Where the strange and unusual are welcome.
This past weekend, Halloween cheer was alive and well during Midsummer Scream’s Awaken the Spirits gathering at the Pasadena Convention Center in California. For the last two years, the horror convention has had to cancel its original event in Long Beach due to the pandemic. However, the crew managed to put together a smaller version that was absolutely spooktacular.
Continue reading “Inside Midsummer Scream: Awaken the Spirits!”
This past 2020 Halloween season was quite different, to say the least. Many haunts throughout Southern California were cancelled due to COVID restrictions and I know I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be walking through haunted mazes with monsters hiding in every corner waiting to jump out at me. But there was an alternate type of haunt that would arise due to the circumstances and these were drive-thru attractions.
Continue reading ““Stranger Things” Drive-Into Experience”
Who’s looking for a macabre Valentine? If candy hearts, teddy bears and pink roses aren’t your thing, then have a look at this collection of alternative ways to celebrate the holiday. First, I want to say that this list is not just for romantic couples. The fun can be sucked out of Valentine’s Day because the emphasis is primarily on romantic love. While there is nothing wrong with that, I want to imbue the occasion with an entirely different aesthetic—one that’s darker, spookier, mystical and even a bit creepy in the most amusing ways possible.
To me, February 14th is a celebration of love in its multitude of forms and so the suggestions I make can be enjoyed with best friends, family, pets, significant others or by yourself. Here are 9 Macabre Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day!
Continue reading “9 Macabre Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day”
Wow, so I don’t think I’m alone when I say that 2020 was not what I expected. When I published my Odd & Macabre Los Angeles Events Calendar last year, I had no clue that most of the activities I included would either be cancelled or happen virtually. And it seems that may be the case for this year as well. But that’s okay because if anything, 2020 proved that there is fun to be had even when undergoing a lockdown; there are still experiences we can enjoy while at home.
So, my Odd & Macabre Events Calendar is slightly different this year. There are more virtual experiences and some events that I’m not completely certain are taking place, but are scheduled to happen. Most are based in Los Angeles, California, but I’ll also be including any online experiences I discover happening internationally since these activities are accessible to a wider audience. I also threw in a few special dates that relate to horror, esotericism and the macabre. I will be updating this continually throughout the year as news of more events pop up, and I hope I can continue to provide you with entertaining features in 2021!
Continue reading “Odd & Macabre Events 2021”
On May 26th, 1897, Bram Stoker’s notorious novel Dracula was published. More than a century later, the vampire tale has indeed proven to be as immortal as its protagonist. There have been films, TV shows, music, books, art and entertainment events inspired by the Count. Stoker’s work has left such an indelible mark on, not just the literary world, but the creative world in general that there is a day dedicated to it—Dracula Day. There are many ways to celebrate and following you will find ideas for how to throw a fangtastic vampire soiree, whether alone or with others! Continue reading “The Undead Way to Celebrate Dracula Day”
Note: Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, many upcoming events have been cancelled. Some will possibly be rescheduled for later in the year and others are offering virtual alternatives. I’ll update this calendar as more information becomes available.
It’s officially the beginning of a new year and decade! The year 2019 was definitely one for the books. I discovered new places and experiences, obtained more forbidden knowledge and connected with many creative people. I’m excited to check out the dark adventures that await to share them with all of you.
This list is a work in progress and I’ll continue to add to it as I find out about more affairs. I hope to attend most and, if you’re in the area, let this serve as a fun, spooky guide of things to do while in and around Los Angeles. So, without further ado, here’s a look at upcoming Odd & Macabre Los Angeles Events in 2020. Continue reading “Odd & Macabre Los Angeles Events 2020”
Although these days Halloween has become known for costumes, trick-or-treating and haunts, the history behind the holiday stretches far back in time, nearly 2,000 years ago with the Celts who celebrated Samhain between October 31st and November 1st. Eventually with the spread of Christianity, the Celtic tradition would be absorbed into All Saints’ Day (November 1st) and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd).
Interestingly, the Christian Church celebrated All Souls’ Day in a similar way to Samhain, maintaining customs such as building bonfires and donning costumes. The origin of the term “Halloween” is the Middle English word meaning All Saints’ Day, “Alholowmesse.” In time, the night before November 1st would be referred to as All Hallows’ Eve and then as Halloween.
From America to Asia, celebrations of this holiday have spread worldwide with countries commemorating the day in diverse and fascinating ways. Following is just a small fraction of what Halloween festivities take place. Continue reading “Celebrating Halloween Around the World”
Some of you may recall that I attended The Oddities Flea Market last September, its first time in Los Angeles. Well, the Brooklyn-based event returned this past weekend to the Globe Theatre. Since there was such an overwhelming turnout at the last flea market (I waited two hours in line to get in), husband and wife Ryan Matthew and Regina Marie Cohn spanned the occasion across two days. They also added an after-party on Saturday night, which I was happy to attend.
Continue reading “An Oddities Flea Market Weekend”
I attended Monsterpalooza in Pasadena, California, for the first time this past weekend. The three-day event, which was held this year from April 12th through April 14th, spotlights the makeup talent and special effects that go into creating such terrifying beings for horror and sci-fi films. Featured are discussion panels, live cosmetic demos, celebrity signings and numerous vendors. Continue reading “Monsterpalooza: A Celebration of Monsters & Movie Magic”
The Endless Night Vampire Ball, presented by master fangsmith Father Sebastiaan, returned to Los Angeles for the third time. Hosted again at the historic Globe Theatre, this year’s theme was Anti-Valentine’s Day. I’ll share some details here of the festivities. Eat your hearts out fellow immortals! Continue reading “Endless Night Los Angeles Vampire Ball 2019: Anti-Valentine’s Day”
