Now that July 4th has passed, we can all begin to get ready for what matters most in our lives: Haunt Season! And what better way to kick it off than at Midsummer Scream, the best Halloween celebration this side of the Mississippi.
Every year, the convention grows larger. This year, it’s practically bursting at the seams, with more to see and do than ever before. Looking at the schedule, it’s almost overwhelming to begin planning your weekend. But don’t worry, we have compiled a list of the 7 top things you need to do during this year’s show. And here they are, in no particular order whatsoever!
HONORABLE MENTIONS!
Like I said, there is just so much to see and do, and it would be impossible to list it all. But if you’d like to support HorrorBuzz even more, allow me to take a moment to shamelessly self-promote my own stuff! My horror comedy audio drama, Return Home, will be doing a live, interactive stage reading of a brand new episode on Saturday, July 28th at 4:30PM in Theatre Macabre, so please join us there for what is sure to be a ridiculous time.
Also, I’ll be doing a short, immersive experience called THE MEET-UP, where you will come face-to-face with a creature that goes bump in the night. Sign up for a time slot at the HorrorBuzz booth early, as it will fill up fast!
NUMBER 7: HALL OF SHADOWS AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
One of the best things that Midsummer Scream has done was to give home and professional haunts a dedicated space to set up mini-versions of their attractions. The Hall of Shadows’ darkened passageways has been a true delight over the years, and it is coming back once again to be bigger and better than every before. Now, Midsummer Scream guests can experience 80,000 square feet of insanity in this fog-filled wonderland.
Expect a scare zone from Six Flags Magic’s Mountain Fright Fest, along with walk throughs from Spooky Hallow, The Hyde Street Massacre, and the return of the fantastic Trick ‘r Treat fan tribute from Murder House Productions!
Not only that, but if you prefer more of a ‘hands-on’ approach, there plenty of immersive experiences to go around. Fan-favorite Urban Death will be on hand to perform selections from their classic show, along with new experiences from Shine On Collective (showing off their new story, Echoes in the Dark), Fallen Saints, and many, many more.
NUMBER 6: THEME PARK PRESENTATIONS
Who doesn’t love a good theme park scare? The are sure to be plenty of announcements to go around at the theme park panels as they unveil the surprises they have in store.
After an incredible 2017 Haunt Season, Knott’s Scary Farm is back once again on Saturday, July 28 at 12:30PM in the Grand Ballroom to unveil some of their plans for the 2018 season. We’re excited to see what the masterminds from the granddaddy of all haunts have in store for this year, and whatever teases they reveal will certainly make us more anxious for the season to begin!
Not only that, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor (Sunday, July 29 at 12PM in the Grand Ballroom) has been teasing some spectacular new surprises for this coming year, and Six Flag’s Fright Fest (Saturday, July 28 at 3:30PM in the Grand Ballroom) will scare up a few new things as well. And of course, with an already impressive line-up, Universal Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood will showcase some news as well (Sunday, July 29 at 5PM in the Grand Ballroom)
NUMBER 5: SOCAL VALLEY HAUNTERS WORKSHOPS
It’s only fitting that a convention celebrating Halloween shows you how to celebrate it properly, right? SoCal Valley Haunters, at booth 270, are hosting another slew of fantastic workshops that will teach you how to deck out your Halloween decorations in style!
From how to make your own flicker boxes, to turning foam insulation into a creepy tombstone, there is no shortage of “how-to’s” with this group. Best of all, the workshops are all FREE (minus the cost of materials). So, head on over to their booth and check out how to up your Halloween game!
NUMBER 4: 25 YEARS OF HOCUS POCUS
Every year, Midsummer Scream manages to pull together a panel that makes our jaws collectively drop. Last year, it was the retrospective on Are You Afraid Of The Dark?, the show that helped form a love of all things horror for many young minds. This year, they are upping their game even more with a look back on 25 wonderful years of Hocus Pocus!
How can you not love this seminal Disney classic film about the Sanderson Sisters’ return to enact revenge over Salem (and the world!)? It’s hilariously awesome, and campy as heck.
Join writers/producers David Kirschner & Mick Garris, along with actress Thora Birch for a conversation about the making of the film and its legacy as a Halloween tradition. I am sure they will “…put a spell on you.”
NUMBER 3: ELVIRA RETURNS
Not only will the Mistress of the Dark’s alter ego, Cassandra Peterson, be in attendance all weekend, meeting and greeting the fans, but there will also be a 30th anniversary celebration of the film Elvira: Mistress of the Dark as well! Moderated by Jeff Tucker , there will be live commentary between clips of the 1988 film, as well as some sure to be hilarious anecdotes from the mistress herself.
We’re sure we won’t hear any complaints about this one…
NUMBER 2: AMAZING PANELS
The weekend is jam-packed with some incredible panels that range from making your way in the haunt industry as a scare actor to just how things are done during Halloween.
Some choice cuts are:
- LGBT+ Representation in Horror panel (presented by HorrorBuzz!), which will explore the presence of lesbian, gay, bi, and trans artists in the horror community, and features drag superstar Alaska Thunderfuck 5000. Sunday, 1PM, Second Stage
- Immersive Horror: New Trends Outside the Box (presented by our friends at My Haunt Life), which will delve into the immersive horror industry to discuss new trends and attractions in Southern California along with their creators. Sunday, 4PM, Second Stage
- And They Will Touch You: Physical Contact Guidelines Within Immersive Theater, which is a hands-on workshop is designed as an entry point for actors, directors, and creators to explore the many different facets of physical contact within an immersive theater environment. Saturday, 4:30PM, Classroom
- Buzzfeed: Unsolved presentation with Ryan Bergara & Shane Madej, where the hosts of the show will screen an episode and Q&A. Saturday, 5PM, Second stage.
NUMBER 1: HORRORBUZZ FUN
How can you visit Midsummer Scream, and not come say hello to your favorite horror news website? Come visit us, as we’ll be all over the convention floor again this year. Stop by Booth 524 and 526 to say hello to the folks behind Full Moon Cartoons, Disney animator Rick Farmiloe and artist Christi Haydon. Then, take a moment to make use of our spooktacular “Photo Booooo-th!”.
If you’re in the mood for something more cinematic, swing by the Horrorbuzz Screaming Room, where we will be holding screenings of some fantastic short horror films from all over the world. throughout the entire weekend.
If you’re looking to join us for some of our Halloween events, such as our famed Knott’s Scary Farm one, we’ll be announcing the dates and selling tickets on the show floor again as well!
And of course, our wonderful staff will be running all over again, covering the great haunts, panels, and more. If you see someone with a HorrorBuzz shirt, make sure you say hello!
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
If you’ve not yet purchased your ticket to Midsummer Scream, there is still plenty of time left! Join us this coming weekend, July 28-29th for this Halloween celebration. Purchase your tickets today at www.midsummerscream.org
