Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, is ramping up to take over the Long Beach Convention Center from August 15 – 17, 2025. Tickets went on sale in March, but over the last several months, news has trickled out of the convention with the most recent announcement around this year’s Hall of Shadows dark zone.
To date, there hasn’t been a centralized list of presentations and panels planned for this year’s event, beyond the official app. Therefore, I have curated all announcements from Midsummer Scream on social media or in their app in a centralized location here. Below you’ll find dates and information released so far about this year’s panels and presentations.
Friday, August 15
Re-Animator – The Midnight Mass 40th Anniversary Experience – 7 p.m. (Promenade Stage)
Join the Midnight Mass Podcast for a one-night-only celebration of the 40th anniversary of the film “Re-Animator.” Hosts Peaches Christ and Michael Varrati are digging up the goods with a pre-show party packed with ghoulish glamour and a scream-worthy tribute to horror icon Barbara Crampton—appearing live and in the flesh!
Following the pre-show will be a screening of Stuart Gordon’s 1985 cult favorite, “Re-Animator.”
The Last Podcast on the Left and David Dastmalchain Present: A Very Special Halloween Announcement – 8:00 p.m. (FrankenStage)
The Last Podcast on the Left hosts Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson will be joined by special guest David Dastmalchian to reveal details on their upcoming project release and discussing the history of the project and other list it.
Saturday, August 16
Magic Mountain Fright Fest Presentation – 12:00 p.m. (Promenade Stage)
Monstrosities of Dungeons & Dragons – 12:00 p.m. (FrankenStage)
Join renowned RPG personality and Creative Director of Hunters Entertainment, Wesley “Nox” Crowe, as he takes the audience on a tour through Dungeons & Dragons lore, where he’ll discuss some of the game’s most notorious monsters, such as Owlbears, Displacer Beasts, and the most deadly creature of them all — the Tarrasque.
Fun, informative, and oozing with scary goodness, this presentation is designed for everyone from beginners to veterans, as well as those curious about exploring the world of D&D.
Ghost Files – 12:30 p.m. (Grand Ballroom)
Join Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej as they discuss their hit paranormal investigation series, “Ghost Files.”
Get an inside look at their unique approach to ghost hunting and how they delve into the internet’s most compelling paranormal evidence in some of the world’s most haunted locations, along with a Q&A with the audience.
The Stunts Behind the Slashing – 1:15 p.m. (FrankenStage)
Learn how horror characters kill, or get killed, from some of Hollywood’s top stunt performers! From being set on fire, to elaborate fights with bladed weapons, to height-defying freefalls.
LeeAnna Vamp moderates this panel featuring Douglas Tait (who has performed as both Michael Myers AND Jason Voorhees), Tree O’Toole (who played cultist Annabelle Higgins in Annabelle), Trampas Thompson (a stunt coordinator on several Blumhouse films), and viral sensation Lorena Abeau (“dancing Wednesday” from Instagram and Tiktok, stunt double in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and “American Horror Stories”)
Haunt Spotlight 2025 – 1:30 p.m. (Promenade Stage)
Join Midsummer Scream Co-Founder and Creative Director Rick West as he takes a look at some of 2025’s most renowned haunts and discusses the upcoming season with their creators.
Panelists include Rix Boker from Fear Farm in the Hesperia foothills, Jesus “Chewie” Garcia from Eulogy Collective (formerly Santa Ana Haunt) in Anaheim, Kristy Bradvica from The Curse of the Raven in La Mirada, Joey Jiuliano from Sombras Cemetery in Santa Clarita, Diego Linares from The Buena Vista Haunt in Burbank, and Derek Young from VanOaks Cemetery in Sherman Oaks — who also creates and curates the wildly popular SoCal Haunt List.
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group Presentation – 2 p.m. (Grand Ballroom)
Join Thirteenth Floor as they reveal what’s in store this fall. Hear exciting updates from the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, Delusion, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns, and their newest event, Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House.
What Happened to Extreme Haunts? – 2:30 p.m. (FrankenStage)
In the 2010s, a controversial trend of physically & psychologically aggressive experiences emerged in the haunt world, such as “Blackout” and “The Victim Experience.” The rise of these experiences sparked equal outcry and praise from audiences, as well as a surge of attention from the industry.
Nearly a decade after the height of interest, a question remains: what happened to this subgenre, and is there a future? This presentation will explore the trend, controversy, history, present, and future to find out what exactly happened to “the next big craze” in haunts.
