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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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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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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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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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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Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2025
Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2025

At Vamp Jenn’s Corner, we find a way to make every holiday strange and unusual…even Xmas! If you dread having to come up with gift ideas for family and friends, you’re not alone. While shopping can be a drag, I enjoy finding unique items to share in my annual Macabre Holiday Gift Guide. It’s a helpful resource if you’re searching for things that are creative and different. I’m highlighting a whole new collection of pieces from small businesses. Take a look and see what spellbinding treasures you find for the special people in your life.  You may even be tempted to add some of these to your holiday wish list. Merry Creepmas!

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The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Delivers All the Frights

Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary
Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary

One of my favorite Halloween events to attend in SoCal is Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary. After a three-year hiatus due to Covid, the event returned for the first time in 2024 much to my delight. It came back more thrilling and terrifying this year, so I wanted to share some highlights. 

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‘A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding’ Teaches Kids About the Day of the Dead

Woman holding a kid's picture book
Vamp Jenn reading A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding

El Día de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries between November 1st and 2nd. It’s believed that the spirits of loved ones come back to visit the living. The occasion, which has roots in indigenous Mesoamerican traditions, is meant to honor the memory of the deceased and embrace death. While many adults look forward to the Day of the Dead, the concept behind it can be difficult for children to grasp, especially when they believe death is meant to be feared. However, a children’s book titled A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding sets out to change that.

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Terrifying True Stories Presents a Special Experience for Halloween Season

Vamp Jenn at Terrifying True Stories by Candlelight
Vamp Jenn at Terrifying True Stories by Candlelight

Earlier this year, Terrifying True Stories hosted an event called Victorian Horror Stories in the Dark. They’ve returned with another immersive experience for spooky season titled Terrifying True Stories by Candlelight and I was grateful to be invited to attend. It was thrilling to be back at Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles to take part in the activities and witness macabre storytelling unfold right before my eyes.

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Midsummer Scream Officially Kicks Off Spooky Season

Midsummer Scream 2025
Midsummer Scream 2025

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.

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