'Tis the season for Halloween hunting, hating summer, and heading off to camp.
Halloween summer camp, that is. In just a few weeks, I'm headed back to Long Beach, California for my fourth Midsummer Scream, and like every year...I can't wait.
Last year was extra special with so many of my spooky friends in attendance too. We had the BEST time together, and they're the thing I'm most excited about for 2023.
And there is SO much to check out this year. Here is everything I'm interested in checking out this year.
THINGS I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE AT MIDSUMMER SCREAM
Descriptions are all from the Midsummer Scream app. Times listed are PT.
PANELS & PRESENTATIONS
Ecology of Horror
Saturday, July 29 at 12 p.m.
Learn how to use ecology (including plants, animals, and weather) to further immerse readers in your horror stories.
Internet Urban Legends
Saturday, July 29 at 12:30 p.m.
In the terrifying corners of the internet, dark creatures and peculiar phenomena of all kids make their home, Presented by Bloody Disgusting, Internet Urban Legends tracks the crooked path winding between legends born from Creepy Pasta tales to the beings and anomalies that fill the vast archives of the SCP Foundation.
More Tricks of the Trade
Saturday, July 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Come listen and learn from industry professionals about creating immersive Halloween experiences and discover the horrifying side of bringing it all together. Presented by The Essential Art Department.
BIPOC Horror Creators
Saturday, July 29 at 3:30 p.m.
In horror, content abounds thanks to the contribution of creators and performers from all backgrounds in this thriving community. BIPOC Horror Creators delves into the success and challenges of being a BIPOC horror content creator, the need for more POC leads, the role tropes play in the genre, and achievement through limitations.
Getting Frights Right for Everyone: Accessibility in Horror
Saturday, July 29 at 4:30 p.m.
There are millions of people with visible and invisible disabilities who happen to be horror fans. Have you ever wondered how they experience the scares? How do creators adapt to make the experience more accessible [and] just as exciting for everyone in those communities? Moderator Andrew Diego meets with professionals in the horror community to discuss what they do, how they do it, and why it is so important to bring scares to everyone.
Scoring the Horror: An Interview with Midnight Syndicate
Sunday, July 30 at 11:30 a.m.
Edward Douglas, founder, and composer of Midnight Syndicate, discusses his career and how his soundtracks to imaginary films became the most used music at haunted attractions around the world.
Winchester Mystery House—A Century of History and Hauntings
Sunday, July 30 at 12 p.m.
When one of the world's most historical and haunted places celebrates its 100th anniversary, it's cause for celebration. Key house staff will discuss this milestone and all the incredible events, including this year's Halloween event called Unhinged, and opportunities fans will have in the months ahead to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Her Voice in the Haunt Community
Sunday, July 30 at 2 p.m.
Showcasing women's contributions in the haunt community with a variety of speakers from different fields in the industry, hear about how they got to where they are, and what it means to be a woman in the industry.
PERFORMANCES
Exorcist: The Live Musical
Friday, July 28 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 29 at 6 p.m.
A blasphemous rock musical parody that allows them to break the fourth wall and engage with the audience with book, lyrics and music by two-time Ovation Award winner Michael Shaw Fisher. Be advised: the show is two hours with an intermission and is 18+ only.
Return of the Living Drag
Saturday, July 29 at 2 p.m.
The frightening flock of fabulous performers led by horror icon Peaches Christ returns to slay you with a deadly dose of horror drag. Queens and Kings rise from their moldering tombs to perform the ultimate Halloween and horror spectacular. Be afraid, because, even after death, their looks are sickening.
Horror Nerd
Saturday, July 29 at 4:30 p.m.
Stand-up comedy show featuring all horror-related material, created and hosted by Samantha Hale. As seen at The Hollywood Improv and a soon-to-air comedy special. Comedians for this Midsummer Scream special edition include Anastasia Washington, Jackie Steele, Pancho Moler, Ryan Clark, and Billy McCartney.
CLASSES & SEMINARS
Halloween Town Sign Make & Take
Saturday, July 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 30 at 1 p.m.
Let us teach you how to make the iconic Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Town sign (Pumpkin Jack not included). You'll take home a full-sized sign, ready for paint, to decorate your interior or exterior. Materials must be purchased via link in advance to confirm participation. (See app for details.)
Food, Grief, and Death
Sunday, July 30 at 1 p.m.
A talk with Rosie Grant, Amber Carvaly, and Annabel De Vetten Peterson discussing the intersection between good, friend, and death.
SCREENINGS
Note: The films listed are independently produced.
Happy Halloween
Saturday, July 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Want to feel like it's already October? Come view this heap of Halloween shorts that are sure to incite a craving for candy.
The Occult
Sunday, July 30 at 11:30 a.m.
So you have a Ouija board. But have you survived this collection of otherwordly films? Journey through the unknown and the verboten with these short films.
What are you most excited to see at Midsummer Scream this year?
Share it in the comments! And if you want a little more behind-the-scenes info about the event, check out today's episode on By Pumpkin's Light with Midsummer Scream co-founder David Markland.
If you see me, please feel free to say hi! I will once again have Ghostie Girl stickers for anyone who says hello, and Mike and I will also have brand new By Pumpkin's Light stickers.
