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.
Within the diverse landscape of Germany, a crafty designer is reviving vintage pieces of clothing and restoring their novel charm. Jenny is the founder and owner of theplaincircle vintage, an online shop specializing in vintage fashion that exudes dark elegance. Her small business is not only preserving fragments of history but also contributing to sustainable fashion.
I’ve heard many people say that the countdown to Halloween is just as special (if not even more special) than the actual holiday itself, and I can understand why. While October 31st is a momentous occasion, the excitement really builds during the preceding months and days it takes to get to that point. That’s when the Halloween decor shopping and festivity planning happens. Plus, the spooky season has officially become a two-month long celebration, going from September through October, with Halloween events happening across the U.S.
So, I create this guide every year releasing it on the 100-days-to-Halloween mark (July 23rd) to help everyone bask in the lead up to All Hallows’ Eve. It’s filled with information I think people would find handy to help them prepare and get into the Halloween spirit. Discover places to shop, costume predictions, music to listen to and more!
Photo credit: Jay L. Clendenin For Midsummer Scream
If you haven’t heard of Midsummer Scream, let me just say it’s become the world’s biggest Halloween and horror convention. Since 2016, it has haunted the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA, annually. I started attending in 2018 and have covered it on Vamp Jenn’s Corner ever since.
Much has been written about the goth subculture, ranging from scholarly literature to pop culture reads. I must admit that I have not read many books on goth. When I first started getting into goth as a teen in the late 90s/early 2000s, I got most of my information from the internet and personal experiences and observations. At the time, there weren’t many books published about the subculture, so I learned about it by browsing the web via goth chat rooms and websites that were around then.
April is a very special time but not because Easter usually takes place. The month is the official halfway mark to October, which means it’s halfway to Halloween! I know some people may roll their eyes wondering why there’s a need to think so far ahead and speed through the year. However, I don’t see it that way. Half-o-ween is more of an occasion to keep the spooky spirit alive and serves as a reminder that everyday can be Halloween if that’s what makes us happy. It’s become such a big deal in the Halloween and horror community in my area that there are even a few events happening to celebrate it. I thought it’d be fun to round up some of the relevant content I’ve created on Vamp Jenn’s Corner and feature it here. Enjoy, and I hope you find a special way to commemorate Halfway to Halloween.
Midsummer Scream has just announced a few teasers about this year’s festivities. The event is the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, and I make it a point to attend every year. I was excited to learn about what’s in store and had to share it here with you all.
The Witches Brew is a Los Angeles-based event organizer that hosts a variety of spooky events throughout the year. They recently presented a Valloween night market in Santa Ana, California, for all those searching for macabre Valentine’s Day gifts for either themselves or others. I had a wonderful time browsing and am here to share what I witnessed that evening.
Vamp Jenn inside the Miss Havisham’s Curiosities & Veneration of Light shop
A most delightfully macabre shop has opened its doors in San Pedro, CA. Melissa Johnson of Miss Havisham’s Curiosities and Heather Allison of Veneration of Light have come together to establish a brick and mortar that houses their exquisite creations, which include tea sets and dark fine art. They recently hosted a soft opening, and I had an amazing time exploring their retail space.
While one year has gone, another has begun. That means it’s time to look ahead to see what spooky surprises 2025 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 2025. Bookmark and share this page and enjoy!