Halloween & Horror Reign Supreme at Midsummer Scream

Midsummer Scream at the Long Beach Convention Center
Midsummer Scream at the Long Beach Convention Center

I experienced the most delightful madness at Midsummer Scream. Besides October 31st, this Halloween and horror convention is one of the biggest spooky events of the year and is the highlight of my summerween. It’s been my annual tradition to attend since 2018, and this year was my first time going two days, so I saw and did a lot! Here’s my recap of 2023’s festivities.

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The Art of PeeMonster & Michele Melcher at The Dark Art Emporium

The Dark Art Emporium has unleashed its latest exhibit, which is a double feature highlighting the works of PeeMonster and Michele Melcher. After nearly two years since my last visit, I was elated to return to the gallery for the opening reception. The show brought together elements of the ethereal and macabre and definitely satiated my appetite for dark art.

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The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans World Tour

Dracmorda and Swanthula Boulet
Dracmorda and Swanthula Boulet

Horror, filth and glamour. That is the unholy decree of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula enterprise, which is currently taking the world by storm with the Titans tour. For those who aren’t aware, The Boulet Brothers are drag queens of darkness Dracmorda and Swanthula. The pair launched the hit competition TV series The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula in 2016 and four seasons later, it’s fiercer than ever. They even created a spinoff titled Titans, which debuted in 2022, and have hit the road putting on amazing performances with the competitors from this series. I attended the Los Angeles show and am so excited to tell you about it!

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Inside the Haunted Encounters Tour Aboard the Queen Mary

Vamp Jenn aboard the Queen Mary
Vamp Jenn aboard the Queen Mary

When the world practically shut down in 2020, so did the Queen Mary. The historic liner was already in need of major repairs, and even when establishments began to open their doors for business, her royal highness remained closed. I’ve kept a close eye on updates regarding the vessel, and it’s undergone not only significant renovations and maintenance but also a change in management, putting complete control back in the hands of the city of Long Beach, CA.

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H.R. Giger Tribute Art Exhibit + Joe Vaux’s “Escape Pod”

"H.R. Giger" The Tourist X Peter Lorre
“H.R. Giger” The Tourist X Peter Lorre

Copro Gallery in Santa Monica has unveiled its latest exhibitions: “Brain Salad Surgery,” a H.R. Giger tribute group art exhibit, and Joe Vaux’s solo show, “Escape Pod.” I attended opening night, and it was incredible to see so many stunning pieces in person.

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Dita Von Teese Presents Glamonatrix

Vamp Jenn attending Glamonatrix
Vamp Jenn attending Glamonatrix

Burlesque queen Dita Von Teese kicked off her Glamonatrix tour on New Year’s Eve 2022 in Los Angeles, ushering in 2023 in style. After two months of touring across the U.S. and parts of Canada, she concluded the run toward the end of February at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, CA. I witnessed the finale in all of its glory, and it was magnificent.

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“Bite Me” Vampire Exhibit Featuring a Special Lecture by Dacre Stoker

Vamp Jenn and Dacre Stoker
Vamp Jenn and Dacre Stoker

Did you know there are descendants of Bram Stoker alive today? One of these family members is Dacre Stoker who is the great grandnephew of the notorious Dracula author. He’s taken up the mantle as overseer of the Stoker legacy and, together with his wife Jenne, manages the Bram Stoker Estate. For years, he’s been traveling worldwide, giving presentations on his ancestor and the creation of Dracula and his other literary works. The Menagerie Oddities Market sponsored his most recent tour across California, and he delivered a fascinating lecture at the SugarMynt Gallery in Pasadena. This was done in conjunction with the gallery’s latest art show, the “Bite Me” Vampire Exhibit. It was an evening fit for the undead, and I’m here to share it with you.

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Welcome to Phantasmagoria: A Night with Death Rock Icon Eva O & The Sixth Chamber

Vamp Jenn at Phantasmagoria at the Knucklehead Hollywood
Vamp Jenn at Phantasmagoria at the Knucklehead Hollywood

I spent Friday the 13th attending Phantasmagoria, an event showcasing live dark music, bewitching entertainment and macabre vendors. It’s the creation of Rahne Pistor, founder of The Sixth Chamber, and it debuted in 2021 in Las Vegas. It’s continued to take place ever since in both Sin City and Los Angeles. The January 2023 edition was held at Knucklehead Hollywood in LA and featured performances by The Sixth Chamber and the legendary Eva O, as well as other beguiling amusements.

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Odd & Macabre Events 2023

Vamp Jenn at Midsummer Scream
Vamp Jenn at Midsummer Scream

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!   

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Celebrating El Día de los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Vamp Jenn at the Dia de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Vamp Jenn at the Día de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Since 2000, Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles has been home to the largest Día de los Muertos celebration outside of Mexico, and I attended for the first time this year. For 2022, the festivities centered on Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of fertility and the agave plant. There were separate daytime and nighttime events happening, and I went to the latter, Noche de los Muertos. It was an evening filled with beautiful performances, rituals, altars, and so much more.

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