This summer is going to be the spookiest yet! Why? Because after two years of sitting on the social media sidelines, I'm headed to Midsummer Scream in July.
And I can hardly wait!
I'm officially counting down the days, trying to figure out what to wear (Costume? No costume? Ugh, the pressure!) and already leaving space in my suitcase for all the Halloween goodies I want to bring back home to Texas.
Just in case you have no idea what Midsummer Scream is, allow me to introduce you to it: This weekend-long celebration of Halloween, haunts and horror in late July features vendors, make-up demos, live entertainment, haunted attraction experiences and so much more. 2018 marks the convention's third year as the best way to kick off the Halloween season.
And here are 7 reasons why I'm excited to be going:
1. California
So yeah. I've never been to California. Ever. Not once. In fact, the furthest west I've made it in the U.S. is Las Vegas, so I'm excited to change that this July! I even booked my flights so I'd have time Friday and Monday to wander around L.A. a bit and experience that fantastic traffic everyone raves about. (I mean, how much worse could it be than Houston's? Yes, I'm totally setting myself up there...)
2. Special Guests
As long as we're playing "I never...", I've also never been to any kind of fandom convention. (Well, I've attended a fan club weekend for a band several years in a row, but that's something entirely different.) I know meeting celebs from your favorite TV shows and movies is a huge part of these, and while I'm not sure I feel the need to participate - at least not on my first go-around - you might!
If you're going to Midsummer Scream, you won't want to miss photos ops with Cassandra Peterson, aka Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and Kimberly J. Brown, who played Marnie Piper in the "Halloweentown" series. Get the details here.
3. Slashback Video
One thing I've learned about the Halloween and horror community is y'all really loved video stores back in the day. If you're dying to relive those days, you'll want to be sure to check out Slashback Video at Midsummer Scream. This recreation of an 80s VHS rental shop popped up at Bearded Lady's Mystic Museum last Halloween season, and it's returning for two days only at Midsummer Scream. Enjoy traveling back in time while taking in some killer horror-inspired artwork.
4. Hall of Shadows
But Miranda, you hate haunted houses! I know, I know. But Midsummer Scream's 76,000-square foot indoor haunted attraction space is one of the highlights for many convention goers, and I have a feeling there is no escaping it. Someone is bound to drag me into one...Wicked Pumpkin Hollow doesn't sound too threatening!
See more of what you'll find in this year's Hall of Shadows.
5. "Hocus Pocus" 25th-anniversary panel
Did you know "Hocus Pocus" turns 25 this summer? I've got something special planned for that, but I'm also ridiculously excited for the anniversary panel at Midsummer Scream! Screenwriter Mick Garris and Creator/Producer David Kirschner will share stories from making the film and talk about its legacy as a Halloween tradition.
6. Vendors!
Look, I'd be lying if I didn't admit one of the reasons I'm MOST excited for Midsummer Scream is to have all my favorite creepy creators gathered in a single room for two days. Instead of window shopping online - or for blog posts - I'll have the chance to see all these goodies in person. I'm already planning the empty space in my suitcase to take all my treats home with me. See the full list of vendors here, and stay tuned for more on them on the blog before July 28!
7. Meeting my Halloween friends
Since starting Spooky Little Halloween, I have made SO many friends who love Halloween just as much as me. I've admired many of them since I started in 2015, and I'm excited to meet several in person at Midsummer Scream this year! I already feel like this weekend is going to feel like Halloween summer camp. My postcard home is going to read, "Sorry, Mom and Dad, I'm never coming home!"
Get your Midsummer Scream 2018 tickets:
You can still grab tickets for 2018. Midsummer Scream takes place Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA.
Tickets:
$85 - Golden Bat (early entry, priority access to panels, front line at select attractions and more)
$50 - Weekend general admission
$34 - Saturday admission only
$30 - Sunday admission only
$15 - Midsummer Scream After Dark, Saturday night party
Are you headed to Midsummer Scream?
Be sure to say hi if you see me - I'll have a little treat for you. I'd also love to hear what you're most looking forward to this year.
And if you've been before, share your best tips for doing the convention RIGHT with me in the comments!
P.S. Looking for a Halloween convention near you? Bookmark this blog post!
