Midsummer Scream and Paramount Scares will dedicate a weekend of programming to the 30th anniversary of Wes Craven’s 1996 film “Scream” during this year’s convention, organizers announced.
The three-day event runs Aug. 7-9 at the Long Beach Convention Center and will include vendors, more than a dozen haunted attractions in the Hall of Shadows, and panels, presentations and performances across seven stages, according to organizers.
Several cast members from the original “Scream” are scheduled to appear for autographs, photos and meet-and-greets throughout the weekend, including Matthew Lillard, who played Stu Macher; Skeet Ulrich, who played Billy Loomis; David Arquette, who played Dewey Riley; and Jamie Kennedy, who played Randy Meeks. Stunt actor Lee Waddell and Joseph Whipp, who played Sheriff Burke, are also expected to attend.
A limited number of private meet-and-greets will be offered with Roger L. Jackson, the voice of the film’s Ghostface character, including the option to record a custom voicemail or audio greeting. Photo opportunities and the Jackson meet-and-greet can be booked through Pose Photo-Ops.
As part of the anniversary programming, Paramount Scares and the horror magazine Fangoria will recreate Bradley Video, the fictional video store featured in “Scream,” on the convention floor. Fangoria staff will operate the store and offer film recommendations, along with Ghostface photo opportunities and merchandise giveaways.
Two panels are planned around the anniversary. On Aug. 8, Lillard will host a “Scream” 30th anniversary panel featuring additional guests. On Aug. 9, a panel titled “The Sound of Scream” will examine the franchise’s music and audio design. Panelists are set to include composer Marco Beltrami, Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas, Jackson, producer Marianne Maddalena and music supervisor Ed Gerrard.
Organizers also plan to sell a Midsummer Scream-exclusive edition of Fangoria magazine featuring a Ghostface cover, along with archival articles and coverage of the convention’s 2026 guest lineup.
Weekend and Gold Bat VIP passes for the event have sold out, organizers said. Single-day passes remain available at midsummerscream.com, though organizers said those tickets are also close to selling out.