While one year has gone, another has begun. That means it’s time to look ahead to see what spooky surprises 2026 has in store. Every year on Vamp Jenn’s Corner, I like to compile a list of events that are taking place worldwide throughout the course of the next 12 months. My Odd & Macabre Events Calendar highlights all sorts of gatherings that fall under the strange and unusual umbrella. My hope is that it makes it easier to discover spooky events happening near you.
I include horror cons, immersive experiences, macabre holidays, dark art exhibits, Halloween haunts, and so much more. Some events are returning, so you may have seen them on my past calendars. I try to feature as many things as possible that take place across the globe, so a variety of locations are covered. I also do my best to keep this post updated and add more functions as I learn about them. Here’s a taste of what morbid and bizarre happenings you can expect in 2026. Please do bookmark and share this page. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
January
1st- February 15th: Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
This event is presented by The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy and is happening in various cities across the U.S.
2nd: 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.”
2nd-February 23rd: Paranormal Cirque
A wicked traveling circus show. There are performances lined up for Arizona, Florida, New Mexico and Texas.
3rd-November 22nd: The Oddities & Curiosities Expo
A massive oddities event traveling to select cities in the U.S. throughout the entire year!
6th-11th: FRANKENSTEIN-Crafting a Tale Eternal (LA Exhibit)
An exhibit celebrating Guillermo del Toro’s film Frankenstein. Happening in Los Angeles and admission is free.
10th: HauntFest Presents TrimTab Terror Promo Event
Happening in Birmingham, AL.
10th: Witches Brew Night Market
Free event happening in downtown Santa Ana, CA.
11th-December 26th: The Menagerie Oddities Market
Hosting events throughout the year in various cities in the U.S.
16-18th: Days of the Dead Las Vegas
19th: 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 Edgar Allan Poe podcast episode.
19th: 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.
8th-June 28th: Dita Von Teese Las Vegas & Nocturnelle
Renowned burlesque performer Dita Von Teese is doing a residency in Las Vegas and performing at Voltaire at The Venetian. Plus, she’s doing a UK and Europe tour. I’ve attended many of her shows. Read about my most recent experience Ringing in the New Year with Dita Von Teese.
30th-February 1st: Creep I.E. Con
Horror convention happening at the Ontario Convention Center in the Inland Empire, CA.
February
1st: National Serpent Day
This day pays homage to the serpent, a creature that embodies much symbolism and mystery. Learn about 9 Powerful Snakes from History and Mythology on History.com.
6th-7th: ‘Love You to Death’ Virtual Market Presented by Darksome
7th: Richmond Market of the Beast
An occult market in Richmond, VA, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
7th-8th: Spooky Empire
Horror con happening in Charleston, SC.
13th: HauntFest Presents Haunted Attraction Promo Event
Happening in Athens, GA.
13th-December 8th: Mysterious Adventures Tours
Mysterious Adventures is a tour company that specializes in mystical and obscure travel experiences. There are different excursions scheduled throughout the year and across the globe, exploring vampires, the supernatural, witchcraft and more. Visit the website for booking information.
14th: Valloween
The holiday of love just got spooky. Learn how to celebrate Valloween the macabre way and listen to my Spooky Ways to Celebrate Valloween podcast episode.
14th: Witches Brew Valloween Night Market
Free event happening from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Santa Ana, CA.
16th: Endless Night Los Angeles Vampire Ball
The event will take place at The Belasco from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Read about my time at the Los Angeles Endless Night Vampire Ball.
20th-22nd: Days of the Dead Atlanta
A horror con happening at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, GA.
20th-22nd: Mad Monster Party Carolina
A horror and pop culture convention happening at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in Concord, NC.
27th-March 1st: Horror Realm
A horror con happening in Pittsburgh, PA.
27th-March 1st: Scaradise
Horror con (formerly known as Spookala) happening at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, FL.
28th-March 1st: Evansville Horror Con
Happening at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, IN.
TBA: Dead of Winter Horror Festival
A horror film festival happening in Worcester, MA.
March
5th: 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 and listen to her “Goddess in a Glass” song dedicated to it.
6th-8th: Days of the Dead Chicago
6th-8th: Big Texas Terror
A horror con in San Antonio, TX.
7th-8th: HauntFest Presents Death March
Happening in Birmingham, AL.
6th-8th: Monster-Mania 66
A horror con happening in Cherry Hill, NJ.
6th-8th: Days of the Dead Chicago
13th: Waldorf Estate of Fear Presents Unlucky 13 Tour: Hell House
Paranormal event happening in Lehighton, PA.
13th-15th: Milwaukee Horror Con
Happening in Milwaukee, WI.
14th: Michigan Is Dead
A horror con and tape swap hosted by Static Tape Video in Muskegon, MI.
20th-22nd: HorrorHound Weekend
A horror con in Cincinnati, OH.
21st: Ghouliecon STL
A new horror con happening in Sauget, IL.
28th-29th: Blood in the Water
A new horror con presented by the creators of the Tidewater Horror Convention. Happening in downtown Norfolk, VA.
