It’s never too soon to be scared, and guests to Midsummer Scream, the world’s biggest Halloween and horror convention, will be able to see what’s going to frighten them most this Halloween season as the West Coast’s biggest haunts all come together at the Long Beach Convention Center to show off what they’ve got in store.
Only at Midsummer Scream will Halloween lovers be able to get a first look at plans for Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Halloween Horror Nights”; the 50th anniversary of Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm; Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, which marks its 30th year; the 100th anniversary of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose; and attractions from 13th Floor Entertainment, including Delusion, Shaqtoberfest and L.A. Haunted Hayride.
Halloween Haunt Presentations
There will also be a special “Hot Haunts for Halloween” panel, hosted by Midsummer Scream’s Creative Director and Co-Founder Rick West, that brings together some of the best of the grass-roots community of talented haunters — home haunters, local attractions, and traditions that are, in many ways, the inspiration for the largest of the haunts.
“Haunted attractions of every type and size are at the very core of what Midsummer Scream is all about, from the most elaborate to the most handmade, whether family friendly or truly extreme,” West said. “Midsummer Scream fans love to discover what’s new and exciting for the Halloween season ahead, and it’s incredibly exciting to be able to bring all of these attractions together to begin a countdown to the best night of the year.”
Panel presentations featuring the creative teams and visionaries behind each of the haunted attractions will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30. The panel schedule (which is always subject to change) is:
SATURDAY, JULY 29
- 12:30 p.m.: 13th Floor Entertainment with a preview of L.A. Haunted Hayride, Delusion and Shaqtoberfest
- 3 p.m.: Hot Haunts for Halloween, hosted by Rick West
- 5 p.m.: Knott’s Berry Farm — A 50th anniversary presentation featuring Ken Parks, Corporate Director of Creative Development, Cedar Fair; attraction designer John Cooke; and Knott’s Scary Farm historian and show writer Ted Dougherty
SUNDAY, JULY 30
- 12 p.m.: Winchester Mystery House, celebrating its 100th anniversary
- 2:30 p.m.: Six Flags Magic Mountain and the 30th anniversary of Fright Fest
- 4:30 p.m.: Universal Studios Hollywood previews this year’s Halloween Horror Nights
All Midsummer Scream passes provide access to these special panels. Guests will also get to experience an enormous range of frightfully fun and eerily irresistible entertainment throughout the three days, which are expected to attract more than 40,000 fans to the Long Beach Convention Center.
The centerpiece of Midsummer Scream is Hall of Shadows, a massive dark zone featuring a stunning array of haunted attractions, interactive photo ops, and live entertainment as creatures lurk and screams flow from the swirling fog.
Additional highlights of Midsummer Scream include The Screaming Room, presented by Horror Buzz, a curated short-film festival of terror-filled submissions from around the world, screened throughout the weekend; Paranormal Pixie’s Pumpkin Patch, a gore- and scare-free zone for the “little monsters” who visit Midsummer Scream; and Black Cat Lounge, a unique way to take a break from the action of the weekend by cuddling with adorable feline friends, all available for adoption.
Throughout the three days, a massive show floor filled with more than 350 vendors — specializing in ghoulishly delightful products and collectibles — is open to all guests.
In addition to attractions, events and experiences throughout the weekend, Midsummer Scream also hosts “Midsummer Scream After Dark,” its special Saturday-night party. Attendance at “Midsummer Scream After Dark” requires a separate, nominal fee for general admission passholders, and is included with the Gold Bat Pass Package.
Single-day passes to Midsummer Scream, now in its sixth year, range from $35 for adult admission to $140 for a three-day VIP “Gold Bat” pass. Children under 10 are free with an accompanying adult. More information on passes to Midsummer Scream, plus full details on the show schedule and area accommodations, can be found at www.MidsummerScream.org.
