LONG BEACH, CA – Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention returns to Southern California July 31 – August 2 for three days of Halloween thrills and horrific chills as the fan-favorite convention celebrates its 5 th Anniversary at the Long Beach Convention Center.
The ticket pre-sale for Midsummer Scream 2020 begins Friday, March 6 at MidsummerScream.org, with 40% off General Admission Single Day and Weekend passes with discount code MSS2020. In addition, this Friday only, admission to Midsummer Scream After Dark – the official Saturday night party – is only $10 (regular price $25) with any ticket purchase!
Guests can also opt for the popular limited-edition Gold Bat Weekend Pass, which enables guests into Midsummer Scream an hour early on Saturday and Sunday before the convention opens to the general public; front of line priority access to panel presentations and attractions throughout the venue; a collectible lanyard and credential; a Gold Bat 2020 enamel pin; and admission to Midsummer Scream After Dark.
The underlying theme of Midsummer Scream 2020 is “Vintage Trick or Treating”, and all of the imagery, pageantry, and ghoulish good fun that comes with memories of October in years gone by. Halloween of yesteryear will be showcased throughout the weekend in multiple panel presentations, merchandise, and more.
With an estimated 40,000 attendees flocking to Southern California to participate in this year’s event, the decision was made to add a third day to the mix – a Friday night preview that will give fans access to all of the vendors on the convention’s sprawling show floor, unique limited-engagement programming specifically for that evening only, and a chance for Gold Bat and weekend passholders to pick up their credentials early.
“Last year, our continued growth dictated that we take over the entirety of the Long Beach Convention Center,” says David Markland, Executive Director of Midsummer Scream. “For our Fifth Anniversary celebration, the team agreed that it is time to make this a three-day event, which is exactly what we’ve done for 2020.”
Midsummer Scream is proud to announce the return of Southern California’s largest haunt events to the show for a weekend of world-class presentations, surprises, and major announcements. These industry leaders include Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Knott’s Scary Farm, LA Haunted Hayride, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, and Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest.
The iconic dark zone, Hall of Shadows, returns with the theme of Trick or Treat Forever! featuring approximately 20 haunted attractions and displays, daily exhibitions by the Decayed Brigade slider team, and the largest experience CalHauntS has ever designed for Midsummer Scream, “Trick or Treat Lane” – a fully functional neighborhood adorned with vintage Halloween decorations where surprises and interactive fun abound!
With more than 300 artisans and exhibitors, Midsummer Scream’s show floor has become a shopping destination for fans of all ages, featuring one-of-a-kind artwork, props, Halloween accessories, clothing, and makeup supplies. This year’s powerhouse lineup of favorite vendors includes Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum, Trick or Treat Studios, BlackCraft, Chicken Lips, and Immortal Masks. Also found on the show floor will be the beloved Paranormal Pixie’s Pumpkin Patch where kids and parents can participate in live entertainment and crafts throughout the weekend with the likes of Buster Balloon, as well as a performance stage where Mudd the Magnificent and others will mesmerize and entertain passersby! Live entertainment abounds at Midsummer Scream, from the show floor to Theatre Macabre on the upper level of the convention center’s main concourse. Returning again to thrill guests are Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, Force of Nature Productions, and more!
Midsummer Scream’s own film festival, The Screaming Room presented by HorrorBuzz, screens a variety of horror short film blocks throughout the weekend.
This is Midsummer Scream’s fifth year partnering with Kitten Rescue Los Angeles in presenting the Black Cat Lounge, where guests can mix and mingle with adorable felines roaming freely through a decorated play space. The Black Cat Lounge gives guests looking to adopt a pet the perfect opportunity to bond with their new little friends and give them furever homes.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 6 at MidsummerScream.org. More news and information regarding Midsummer Scream 2020 will be announced in the weeks and months ahead!
