Midsummer Scream Officially Kicks Off Spooky Season

Midsummer Scream has done it again and delivered a spooktacular event filled with the most amazing tricks and treats. For many, the Halloween and horror convention officially kicks off spooky season. This is the eighth year that Midsummer Scream has been bringing frights and delights to the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California. It’s the peak of my summerween and I make sure to never miss it if I can help it. Let’s take a look at some highlights.

From fascinating panels to mini haunts, there is so much to see and do over the course of the three-day event. While it would be impossible for me to report on everything, I’ll share what I was able to check out.

On Friday, opening night, there was a special panel featuring the hosts of The Last Podcast on the Left and actor David Dastmalchian titled “A Very Special Halloween Announcement.” I’m a huge admirer of Dastmalchian’s movies. He just exudes macabre energy, and I’m here for it. He’s teamed up with podcast creators Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson to create a Halloween album! From what they revealed, it’ll make for the perfect spooky soundtrack for October. It was an exclusive announcement and I’m looking forward to the release.

Over the course of the weekend, I had the opportunity to check out several amazing presentations. During the Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group presentation, there was a surprise guest…Cassandra Peterson, aka Elvira! The Mistress of the Dark herself shocked the audience when she came out on stage. To give you some background information, Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group produces many Halloween attractions, including Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. This year, Peterson has partnered with the production company and will be part of LA Haunted Hayride. People have another reason to attend the event this fall.

Renowned drag queen Peaches Christ brought back The Return of the Living Drag: Tales of Terror. This is the third year she’s produced the drag show extravaganza for Midsummer Scream. It takes place in the grand ballroom and there were long lines of attendees waiting to get in. There wasn’t an empty seat in the house. There were a variety of performers, including Selena Blackwater, MR. He, and former Dragula season 2 contestant Felony Dodger. A couple of performances that stood out to me were a Pennywise-inspired number by Cream and a burning witch act by Reel Guise.

I also sat in on a couple of panels that sparked thoughtful discussions. One was Bloodlines: The Evolution, Psychology, and Legacy of Gore in Horror Cinema. The title gives you an idea of what the conversation dissected. I’m really drawn to horror movies with blood (I’m a huge fan of the Terrifier franchise), so I was eager to hear what the special guests had to say on the topic. It was moderated by Shelby Novak of the Scare You to Sleep podcast and Michael Roffman who’s part of Bloody Disgusting. The lineup included Greg Nicotero, director of The Walking Dead; Sandy King Carpenter, founder of Storm King Comics; and Nick Castle, the original Michael Myers.

Another panel I attended was Supernatural Horror: The Hits, The Misses, The Masterpieces. This presentation was moderated by psychic medium Steffany Strange. She interviewed high priestess Rannie Augogo and podcaster Sapphire Sandalo about the presence of the supernatural in popular horror films like The Exorcist, The Craft, Paranormal Activity and several others. It was interesting to hear everyone’s thoughts on these movies and their accuracy or lack thereof when it came to depicting the uncanny.

There was also a tribute to the Friday the 13^th franchise presented by Fangoria and Paramount Scares. They played an awesome reel that showed snippets of all the horror films ever created by Paramount Pictures, from the very first to the most recent! It was incredible. The panel included actors and producers from the various Friday the 13^th movies, such as Freddy vs. Jason and Friday the 13^th: The Final Chapter. Jason Voorhees’ legacy lives on and strong.

I was ecstatic when I found out there was going to be a Hell House LLC Universe panel. I love the Hell House LCC movies and definitely recommend them. Creators and actors from the films were interviewed by Ivotres Littles (Horror Movies and Beyond). A special bonus was the audience got a sneak peek of the final chapter coming out this August! It was great hearing the guests talk about the evolution of the movies and what it’s been like to be a part of this horror movie project.

For 2025, the Hall of Shadows was themed Le Carnaval du Diable. Here, I got my picture taken with Nosferatu, which was a photo op experience created by Rawl of the Dead. I also dared to walk through a few haunts, including Lionsgate’s Gears of Fear 2: Stranger Danger, The Jack the Ripper Experience, and H&L’s Realm of Horror: The Manor of Deprivation.  I also couldn’t miss the Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns display, which brims with autumn vibes.

On the showfloor were hundreds of vendors. It’s always a joy to walk through this large space and peruse the many spooky wares, from home décor to apparel. I couldn’t leave empty handed, so I bought the Come to Me candle from Purgatory Candle Co., a Ouija board PJ set and a top with bat detailing.

And can you believe that what I touched upon here is only the tip of the witch’s hat? There were so many other presentations, performances and attractions that I didn’t have an opportunity to check out. There were people dressed up as iconic horror movie characters and a variety of macabre displays. All I know is that Midsummer Scream gives me the pre-Halloween fix I need and I’m so grateful for it.

I also want to give a special thank you to Midsummer Scream! I was so excited to be granted media passes to this year’s festivities. It certainly heightened my experience and I’ll cherish the memories.

If you’re interested in attending the Halloween and horror convention in the future, here are some pointers. Keep an eye out for presale tickets early in the year. Passes sell out fast the closer it gets to the event. Download the Midsummer Scream app to plan out your schedule for the weekend. It helps me so much. There are various parking structures, but use rideshare if you can. Dress comfortably as there’s plenty of walking involved but also feel free to be festive with your fashion. Many guests come in costume or wear their favorite spooky wardrobe pieces.

Above all, have fun! Bask in the enchanting spooky spirit that permeates the convention center. It feels wonderful to be surrounded by people who appreciate Halloween and horror in such a meaningful way. Midsummer Scream is one of the few events where you can experience that.

Where to Stalk

Midsummer Scream