Halloween summer camp is back! And I couldn't be more excited.
In 2018, I attended my first Midsummer Scream...and it was an absolute dream. I got to meet All Hallows Geek and The Spooky Vegan. I spent the weekend with @hallowwoods. And I finally made my childhood dream of visiting California come true.So, naturally, I went racing back in 2019 for year two.
And then...the world stopped. It was a bummer because early in 2020 so many spooky friends I hadn't met in person yet were talking about going. I am thrilled so many of them will be at this year's event, though, and the crew I'm spending the weekend with is a killer roster of content creators.
Of course, hanging out with all of them will be a blast, but there's the event itself too! From panels and performances to classes and vendors, there is no shortage of things to check out. Here are 13 things at the top of my to-do list for the weekend.
13 Things I Can't Wait to See at Midsummer Scream
Descriptions are all from the Midsummer Scream app. Download it in the App Store or on Google Play.
Panels & Presentations
Tricks 'r Terrors: A History of Halloween in America
Saturday, July 30 at 12 p.m.
Award-winning authors and historians, Lisa Morton and Ted Dougherty lead you through an illustrated journey into Halloween's past where they explore what led to the now staggering multi-billion-dollar industry. From early traditions like trick-or-treating and jack-o'-lanterns to the modern era of high-tech haunted houses and theme park celebrations, your hosts will share a variety of unique and enthralling bits of history Halloween fans are sure to enjoy.
Spooky Music in Visual Media presented by LVCRFT
Saturday, July 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Discover how music supervisors select tunes that appear in some of your favorite spooky television shows, movies, and even commercials from industry experts—and for musicians, learn some tips on how to get your song into a horror soundtrack.
A Curious Conversation with Christine McConnell
Saturday, July 30 at 4:30 p.m.
A deeper look into the curious mind of Christine McConnell, with a discussion including her creative endeavors authoring and photographing her book, Deceptive Desserts, becoming an Instagram star, and developing her Netflix series with Jim Henson Studios, to her current challenge: renovating a real haunted mansion. Moderated by Claire Dunlap, Midsummer Scream's supervising producer.
Girl That's Scary
Saturday, July 30 at 6 p.m.
A live recording of the Dread Central Podcast Network show hosted by Jazzmin Crawley and Kathleen White. In this special episode, they tackle horror movies that shaped our adolescence.
We ARE the Weirdos, Mister!
Sunday, July 31 at 12 p.m.
With the increasing visibility of marginalized communities in horror, a flood of talent has been unleashed. How do creators and performers navigate race, ability, and gender identity issues in a scene that is constantly evolving? With a keen understanding of the issues, the panel discusses the different ways they have encountered possible roadblocks and the ways they were solved with respect and creativity. Moderated by Tom Bloom. With Joshua Grannell, Shanita Bump, Jannica Olin, William O. Tyler, and Teri Gamble.
Dizney Coast to Coast and Hocus Pocus cast
Sunday, July 31 at 12 p.m.
Hocus Pocus stars Vinessa Shaw and Omri Katz interviewed by Jeff DePaoli for a live recording of the Dizney Coast to Coast podcast.
It's Always Halloween Podcast Live
Sunday, July 31 at 4:30 p.m.
A live version of the podcast that celebrates Halloween year-round with a look at history and traditions, spooks past and present, hosted by Lucé Tomlin-Brenner.
Performances
Halloween Radio Spooktacular
Friday, July 29 at 8:15 p.m.
Saturday, July 30 at 6:15 p.m.
Sunday, July 31 at 12 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Worst Ever Productions shares a taste of their annual Halloween show, “The Halloween Radio Spooktacular”—a hybrid stage and vintage radio show.
Sweet Sorrow: A Zombie Ballet
Saturday, July 30 at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 31 at 12:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m.
Dance excerpt from the full-length ballet by the Leigh Purtill Ballet Company.
Beach Blanket Massacre Fashion Show
Saturday, July 30 at 3:15 p.m.
Sunday, July 31 at 1:30 p.m.
Poltergeists and Paramours' annual horror-themed fashion show takes on a 1960s retro spooky beach theme featuring designs by Ama Lea.
Classes & Seminars
How to Tell the Best Ghost Stories
Saturday, July 30 at 3 p.m.
Award-winning podcaster Sapphire Sandalo shares the most helpful tips she's learned over the years as a professional ghost storyteller. Perfect for anyone who creates paranormal content or who just wants to spook their friends and family.
Witchcraft & The Occult: History, Tradition & Pop Culture
Saturday, July 30 at 4:30 p.m.
Learn the truth about the occult/witchcraft and its prominence in pop culture. Delve into the truth behind some of the magic used in AHS: Coven, Sabrina, The Mummy (1999), and The Craft.
History of Horror Comics
Sunday, July 31 at 1:30 p.m.
Beginning in the late 40s, comic books broke ground in the style and sophistication of horror storytelling. At their height in the early 50s, over 50 million of these comics were being sold a month to kids and adults, including titles like Tales from the Crypt and Vault of Horror. Join Benjamin Dickow, lecturer on the history of comics and director of Captured Aural Phantasy Theater, an LA-based performance group that brings these vintage terror tales to life, for a journey through the origins of comic book horror and how these books continue to influence movies, comics, and stories today.
What are you most excited to see at Midsummer Scream this year?
Share it in the comments. And if you're attending, please be sure to say hello when you see me! I have free glow-in-the-dark ghost stickers for anyone who says hi and will be hanging out with several friends who also have freebies to share.
If you want to keep up with all the haunt and horror news of the weekend, be sure to give Mike at @allhallowsgeek a follow. He'll be working hard to cover all the major panels and presentations in real-time!