This panel is assembled and moderated by Russell Eaton, Co-Creative Director of Evil Twin Studios; Co-Founder/Host, “My Haunt Life”; Immersive experience consultant and speaker. Scheduled speakers include Austin Minard, an immersive experience writer, director, producer, and performer; Justin Brink, creator of Miasma; and Josh Randall, creator of BLACKOUT Haunted House.
The Strangers Chapter 2 Filmmaker Panel – 3:00 p.m. (Promenade Stage)
Lionsgate presents an exclusive panel surrounding the upcoming sequel “The Strangers ― Chapter 2,” featuring director Renny Harlin, producer Courtney Solomon (“After”), producer Mark Canton (“300”), and editor Michelle Harrison (“The Strangers ― Chapter 1”). You’ll dive deep into the horror with the filmmaking team as they discuss the behind-the-scenes process of bringing these iconic characters to the big screen ― and get a terrifying taste of what’s to come in the next thrilling chapter.
The Return of the Living Drag 3: Tales of Terror – 3:30 p.m. (Grand Ballroom)
Horror icon Peaches Christ hosts this year’s drag horror spectacular featuring ten terrifying tales of terror, each more sickening than the last. Queens, Kings, Monsters, and ghouls will seize the stage for an all-new extravaganza featuring Selena Blackwater, JenniFerocious, Cream, MR. HE, Reel Guise, Lavender, LUXE the Drag Queen, Felony Dodger, Miss Clair Voyance, Leeko Rae, and April Showers.
World Premiere Screening & Panel – Helium Vision: “Ghostwood Manor” – 4:00 p.m. (FrankenStage)
Join Midsummer Scream for the world premiere of a new documentary about the making of The Ghostwood Manor home haunt, followed by a Q&A with the haunter and filmmaker!
Helium Vision is a new documentary series from Vice Cooler that explores creative individuals and their unique spaces. This debut episode covers the history of Stephen Taylor’s Ghostwood Manor haunt, “The Curse of the Crimson Dagger” – a life-size sunken pirate ship that he built as a maze in his Pasadena driveway.
BLOODLINES: The Evolution, Psychology, and Legacy of Gore in Horror Cinema – 4:30 p.m. (Promenade Stage)
This live recording of Bloody Disgusting’s Scare You To Sleep podcast will feature a discussion spanning the latex-heavy ’80s to the slick effects of the 2000s to the raw brutality of “Terrifier,” pulling the thread on how gore isn’t just for shock, but a tool of expression, rebellion, and empathy.
Panelists will include legendary makeup artist Greg Nicotero, director, writer, and actor Nick Castle, and Sandy King Carpenter, film producer and founder of Storm King Comics. The
Knott’s Scary Farm Presentation – 5 p.m. (Grand Ballroom)
“The Jester 2” Screening and Q&A – 8:30 p.m. (Screaming Room)
During Saturday night’s “The Party from Beyond,” guests will have the opportunity to partake in a special advance screening of “Jester 2,” followed by a Q&A with its director, Colin Krawchuk.
Sunday, August 17
Castle Dark Presentation – 12:00 p.m. (FrankenStage)
Moderated by Noah Martinez of Disnoahland, members of the creative team behind Castle Park’s alter ego, Castle Dark, including Creative Director Joseph Ancheta and Creative Designer Kolten Bierman, will unveil plans for their 2025 event, which will feature a brand-new story for the 2025 season.
Four-Legged Frights: Keeping Your Pets Safe at Halloween – 12:00 p.m. (Promenade Stage)
Join actor/influencer/animal rescuer Nathan Kehn (aka Nathan The CatLady), music artist, ex-military, cat lover and rescuer Sterling “TrapKing” Davis who traded the stage for the streets, renowned domestic and exotic wildlife veterinarian and conservationist Dr. Evan Antin, and podcast host/producer Steven Ray Morris for a heartfelt, insightful discussion and audience Q&A, followed by a meet-and-greet next to the Black Cat Lounge — it’s the perfect way to celebrate National Black Cat Appreciation Day at Midsummer Scream!
Fangoria and Paramount Scares presents The Legacy of “Friday the 13th” – 12:30 p.m. (Grand Ballroom)
Dr. Rebekah McKendry moderates this discussion on the history of this slasher franchise and what has made Jason Voorhees and the “Friday the 13th” so iconic over the last 45 years. Guests include Judie Aronson (“Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter”), Douglas Tait (“Freddy vs Jason”), Billy Butler (“Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood”), Alec Gillis (“Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter”), and Tommy McLoughlin writer/director of “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.”
