Midsummer Scream takes place August 3 and 4, 2019, at the Long Beach Convention Center.
We’re a little less than 2 weeks away from the West Coast’s best Halloween and haunt convention. If you haven’t bought your Midsummer Scream tickets yet, be sure to do so ASAP! We expect this year’s convention to be more packed than ever, not only because their main competition (Scare LA) seems to have finally gone to the convention graveyard, but also because the show floor has expanded, and there are more activities, events, and entertainment than ever. In fact, there’s so much packed into the weekend, that you might find planning your time overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to let you know what’s new for 2019 as well as list the must-see returning features.
The Hall of Shadows
We live for haunts, so of course we LOVE the mini-haunts that line the Hall of Shadows. New this year is a “Tiki Terror” theme, with a truly impressive entrance created by the volunteers at CalHaunts. In addition to the 11 mini-haunts (!!), this section will also include a tiki vendor area as well as Drunken Devil’s Freaky Tiki Bar, where you (if you’re >21, that is) can grab a refreshing tropical cocktail among zombified castaways.
Expanded Show Floor
With the vendor area more than double in size from last year, there’s sure to be a trinket or two worth buying, no matter what your budget. The show floor was huge last year, so be sure to put on your walking shoes and plan plenty of time to peruse.
Extra Entertainment
Zombie Joe returns for 2019, but this time, he’s also terrorizing children! A special presentation of “Urban Death for Kidz” will join the lineup this year. “Dr. Zomba’s Ghost Show of Terror” will also entertain, alongside a horror fashion show, spooky magic, and–for the kids–Buster Balloon.
Stalk a Podcaster
Do you like podcasts? If so, it’s your chance to see a podcast being recorded in person! Maybe this is exciting–we don’t know! A podcast studio is added this year so that you can watch theme park and horror podcasts be recorded right before your very eyes.
Panels and Presentations
It’s not a convention unless someone slightly famous gets up on stage and gives you some behind-the-scenes details about the event and their childhoods. Of course, the usual suspects are returning to Midsummer Scream for 2019: Halloween Horror Nights, Knott’s Scary Farm, Queen Mary, and Winchester Mystery House will be on hand to talk about their 2019 events. But there are a couple of new presentations that we’re excited about: On Saturday, you can check out “50 Years of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion” or find out where to go for your next bender at the presentation “Spooky and Strange Themed Bars of California.” On Sunday, you can get some details about the next generation of the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride from its new owners Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (as well as hear from its founder and Shark Tank contestant Melissa Carbone).
See You at the Convention!
If you’re still looking for tickets, Goldstar has some deals available right now for Sunday tickets or the weekend pass. Lines can get long to enter the convention center, so be sure to get their very early or arrive a bit later, after the lines have died down. If you plan to drive and park, early is essential! But ride sharing might be the better and faster way to go.
For comprehensive details of the event as well as a complete schedule, visit the Midsummer Scream website, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where we will be posting live updates, videos, and photos during the event.
