Have you heard of Fantasm Orlando? As one of Central Florida’s newest horror conventions, Fantasm features fascinating programming, celebrity visits, expert panels from horror authors and paranormal researchers, cosplay competitions, spooky vendors, and more! We were so thrilled to be able to check out Fantasm’s most recent convention, and we can’t wait to share our experience with you. Thank you, Fantasm Orlando, for inviting us out.
Fantasm Orlando
Like most conventions, Fantasm offers a variety of entertainment choices and programming. Horror aficionados, cosplay enthusiasts, or aspiring scary movie screenwriters can choose between in-depth educational sessions, author-led book discussions, live table and trivia games, celebrity panels, or even a series of paranormal seminars. Let’s take a closer look at some of the programming options at Fantasm Orlando:
Main Events
In the main events room, you can find a variety of general entertainment including costume contests, burlesque shows, concerts, and other large scale presentations. Unlike some conventions, all of this entertainment was included in the price of the admission – no extra fees required!
Panels
My favorite part of any convention is the selection of expert panels! While the majority of Fantasm’s programming was divided into two tracks (Author or Paranormal), there were an assortment of other fascinating sessions as well! For example, a not-for-profit Star Trek fan club called Klingon Assault Group (KAG) hosted a special story time showcasing the most triumphant tales in the galaxy!
Paranormal Track
One of the most fascinating parts of the convention, Paranormal Track sessions covered a wide range of unexplainable topics. Attendees could check out real ghost-hunting equipment, learn about past life regression, or hear true tales of hauntings and encounters.
Author Track
In the Author Track, guests had the unique opportunity for deep dives and in-depth sessions with their favorite horror authors. For example, Mark Muncy, author of Eerie Florida, hosted a panel on regional monster stories while Jeff Strand, author of Freaky Briefs, shared some invaluable writing tips!
Shock Reel Film Festival
At the Shock Reel Film Festival, guests could catch an indie flick, view the premiere of an upcoming horror trailer, or sit in on one of the various filmmaking panels.
Spooky Vendor Spotlights
Like all good conventions, Fantasm Orlando featured a vibrant vendor floor with spooky art work, collectibles, author tables, and more! Here are just a few of the awesome artists and vendors we met during our visit:
Creature Cosmetic Labs
Created by a film-based makeup artist, Creature Cosmetics carries horror-inspired eye makeup, black light reactive lip gloss, and spooky makeup and accessories. Completely vegan and cruelty-free, you can browse their entire collection on their website!
And don’t forget to follow Creature Cosmetic Labs on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Sherri’s Bright Ideas
Selling custom-made, horror-themed lamps, Sherri’s Bright Ideas was one of the most unique things I saw at this convention. Taking the time to completely design each lamp detail, Sherri makes a variety of fandom-themed lamps, such as Disney, sports teams, and Minions.
Check out more of Sherri’s awesome lamps, and contact her directly on her Facebook page!
Bittersweet Brushes/Jeepers Creepers
This two-for-one vendor booth included Bittersweet Brushes and Jeepers Creepers – both offering horror and oddity-inspired accessories and home goods.
Bittersweet Brushes creates handpainted accessories including beautiful purses and wallets. Check out their website for their full collection. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates!
Jeepers Creepers Oddities and Curiosities creates unique home decor and accessories from macabre items like human teeth and dead animals (all of which passed from natural causes). These beautiful and intriguing works of art are truly one of a kind. Check out their website for their entire selection and make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Freaky Thoughts: Fantasm Orlando
As a fan of all things horror, Fantasm Orlando was an enjoyable weekend full of spooky fun. I loved the paranormal and author-led panels covering a wide range of topics from past life regression to novel-writing advice.
Fantasm Orlando included a good variety of entertainment options. Whether you’re interested in cosplay, live music, or movie-making; there were sessions to fit your interest. Keep an eye on Fantasm’s website for future event announcements!
