The sun is blazing, the temps are blistering, and there aren't enough iced drinks in the world to keep this ghoul cool. It must be time to head back to Long Beach for another Midsummer Scream!
Midsummer Scream 2025 takes place Aug. 15 - 17 at the Long Beach Convention Center. This year marks my fifth time attending the world’s largest Halloween convention, and I couldn’t be more excited to return.
As a Halloween content creator, I’ve done more conventions than the average Halloween lover. From Texas Haunter’s and Preserve Halloween to back-to-back trips to Midwest Haunters and my first-ever Creep It Real OC last year, I’ve seen — and learned — a lot.
And there are a few reasons I keep returning to the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention…
The Vendor Floor
In all my years of going to Midsummer Scream, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the entire vendor floor. Maybe that’ll change this year.
There are SO many aisles to wander, and I was thrilled in 2022 when they added hours on Friday night, almost exclusively for shopping. It’s the perfect way to get into the convention early, scope out everyone and grab any must-haves from your favorite vendors.
It always feels a little surreal to walk by physical booths for so many places I’ve shopped online for years too — plus, I love saying hello to the vendors I’m friends with!
Special shout out to my spooky bestie @hallowwoods who will be vending at Midsummer Scream for the first time this year! I can’t wait to grab my new Halloween countdown calendar in person.
The Hall of Shadows
When I die, bury me in the Midsummer Scream Hall of Shadows. This space is full of ambiance and all the Halloween season feels you could possible want in the sweltering summer.
Each year, the Hall of Shadows has a different theme (this year’s is Le Carnaval du Diable, or The Devil’s Carnival) and at the entrance you can find some small scene set-ups to set the mood.
Wander in deeper, and you’ll find the grinning pumpkin patch —the world’s largest, courtesy of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group’s Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns even this year — and a Celtic graveyard which make for killer photos.
Also featured this year:
A Nosferatu-themed photo shoot, provided by Rawl of the Dead
Oversized props and a ‘91 Cadillac Brougham hearse from home haunt Clowns v Skeletons
Performances from the Decayed Brigade
A 360-degree photo op from Haunted Carwash
Haunts from Straite to Hale, CalHauntS, Haunt With no Name… Yet, Fear Farm, The Haunted Harvest, Eulogy Collective, Lights Out, and H&L’s Realm of Horror
My buddy Mike at All Hallows Geeks has more details for you in this post.
The Party from Beyond
We never seem to last long here because we’re all so winded from the full day, but the after party on Saturday night is a MUST if you love Halloween parties. The night includes a DJ dance party (lots of spooky tunes, of course!), games, and a $500 costume contest at 10:30 p.m.
This year’s theme: The Devil’s Masquerade!
Note: the after party IS an additional ticket if you do not purchase a Gold Bat pass. Party passes are $25 and available when you purchase your tickets online.
Hidden gem: The Screaming Room
Admittedly, I have not spent a ton of time here since my first visit in 2018, but if you are looking for a spot to get off your feet for a bit and enjoy original horror shorts…check out the Screaming Room!
Here you’ll find regular screenings of indie horror flicks. It’s the perfect way to escape the crowds and relax. Find the full schedule, which kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. and ends Sunday at 4 p.m. with an awards ceremony, on the Midsummer Scream app.
The 4th Horseman
The Spooky Things to Do in Long Beach
Midsummer Scream is great, but I love to keep the spooky feels going throughout the weekend. In the immediate area, I’ve enjoyed eating at Kalaveras and The 4th Horseman. A quick drive from the Long Beach Convention Center is also The Queen Mary — we enjoyed a ghost tour and lunch while on board.
If you don’t mind a short drive, Burnt Umber is an absolutely stunning coffee shop that is worth a visit, as is witchy bar and bistro The Cauldron.
Looking for more recs? Check out this post from Vamp Jenn’s Corner.
The friends
Far and away, the very BEST part of this weekend is spending time with all my spooky friends from across the country. I love that we find time to spend together the rest of the year too, but there’s something special about coming together for this particular weekend.
Another thing I’ve said since the start: it feels like spooky summer camp!
Let my write my parents and tell them I’m never coming home…
Why do you return to Midsummer Scream?
Share your answers in the comments! And don’t forget to grab your tickets to this year’s event. (I highly recommend the Gold Bat pass, if you can swing it. The perks are worth it!)
If you’re looking for more tips and tricks, check out these posts:
Keep an eye on By Pumpkin’s Light, too! We’ll be sharing a Midsummer Scream roundtable discussion episode on Wednesday, Aug. 10 featuring Andrew and Devin from Your Best Halloween Ever and James from That Halloween Bro!
And if you see me there, please be sure to say hello! I’ll have Ghostie Girl and podcast stickers to hand out, as always, and would love to give you some!