April
11th: The Oddities Flea Market San Diego
Read about my time at the Los Angeles event in The Oddities Flea Market 2018 and The Oddities Flea Market 2019.
11th: Horror Con Scotland
Taking place in Glasgow.
11th-12th: HauntFest Presents April Ghouls
Happening in Athens, GA.
17th: 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.
18th-19th: Screamiverse Expo
Horror and sci-fi con happening in Roanoke, VA.
19th-May 11th: The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans Tour of Terror
The Queens of Darkness take the four finalists of Titans season 2 on tour! They’ll be performing in various cities across the U.S. To find out what these shows are like, read The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Season 666 Tour.
24th-26th: Spooky Swap Meet
Happening at the Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles.
25th-26th: ShudderCon
Horror con happening in East Ridge, TN.
26th: World Burlesque Day
A holiday paying homage to this tantalizing performing arts form. Check out my burlesque blog series where I interview different performers.
26th: Alien Day
A day celebrating the Alien sci-fi horror films.
May
1st-2nd: Waldorf Estate of Fear Presents Jason Lives in Hell
An event commemorating the 40th anniversary of Friday the 13th.
1st-3rd: 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.
1st-3rd: Dark Force Fest
A dark alternative convention highlighting goth, industrial, and metal music. Happening at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel in Parsippany, NJ.
1st-3rd: Crypticon Seattle
1st-3rd: Halfway to Halloween Festival
An event happening at Rancho Jurupa Park in Riverside, CA.
1st-3rd: Bats Day
An annual event for goths and all spooky folks hosted at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.
2nd: Endless Night Vampire Ball Las Vegas
2nd-3rd: Columbus Horror Con
Happening in Columbus, OH.
3rd: National Paranormal Day
Do you believe in the paranormal? Check out my blog post Destinations Surrounded by Paranormal Activity and listen to the paranormal destinations podcast episode.
8th-9th: Tampa Bay Screams
A horror con happening at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Oldsmar/NW Tampa, FL.
9th: Halfway to Halloween
An event happening in Ann Arbor, MI.
11th: National Twilight Zone Day
A day celebrating the iconic horror TV series.
16th-17th: Louisville Horror Con
Happening in Louisville, KY.
22nd: 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.
22nd-24th: Texas Frightmare Weekend
Happening at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas in Irving, TX.
23rd-24th: Cryptid Tattoos & Obscurities Expo
Happening at Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup, WA.
26th: 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, read my interview with the author’s great grandnephew Dacre Stoker, and listen to my Dracula Day podcast episode.
29th-31st: Monsterpalooza
An event celebrating monsters in film, special effects makeup, and more. It’s happening at the Pasadena Convention Center in California! Read about my Monsterpalooza experience.
29th-31st: Spooky Empire
Horror con happening at DoubleTree Orlando SeaWorld in Florida.
TBD: Carolina Fear Fest
A horror con in Raleigh, NC, that takes place during Memorial Day weekend. The event organizers have announced that they won’t be hosting an event in 2026. They hope to return in 2027. To learn more and show your support, visit their website.
June
1st: 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 Marilyn Monroe podcast episode.
5th-7th: Midwest Haunters Convention
A convention highlighting haunters and Halloween. Happening in Rosemont, IL.
6th-7th: HorrorConUK
Horror con happening at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, UK.
6th-7th: Waldorf Estate of Fear Presents Specters and Seances at Hell House
An event inspired by the Hell House, LLC movie franchise happening in Lehighton, PA.
8th-14th: 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. You can also check out my blog post Exploring New Orleans’ Unique Cemeteries.
12th-14th: Living Dead Weekend: Monroeville
Horror con happening at Monroeville Mall in Monroeville, PA. This is where George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead was filmed.
12th-14th: HellmouthCon
A convention happening at Torrance High School, the grounds where the TV series Buffy The Vampire Slayer was filmed. Happening in Torrance, CA.
12th-14th: Monster Bash Conference Summer
A horror con happening in Cranberry Township, PA.
13th: Waldorf Estate of Fear Presents Unlucky 13 Tour: Hell House
Paranormal event happening in Lehighton, PA.
13th-14th: HorrorCon Los Angeles
The name says it all. Happening at the LA Convention Center.
16th-17th: Louisville Horror Con
Horror con happening in Louisville, KY.
21st: Endless Night Vampire Ball Tampa
26th-28th: FrankenCon
Horror convention happening at the Hilton Knoxville Airport in Alcoa, TN.
July
10th-12th: Mad Monster Party: Arizona
Horror and pop culture convention happening in Phoenix, AZ.
11th: DarknessCon Boise
Horror con happening in Boise, ID.
11th-12th: St. Louis Horror Con
Happening in St. Louis, MO.
17th-19th: Days of the Dead
A horror con happening at the Indianapolis Marriott East in Indianapolis, IN.
17th-19th: OKC’s Horror Con
A family friendly horror-themed event happening in Oklahoma City, OK.
