’s open every Friday and Saturday. More details TBA.

4^th: Anne Rice’s Birthday

To celebrate the memory of this astounding author, read my blog post “Author of Honor: Anne Rice” and listen to my podcast episode “Anne Rice: Her Vampires & Legacy.”

7th: ‘Every Day is Halloween’ Market

Presented by Darksome Art & Craft Market. It will be hosted at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia, PA, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7^th-8^th: The Oddities Flea Market Los Angeles

Happening at the Globe Theatre in downtown LA. More information TBA. Read my coverage of the event here.

12^th: Aleister Crowley’s Birthday

The birthday of the notorious occultist and “the wickedest man in the world,” Aleister Crowley. Read more about him in my blog post about famous occultists.

17^th: Vamp Jenn’s Birthday

I’ll be celebrating all month long, attending as many spooky events as possible, so keep checking back on my blog for new posts about my Halloween adventures!

26th: Howl at the Moon Day

This holiday pays homage to the powerful and mystical symbolism of the wolf. One also can’t help but think of lycanthropy and the role of lycans in horror stories and film. My suggestion is to have a werewolf movie marathon or book-a-thon. You can also help protect these precious creatures by visiting Wolf Haven.

27th-29th: Whitby Goth Weekend

One of the most notorious goth events in the world taking place in the UK. The festival features live music performances and a Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market.

27th-29th: Spooky Empire: The Dark Side of Comic Con

One of the biggest horror conventions in the U.S. This event is happening at the Hyatt Regency Orlando in Florida.

28th: Frankenstein Friday

A day commemorating the novel Frankenstein and its author Mary Shelley. It typically takes place every year on the last Friday of October. For your reading and listening pleasure: “How to Throw a Frankenstein Day Bash,” “12 Unusual Facts About Marh Shelley” and podcast episode.

28th: National Black Cat Day

No, you’re not having déjà vu. Besides National Black Cat Appreciation Day in August, there’s also this date celebrating these ebony felines. On a side note, October is also Black Cat Awareness Month. I think it’s quite fitting.

28^th: Endless Night New Orleans Vampire Ball

This year’s theme will be “Temple of the Dark Goddess,” and it will take place at the House of Blues.

30th: National Candy Corn Day

Of course, there has to be a day during spooky season dedicated to one of the most popular Halloween treats. Although I’m not a fan of the candy, I do appreciate the nostalgia it stirs up during this time of year.

31^st: Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone! Suggested reading and listening: “Celebrating Halloween Around the World” blog post and podcast episode.

November

1^st-2^nd: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

A Mexican holiday celebrating the souls and memories of those that have passed into the next realm. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery holds an annual event commemorating the occasion. More details to be announced, but you can read my blog post about the festivities. And learn more about the holiday in Celebrating Halloween Around the World.

5th: 2nd Annual Nevada City Oddities Market

Presented by The Menagerie Oddities Market. Happening in Nevada City, CA. More details TBA.

8^th: Bram Stoker’s Birthday

The author of famed gothic horror novel Dracula was born on this day in 1847.

18th: Occult Day

A holiday dedicated to raising awareness around the occult and the dark side of spirituality. Read my blog post “History’s Most Formidable Occult Figures” to get started.

December

2nd-3rd: Southern California Oddities & Curiosities Show

Presented by The Menagerie Oddities Market. More details TBA.

5th: Krampusnacht (Krampus Night)

The night when Krampus, Santa’s evil counterpart, comes to punish bad children. The holiday is recognized in Alpine Austria and parts of Germany but is also appreciated by those who love a spookier holiday season.

9th-10th: 5th Annual O&C Holiday Market

Presented by The Menagerie Oddities Market. More details TBA.

11^th: Anne Rice’s Passing

On this day in 2021, the literary and vampire worlds lost an amazing author, Anne Rice. She will never be forgotten and will live on in our hearts.

11^th: Maila Nurmi’s, aka Vampira, Birthday

Maila Nurmi, who was famously known as Vampira, was born on this day in 1922. She’s the ultimate vamp who was the star of The Vampira Show and was featured in several horror films. Read my book review of The Vampira Diaries.