Midsummer Scream Frights, Films and fun in Long Beach

The Halloween season officially gets underway this weekend as Midsummer Scream comes to the Long Beach Convention Center — the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention that this year offers a massive array of entertainment options. Single and multi-day passes are on sale now at www.MidsummerScream.org.

At the core of Midsummer Scream is the Hall of Shadows, an incredible experience that brings together local and regional creators of some of the best haunted attractions in the world, giving Midsummer Scream guests a thrillingly, chillingly immersive experience unlike any other.

This year, Midsummer Scream also goes behind the scenes of some of the most iconic names in horror with unique panels that explore the creation of Disney’s Haunted Mansion film, and the origins, future, and legacy of Lionsgate’s Saw films. Moreover, Lionsgate will present a Saw experience on the Midsummer Scream show floor — and guests will also scream along with The Boogeyman, which will offer a special Midsummer Scream experience.

Halloween fans eager for this season’s biggest haunts will learn what’s in store through special presentations and panels from Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, and Thirteenth Floor Entertainment. A curated short-film festival of terror is also available in The Screaming Room, presented by HorrorBuzz, while the Black Cat Lounge offers a feline-focused way to take a break from the action with adorable cats and kittens available for adoption.

“This sixth year for Midsummer Scream is truly the best yet, as we showcase the full range of Halloween and horror—from the big screen to local haunts to the best of horror-themed games of all sorts,” said David Markland, co-founder and executive director of Midsummer Scream. “There is going to be something to do literally every minute from the moment we open our doors at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 28.”

A full, up-to-the-minute schedule for Midsummer Scream can be found at the Midsummer Scream app, available for iOS and Android at: https://midsummerscream.org/midsummer-scream-app/.

Some highlights of the schedule are included below, including presentations taking place in the Grand Ballroom presented by the Halloween Shirt Company. But remember—it’s only a sampling of what’s in store at Midsummer Scream!

ALL THREE DAYS

• • The Boogeyman Experience — Exclusively at Midsummer Scream, fans will immerse themselves in the world of The Boogeyman as they try to avoid the terrifying supernatural entity and escape with their lives. The first 50 brave attendees to walk through the experience daily will receive a limited-edition Boogeyman poster.
  •  Saw Experience — Midsummer Scream guests can explore the horrific, unnerving and unforgettable world of Saw in a special experience open all three days of the event.
  • The Haunted Hearse — A fully immersive horror adventure for cellphones that seamlessly combines craft, fiber arts, analog/virtual technologies, and live performance to deliver a spooky art experience like no other. 

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY

• •  Exorcistic: The Live Musical — A “blasphemous” rock musical parody that breaks the fourth wall and engages the audience, and features book, lyrics and music by two-time Ovation Award winner Michael Shaw Fisher. (8 p.m. – 10 p.m. on the Promenade Stage, plays all three evenings; note: 18+ only)

FRIDAY, JULY 28

Midsummer Scream Hours 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• • Urban Death — The disturbed spirts and unfathomable monstrosities of Zombie Joe’s Underground’s cult-hit tableaux of madness, mayhem and diabolical horror await in their fun ‘n’ freaky performance. Note: Ages 16+. (7:20 p.m., Room 103BC)
  • ‘Creepy’ Live Podcast — The Bloody Disgusting podcast from creator John Grilz goes live at Midsummer Scream, exploring the most famous and disturbing creepypastas and urban legends in the world. (7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Podcast Lounge)

SATURDAY, JULY 29

Midsummer Scream Hours 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• • Anaheim Halloween 100th Anniversary — See what’s in store for the centennial anniversary of the city of Anaheim’s Halloween Parade. (12 p.m., Promenade Stage)
  • Thirteenth Floor Presentation — A preview of what haunt and Halloween fans have in store from some of the 13th Floor’s haunted attractions: LA Haunted Hayride, Delusion andShaqtoberfest (12:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom)
  •  Return of the Living Drag — The frightening flock of fabulous performers led by horror icon Peaches Christ returns to slay you with a deadly dose of horror drag. (2 p.m., Grand Ballroom)
  • Hot Haunts for 2023 — Midsummer Scream’s Rick West leads his annual discussion about the upcoming Halloween season with some of the community’s most talented and passionate haunters (2:30 p.m., Promenade Stage)
  • ‘Saw X’ Presentation — An exploration of the past, future and legacy of Saw. Presented by Lionsgate. (3:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom)
  • ‘Lost Boys’ & Vamp — The Lost Boys stars Jason Patrick, Billy Wirth and Jamison Newlander join Vamp for a live recording of “Let’s Get Spooky” (4:30 p.m., Promenade Stage)
  • Knott’s Scary Farm’s 50th — Speakers include Knott’s Scary Farm historian and show writer Ted Dougherty, attraction designer Jon Cooke, and Ken Parks, corporate director of creative development, Cedar Fair. (5 p.m., Grand Ballroom)
  • Slumber Party: Midsummer Scream After Dark — An incredible after-hours party filled with games, contests, screenings, music, dancing and much more. Included with Gold Bat VIP admission; while supplies last, tickets may be purchased separately online or through the Midsummer Scream app.

SUNDAY, JULY 30

Midsummer Scream Hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• • Winchester Mystery House 100th Anniversary — One of the world’s most haunted places celebrates its 100^th anniversary. Walter Magnuson, executive director, will lead an exploration of the Winchester House’s centennial milestone. (12 p.m., Grand Ballroom)
  • Happy Haunts Materialize! Behind the Scenes of Disney’s Haunted Mansion — This special apparition from regions beyond by The Walt Disney Studios will include Jonathan Eirich, producer, and Phillip Bartell, editor, hosted by Lauren and Trevor Shand and Leone D’Antonio from The Boo Crew Podcast. (1:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom)
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest — Sharing nightmarish plans for the upcoming 30^th anniversary season of Fright Fest. Sit down and hold on tight: It’s going to be a wild ride! (2:30 p.m., Promenade Stage)
  • The Boulet Brothers and the Supermonsters of Dragula! — For the first time on stage, The Boulet Brothers, hosts and creators of Shudder and AMC’s hit drag/horror reality competition show “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” moderate a panel featuring several of the show’s winners together on stage. (3 p.m., Grand Ballroom)
  • Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights — Look behind the screams of Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights when Creative Director/Executive Producer John Murdy returns to Midsummer Scream to share the creative process of bringing your darkest nightmares to life. (4:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom)

Now in its sixth year, the annual MIDSUMMER SCREAM hosts more than 40,000 Halloween and Horror fans at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. Single-day passes range from $35 for adult admission to $140 for a three-day VIP “Gold Bat” pass. Children under 10 are free with an accompanying adult. More information on passes to MIDSUMMER SCREAM, plus full details on the show schedule and area accommodations, can be found at www.MidsummerScream.org.