Category: Lifestyle

Events, halloween, horror

Midsummer Scream 2026: 10th Anniversary & End of a Spooktacular Era

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Midsummer Scream 2026: 10th Anniversary & End of a Spooktacular Era
Midsummer Scream creators David Markland, Claire Dunlap, Gary Baker, and Rick West
Midsummer Scream creators David Markland, Claire Dunlap, Gary Baker, and Rick West

In 2016, what would become the world’s biggest Halloween and horror convention was launched in Long Beach, California. For 10 years, Midsummer Scream has been delighting the spooky community with awesome panels, mini haunts, vendors, and novel macabre experiences. It took place again this August at the Long Beach Convention Center breaking attendance records, yet again. The event creators also made a special announcement that changes the trajectory of the horror convention.  I’m about to break down what transpired over the course of this darkly magical weekend.

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halloween, holidays, Lifestyle

Countdown to Halloween 2026 Guide

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on Countdown to Halloween 2026 Guide
Photo credit: Photo by Steven Van Elk via Unsplash
Photo credit: Steven Van Elk via Unsplash

It’s that time of year here in the U.S. where there’s a holiday lull after the Fourth of July until October 31st. There are no other major holidays happening in this part of the globe during this period, so for us macabre folks, it’s already spooky season. Also, July 23rd marks the 100-day countdown to All Hallows’ Eve, which is a big deal in the Halloween community. To mark the occasion, I release a special guide annually to help you prepare for and immerse yourself in the spooky season. Here, I share my recommendations for shopping, music, costumes, and more!

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Culture, Film, spirituality, TV

New Series ‘BRUJITAS’ Highlights Women of Color Coming Into Their Power

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on New Series ‘BRUJITAS’ Highlights Women of Color Coming Into Their Power
BRUJITAS series panel
BRUJITAS series panel

BRUJITAS (Spanish for “little witches”) is an upcoming sci-fi dramedy series centering on a group of women of color who are discovering their inner powers. Created and written by Natalie Garcia, the series stars a Latina cast and weaves the magic of culture and spirituality into the narrative. Recently, La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Los Angeles hosted a panel called Mujeres Taking the Lead: A New Era in Film and TV. It brought together the cast and crew for a fascinating discussion about the project.

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Culture, Lifestyle, Travel

La Carmina on Her Alternative Fashion Blog & Gothic Adventures

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on La Carmina on Her Alternative Fashion Blog & Gothic Adventures
Photo credit: La Carmina
Photo credit: La Carmina

La Carmina has established herself as an authority when it comes to alternative subcultures and eccentric adventures. She launched her travel and fashion blog La Carmina in 2007, making her one of the pioneers of blogging, particularly in the goth space. Over the course of nearly 20 years, she’s worked on amazing projects and earned many accolades.

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Beauty, Lifestyle

Inside the Black Moon Cosmetics Boutique in LA

by Jennifer VasquezLeave a Comment on Inside the Black Moon Cosmetics Boutique in LA
Black Moon Cosmetics shop
Black Moon Cosmetics shop

Black Moon Cosmetics now has a brick-and-mortar store in Burbank, California! The brand launched an online shop in 2015 and has grown an amazing following of dark beauty enthusiasts who adore their products. They opened at the beginning of 2026 and are located just a few blocks away from what is known as Burbank’s “Horror Row,” a street lined with spooky small businesses. I finally paid a visit to the makeup store and am here to give you a peek behind the curtain.

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Events, halloween, News

Spooktacular Midsummer Scream 2026 Announcements

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on Spooktacular Midsummer Scream 2026 Announcements
David Howard Thornton as Art The Clown at Midsummer Scream 2025 (Photo credit: Al Ortega)
David Howard Thornton as Art The Clown at Midsummer Scream 2025 (Photo credit: Al Ortega)

Recognized as the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, Midsummer Scream is returning for summer 2026, and it promises to be bigger and better. This year is extra special because it marks the 10th anniversary of the event! It all started in 2016, and the horror con continues to come back annually to haunt the Long Beach Convention Center in California. Many exciting announcements have been made regarding what’s in store, and I’m about to share them with you.

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Literature, occult, spirituality

Achieving Self-Alchemy in Cherry Parra’s ‘The Left Hand Path of Tarot’

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on Achieving Self-Alchemy in Cherry Parra’s ‘The Left Hand Path of Tarot’
Vamp Jenn's copy of The Left-Hand Path of Tarot by Cherry Parra
Vamp Jenn’s copy of The Left-Hand Path of Tarot by Cherry Parra

As I’ve navigated my spirituality over the years, I tend to align with teachings from the Left-Hand Path. I was intrigued when The Left Hand Path of Tarot by Cherry Parra was brought to my attention. It’s my first time coming across a book on tarot presented from the Left-Hand Path perspective. It’s a text that encourages practitioners, from novices to advanced readers, to lean into the shadow to ignite self-growth.

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holidays, Lifestyle

9 Valloween Gift Ideas for Your Ghoulentine

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on 9 Valloween Gift Ideas for Your Ghoulentine
Photo credit: Alexandru Acea via Unsplash Top featured image photo credits: Deadly Sweet, Disturbia, and Spooky Cat)
Photo credit: Alexandru Acea via Unsplash
Top featured image photo credits: Deadly Sweet, Disturbia, and Spooky Cat)

Let’s redefine what Valentine’s Day is all about. It’s not just a romantic holiday for heterosexual couples. Love and relationships come in many forms that deserve to be recognized. It’s about celebrating the love we have for ourselves, friends, and family (pets included). It’s about celebrating queer love and love for diversity. And that’s what I want my Valentine’s Day gift guide to reflect.

The items on this list definitely steer away from traditional gifts you see promoted by mainstream media. They’re for the individual who embraces the unusual and macabre. Whether you’re treating yourself or a special someone in your life, I hope you find something that enriches your Valloween.

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Culture, Lifestyle

Puerto Rican Horror Hostess Melanie Ramos Welcomes Audiences Into Her Dark Universe

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Puerto Rican Horror Hostess Melanie Ramos Welcomes Audiences Into Her Dark Universe
Horror hostess Melevill (Photo credit: W.V.)
Horror hostess Melevill (Photo credit: W.V.)

From the depths of hell comes the demonic horror hostess of your nightmares—Melevill! This is the alter ego of Melanie Ramos, a multifaceted artist who hails from the South of Puerto Rico. She developed a fascination with the horror genre at a young age and now dedicates her time creating a variety of horror content.

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entertainment, Events, holidays, Lifestyle, Nightlife, Travel

Odd & Macabre Events 2026

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Odd & Macabre Events 2026
The Obscure upper chamber
The Obscure upper chamber

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!

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