Chilling Midsummer Scream 2025 Announcements

Midsummer Scream has just announced a few teasers about this year’s festivities. The event is the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, and I make it a point to attend every year. I was excited to learn about what’s in store and had to share it here with you all. 

Midsummer Scream is entering its eighth year, and it gets bigger and better every time it returns. For 2025, the event will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California from August 15th to August 17th. It’s a little later this year, but that gives me more time to prepare! Plus, it’s taking place closer to spooky season, which starts in September for all of us Halloween lovers. 

Let’s talk about some of the special guests who will be featured this year. Actress Kimberly J. Brown from Halloweentown and Rose Red will be in attendance. Fans of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be happy to hear that Barry Bostwick will be making an appearance on Sunday. Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl who host the horror variety show The Last Drive-In are slated to be at the event as well. On a side note, these two have also been guest judges on The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. 

This next individual I’m really thrilled about. David Howard Thornton who plays Art the Clown in the Terrifier films will be appearing! While he’s made several appearances at Monsterpalooza, this will be his first time at Midsummer Scream. I love the Terrifier movies, so this was great news to hear. I’m not sure if he’s just doing photo ops or if there will be a panel with him, but it’s awesome to know he’ll be at the event.

Those are just a few of the special guests that are booked to appear, but there are usually a ton more, so I’m sure others will be revealed over the coming months.

The panels and presentations are a big highlight for me. So far, the lineup includes Castle Dark and Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. The Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group will also be returning, which means we can expect exclusive presentations from LA Haunted Hayride, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, Delusion, and Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns. There are always really cool interviews and discussions featured, and I cannot wait to hear what other panels are planned for the weekend. 

The horror con would not be complete without the return of the notorious Hall of Shadows. It occupies a huge space in the convention center. Everything is dark and filled with fog, giving all the spooky fall feels. This is where professional haunters set up mini displays of their Halloween haunts. A few attractions will include Mr. Floats, Santa Ana Haunt, The Haunt With No Name… Yet, Rawl of the Dead, Fear Farm, Straite to Hale Productions, The Haunted Harvest, and Decayed Brigade, just to name a few.

And that’s not all. Attendees can expect to enjoy lots of shopping options. There will be more than 350 macabre vendors, creators and artists taking over the massive show floor. I can tell you that there are all sorts of goodies you can buy, such as dark art, clothing, home decor, occult supplies, and lots more. The Halloween Shirt Company, Trick or Treat Studios, Backstitch Bruja, Sin City Props, and Froggy’s Fog are just a few of the small businesses that have been announced so far.

Other event staples that will be resurrecting from the dead include Paranormal Pixie’s Pumpkin Patch children’s zone, the Black Cat Lounge kitten adoption center, and the Screaming Room Film Festival presented by HorrorBuzz. I’m also guessing we can expect performances, immersive experiences and other entertainment to be part of the soiree.

Now, here’s some very important information, so listen up. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, March 8th. General admission will be 40% off during this weekend only. That’s a significant change from years past. Typically, the discount was offered for a few months, but that’s not the case for 2025. Maybe the creators will decide to run another special as the event gets closer, but since that’s not guaranteed, it’s probably best to act fast. Unless you don’t mind paying full price, of course. VIP Gold Bat passes will also be available, but there will be no discount on those. A while back, I recall Midsummer Scream mentioning that ticket prices were increasing, so I’m not sure what that range will look like. 

I did VIP last year, and while it certainly had its perks, I’m on a budget, so I plan to take advantage of the general admission flash sale. I don’t think I’ll be attending all three days this year like I did last year. But I might go two days if I’m doing the discounted general admission tier. I’ll see once the sale launches.

If you’re going to be in the Los Angeles area this summerween, don’t miss the opportunity to check out this event. Midsummer Scream always has a variety of spooky surprises for guests, and it’s a fantastic way to connect with the Halloween and horror community. Hope to see you there!

Where to Stalk

Midsummer Scream official website