One Weekend, Endless Scares at Midsummer Scream

Step inside the world's largest Halloween and horror convention as we uncover the scares, creativity, and unforgettable moments waiting around every corner.

LONG BEACH - Halloween arrives early in Southern California as Midsummer Scream returns to the Long Beach Convention Center from Aug. 7-9. The annual event brings together haunted attractions, immersive experiences, artists, vendors and studios that transform imagination into unforgettable dreams — or nightmares.

This will be my first visit to Midsummer Scream since its inaugural event in 2016. What began as a relatively small convention featuring vendors and scare actors has grown into the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention.

This year’s event features more than 350 vendors, roaming scare actors and the fan-favorite Hall of Shadows, where guests can experience more than a dozen haunted attractions created by some of the industry’s most talented designers and haunt teams.

After looking through the panel schedule, I’m especially excited to see what Six Flags, Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios have planned for this year’s Halloween events. I’m also looking forward to exploring the Hall of Shadows and seeing the incredible creativity that set designers, costume artists and scare actors bring to life. Their attention to detail is one of the highlights of the convention every year.

While horror is the main attraction, Midsummer Scream also offers family-friendly entertainment. Paranormal Pixie’s Pumpkin Patch gives younger guests a chance to enjoy Halloween with spooky crafts, interactive activities, book readings and live performances, making it a fun destination for the entire family.

Cosplay is another major part of the convention experience. Fans from across the country showcase impressive costumes inspired by horror, movies, television, comics and gaming. Their creativity adds another level of immersion to the event, and many cosplayers are happy to pose for photos and interact with attendees. Just remember to ask for permission before taking a photo.

Midsummer Scream officially opens at 6 p.m. Friday. While Saturday has already sold out, tickets for Friday evening and Sunday remain available.

We will be covering the convention throughout the weekend with updates, photos, videos and the biggest announcements, bringing you the best scares and Halloween news from the show floor.