25th: HauntFest Presents Sink or Scream Promo Event
Happening in Elberton, GA.
31st-August 2nd: CreepyCon Knoxville
Horror con happening in Knoxville, TN.
August
2nd: Psychic Day
A day recognizing clairvoyant abilities and raising awareness about tuning into our own. Read my interview with psychic and medium Richard-Lael Lillard.
4th/5th: Marilyn Monroe’s Passing
Commemorating the memory of Marilyn Monroe. The old Hollywood starlet died on the 4th, but her body was found on the 5th. To keep her spirit alive, watch any of her films. I also recommend Blonde on Netflix.
7th-9th: Monsterama
A retro horror and sci-fi convention happening at the Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area in Atlanta, GA.
7th-9th: Midsummer Scream
Recognized as the world’s biggest horror con! Happening in Long Beach, CA. To learn more about the event, read my interview with Midsummer Scream co-founder David Markland and Midsummer Scream 2025 event.
14th-16th: Crypticon Kansas City
Happening at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Kansas City International Airport in Kansas City, MO.
14th-16th: Monster-Mania 67
A horror con happening in Cherry Hill, NJ.
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.
21st-23rd: Mad Monster Expo
Happening at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Concord, NC.
21st-October 31st: Disneyland Halloween Time
Event happening at the theme park in Anaheim, CA.
28th-30th: Smoky Mountain Terror
A horror con happening at the Meadowview Convention Center in Kingsport, TN.
30th: 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 Frankenstein Day podcast episode!
30th-31st: 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.
September
4th-6th: Days of the Dead Las Vegas
10th: 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.
12th: DarknessCon Snake River
Horror con happening at the Mountainview Events Center in Pocatello, ID.
11th-13th: Tidewater Horror Convention
Happening in Norfolk, VA.
17th-October 31st: Knott’s Scary Farm
Halloween event in Buena Park, CA. More info TBA. Read about my time in this Knott’s Scary Farm blog post.
19th-20th: SC Horror
A horror convention happening in Columbia, SC.
26th: Endless Night Vampire Ball Boston
26th: 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. Also, check out my paranormal investigation on the Queen Mary.
October (Black Cat Awareness Month)
1st-4th: HallowScreamCon Las Vegas
An all-new horror con debuting in 2026 that is going to be part theme park, part immersive experience!
1st-31st: Scarborough’s Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival
A Halloween event happening in Waxahachie, TX. This experience is brought to you by the producers of Screams Halloween Theme Park, which sadly came to an end in 2025 after 28 years. These dates are tentative for the Scarborough’s Hollow event. More details TBA.
3rd: Central Illinois Horror Con
Happening in Peoria, IL.
4th: Anne Rice’s Birthday
To celebrate the memory of this astounding author, read about my time attending the Anne Rice All Saints Day Celebration in New Orleans. Also check out my blog post Author of Honor: Anne Rice and listen to my podcast episode “Anne Rice: Her Vampires & Legacy.”
10th-11th: Nightmare Weekend Raleigh
12th: 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.
16th-18th: Monster Bash Conference Autumn
Happening in Cranberry Township, PA.
17th: 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!
18th: Charleston Horror-Fest
Happening in Charleston, SC.
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: 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.
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.
30th: 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 this Frankenstein podcast episode.
30th-November 1st: Monster-Mania 68
Horror con happening in Baltimore, MD.
30th-November 1st: Spooky Empire
Horror con happening at Hyatt Regency Orlando in Florida.
30th-November 1st: 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.
31st: Halloween
Happy Halloween everyone! Suggested reading and listening: Celebrating Halloween Around the World blog post and Halloween podcast episode.
31st: DarknessCon Denver
TBA: Central PA Tattoo and Horror Expo
Happening at the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, PA. Official dates to be determined.
TBA: Bram Stoker Festival
Dacre Stoker, the great grandnephew of Bram Stoker, helped get this event started. Happening in Dublin, Ireland.
November
1st: Anne Rice Day
During the Anne Rice: An All Saints’ Day Celebration in 2025, it was announced that November 1st would officially be Anne Rice Day!
1st-2nd: 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 about Hollywood Forever’s Dia de los Muertos Celebration. And learn more about the holiday in Celebrating Halloween Around the World.
6th-7th: HauntFest Presents Harvest of Horrors
Happening in Elberton, GA.
8th: Bram Stoker’s Birthday
The author of famed gothic horror novel Dracula was born on this day in 1847. Read my interview with his great grandnephew Dacre Stoker who keeps his legacy alive.
13th: Waldorf Estate of Fear Presents Unlucky 13 Tour: Hell House
Paranormal event happening in Lehighton, PA.
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. You can also listen to the occult figures podcast episode.
20th-22nd: Monster-Mania 69
A horror con happening in Oaks, PA.
20th-22nd: Days of the Dead Chicago
December
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.
11th: 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.
11th: 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.
12th: The Oddities Flea Market New York
Read about my time at the Los Angeles event in The Oddities Flea Market 2018 and The Oddities Flea Market 2019.
Vamp Jenn's Corner 