Inside the Toybox: Crafting the World of Poppy Playtime – 1:00 p.m. (Grand Ballroom)
Join moderator Jeff Heimbuch and the creative minds behind Poppy Playtime—writers, artists, and designers—as they pull back the curtain on making the hit horror game and invite you to explore the twisted toy factory like never before. From early concept sketches to the spine-chilling storylines, the team will share how they bring the eerie world of Playtime Co. to life. Learn how your favorite characters were developed, where their creepiest ideas come from, and maybe even a sneak peek at what’s next.
90 Years of the Bride of Frankenstein: She Lives! – 1:15 p.m. (Promenade Stage)
Presented by Universal Products & Experiences, join an all-female panel of horror creatives and experts as they discuss and celebrate the lasting impact of the Bride of Frankenstein, and explore how this silent, electrifying character became a cultural legend. Featuring filmmaker and designer Micheline Pitt, among others.
Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Presentation – 2:00 p.m. (Grand Ballroom)
Alien Encounter: The Legacy of Disney’s Scariest Attraction – 2:30 p.m. (Promenade Stage)
Join the host of the Dizney Coast to Coast podcast, Jeff DePaoli, as he speaks with talent behind what is arguably Disney’s scariest attraction ever: ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The team that produced a bloody live tribute to the show in Los Angeles will also join the panel. Scheduled to appear:
- Tony Gardner – Special Makeup Effects Designer for ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
- Rick Rothschild – Executive Director/Producer of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
- Jerry Rees – Director of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
- Adam Franklin – Director of Alien Encounter at Titmouse Warehouse
- Amit Itelman – Writer/Director of Alien Encounter at Titmouse Warehouse
Scary and Bright: Hallmark Christmas and Horror – 2:30 p.m. (FrankenStage)
Join Horror Buzz’s Norman Gidney for an exploration of the strange but true crossover between Horror and Hallmark Christmas Movies. Hear from the people who create both scary and merry movies and entertainment as we explore why two very different things are just so awesome. Are Halloween and Christmas different, or are they two sides of the same coin? Panelists include:
- Kimberly J. Brown (“Halloweentown”)
- Carolyn Hennesy – Emmy Award-winning actress, Writer, Producer
- Daniel Kountz (“Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”)
- Michael Varrati – Filmmaker, Producer
- Mize Zara – Filmmaker, Writer
The Hell House LLC Universe – 3:15 p.m. (Grand Ballroom)
Scheduled just days before the release of “Hell House LLC: Lineage” in theaters, Ivotres Littles of Horror Movies & Beyond will moderate this panel that takes a deep dive into the mysteries behind the lore, revisits old characters, discovers new ones, breaks down theories about Carmichael Clown, reveals real-life unexplained phenomena, and learns how “Hell House LLC” embraces the unknown in this forever changing horror genre.
Panelists include:
- Stephen Cognetti, Writer/Director, “Hell House LLC” Franchise
- Joe Bandelli, Producer & Clown, “Hell House LLC” Franchise
- Elizabeth Vermilyea (“Hell House: Lineage”)
- James Liddell (“Hell House LLC: Origins”)
Godzilla and The Monsters of Toho: 70 Years of Kaiju – 3:45 p.m. (FrankenStage)
Steve Ryfle, coauthor of “Godzilla: The First 70 Years — The Official History of the Japanese Productions,” dives into the history of Godzilla and the Japanese giant monsters that have followed in its sizeable footsteps, and discusses the themes, filmmaking techniques, and personalities that have sustained the genre’s worldwide popularity for seven decades and counting.
Halloween Horror Nights Presentation -5 p.m. (Grand Ballroom)
Midsumme Scream is closing out the weekend with a Halloween Horror Nights presentation representing both coasts. Get a behind-the-screams look at Halloween Horror Nights when Creative Director & Executive Producer John Murdy at Universal Studios Hollywood and Michael Aiello, Senior Director, Entertainment & Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort, return to Midsummer Scream to talk about the creative process that brings your darkest nightmares to life.
This article will be updated as new details are announced regarding this year’s panels and if anything else is added to this year’s lineup. Of course, for the most up-to-date schedule, be sure to download the Midsummer Scream app.
Midsummer Scream welcomes over 50,000 fans and features 300+ exhibitors. The show will feature many of its popular elements, including the expansive “Hall of Shadows” haunt zone, live entertainment, and more.
Passes for Midsummer Scream are now on sale at https://midsummerscream.org/
