Spooky Season Starts Early: Inside Midsummer Scream
- Jeneffer A
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Summer has come to an end, and Halloween season is officially underway. More than 50,000 horror lovers gathered at the Long Beach Convention Center for Midsummer Scream, one of the world’s largest Halloween and horror conventions.
Midsummer Scream 2026 experienced record-breaking demand, with all passes selling out. The remarkable turnout reflects the convention’s continued support and the increasing excitement surrounding the Halloween and horror community. With attendance reaching new heights, the creators of Midsummer Scream have undoubtedly witnessed just how much the event continues to grow year after year.
With the popularity of the event growing, stepping onto the show floor felt like a Halloween themed mosh pit but in the best possible way! The crowds are present and energetic, and there’s always something happening in every direction. From fans checking out over 300 vendors, waiting for haunted attractions, and discovering new spooky goodies, the floor can get wonderfully busy. It was definitely a busy weekend, but that is part of the fun—it makes Midsummer Scream feel alive!
One of the things I always look forward to when Midsummer Scream rolls around is all the hauntingly beautiful cosplays. This year, the theme was Horror Musicals, and getting to see characters from horror musicals come to life was breathtaking—from The Phantom of the Opera to Corpse Bride to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Of course, the classics showed up too: Ghostface, Jason, and the Killer Klowns.
The Hall of Shadows returned bigger, darker, and more thrilling than ever! This year brought back the third annual Lionsgate haunted attraction, alongside the highly anticipated Midsummer Scream debut of Universal Horror Unleashed.
The Hall of Shadows gives horror fans a sneak peek at some of California’s most exciting haunted attractions, bringing the scares, and fun all under one roof. If you’re ready to experience brand new haunts and support local home haunts, check out SoCal Haunt List to discover haunted attractions happening across California this Halloween season!
Along with the Hall of Shadows, a massive part of Midsummer Scream are the panels and shows. By popular demand, Return of the Living Drag hosted by Peaches Christ returned to the grand ballroom with the new show Return of the Living Drag: The Musical. The theme of Musicals truly tied in perfectly with the art that is Drag as they are both elaborate, expressive, and truly unique. As a horror loving theater person who supports the LGBTQI+ community and queer arts, this show truly felt special.
The most anticipated panel of the event was of course, Halloween Horror Nights with creative director John Murdy. During the panel he announced three new experiences; Terror Tram starring Art the Clown, Killceanera: music by Slash, and an Obsession experience featuring Freaky Nikki. Read more on my full HHN review.
Before wrapping up the weekend in Long Beach, Co-Founders and Key Leaders David Markland, Claire Dunlap, Rick West, and Gary Baker took the stage in the Grand Ballroom. They reflected on the event and how much it has grown over the last 10 years. With the popularity of Midsummer Scream rising, the Key Leaders announced that beginning in 2027 Midsummer Scream will have a new home in the largest convention center of the West Coast; Anaheim Convention Center! The reaction of the crowd was intense as this means the event will only get better. One more major announcement for all the spooky attendee was that Midsummer Scream's sister convention is returning after leaving us ghosted since 2022; Season's Screamings! Season's Screaming will move from the Pasadena Convention Center over to the Long Beach Convention Center. Season's Screamings will take place December 4-5, 2027 and will provide Halloween lovers with a taste of spooky season during the Holiday season.
Midsummer Scream 2026 was definitely a memorable experience where thousands of spooky folks come together to celebrate the one thing we love most; Halloween and Horror. I am ecstatic to have Midsummer Scream 2027 in the Anaheim Convention Center as it gives the creators the opportunity to do brand new things with not only the show floor but with the Hall of Shadows; as well as make attending panels a smoother experience. See you next year Midsummer Scream.
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