(Long Beach, CA) Earlier this month, we had the chance to attend the fabulous Midsummer Scream – a weekend-long celebration of haunted attractions, Halloween, and all things spooky. The event offered expert panels, live performances, an enormous vendor floor, and (my personal favorite) the Hall of Shadows, where local haunters showcased their incredible talents with full-scale mazes, eerie displays, and more. It’s a true haven for haunted attraction fans and artists alike – a place to celebrate and elevate this one-of-a-kind art form.
@freaks_of_hhn Lionsgate Gears of Fear returns to @Midsummer Scream ! We always love checking this out in the Hall of Shadows. #midsummerscream #lionsgate #gearsoffear #devilsrejects #horror ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
As an annual, one-weekend-only convention; Midsummer Scream has concluded for the 2025 season. HOWEVER, it will return August 7-9, 2026, for even more creepy fun. While we wait for the all gory details regarding next year’s Midsummer Scream, we are so excited to share all of the amazing and captivating activities we experienced during the 2025 event. Thank you, Midsummer Scream, for inviting us out!
More About Midsummer Scream
Midsummer Scream is a yearly gathering of professional haunters, scaractors, spooky artists, and Halloween fans. It’s a place where devotees of the scary and macabre can come together to celebrate the gory, the strange, and the downright terrifying. Featuring engaging haunter presentations/panel discussions, a variety of immersive experiences, and thrilling entertainment; Midsummer Scream is a can’t miss event for any and all haunted attraction supporters.
As we previously mentioned, Midsummer Scream will not return until August 7-9, 2026. In the meantime, you can keep up with all the latest event news and announcements by following Midsummer Scream on Instagram and Facebook.
My Weekend at Midsummer Scream
There is a huge variety of spooky things to do during a weekend at Midsummer Scream – way too many for one person to conquer in a single weekend! But, of course, I had a great time trying to fit in as many creepy activities as possible. Here are a few highlights from my Midsummer Scream adventure:
Haunter – Centric Panels
Perhaps one of the most popular happenings at Midsummer Scream are the many incredible panel discussions led by famous haunted attractions such as Knott’s Scary Farm, 13th Floor Entertainment, and even Halloween Horror Nights. During these panels, attractions gave small previews of their upcoming Halloween season with fun features like announcements, deep dives into existing haunted houses, and even special visits from beloved original characters.
Hall of Shadows
Another hugely popular area of Midsummer Scream is the Hall of Shadows. This darkened space is filled with “teasers” from local haunted attractions and Halloween events, giving fans a taste of what’s to come this spooky season. This year’s Hall of Shadows featured mazes from well-known SoCal haunts like Fear Farm and Eulogy Collective, alongside impressive home haunters such as H & L’s Realm of Horror and Straite to Hale. Guests were also treated to a high-energy slider show from the Decayed Brigade, a dazzling light performance by Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns, and even a special maze from Lionsgate Entertainment called Gears of Fear 2: Stranger Danger!
Haunted Attraction Displays/Booths
@freaks_of_hhn The Fallout Photo op at the HHN booth at Midsummer Scream is to die for! #hhn #hhn34 #hhn2025 #fallout #midsummerscream @Midsummer Scream ♬ Looming – Perfect, so dystopian
Spanning an impressive amount of space, the Midsummer Scream vendor floor was packed with hundreds of unique booths and displays – including several from well-known haunted attractions. At these highly themed setups, guests could interact with iconic characters, snap photos with elaborate props and backdrops, and even get a thrilling sneak peek at the scares awaiting this Halloween season.
Terrifying Performances
Scheduled throughout the weekend, Midsummer Scream featured a wide range of terrifying performances – from iconic Hollywood staples like Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, to fan-favorite ensembles such as Stage Fright Theater, and rising talents like Antony Zioni with his Tales of the Ancient East.
Other Midsummer Scream Activities
Beyond all of that, Midsummer Scream offers even more to explore! Guests can browse hundreds of vendors, take part in haunting workshops and classes, meet their favorite cosplayers, and enjoy countless other spooky surprises throughout the weekend.
Freaky Thoughts: Midsummer Scream
As someone who has always loved Halloween, haunted houses, and everything spooky, Midsummer Scream felt absolutely magical. Being surrounded by thousands of people who share that same passion was such a special experience. It truly felt like being “called home by the mothership.” This weekend will stay with me for a long time, and I already can’t wait for next year!
Keep in Touch with Midsummer Scream
If you are anything like me, YOU MUST NOT MISS Midsummer Scream in August 2026! Be sure to follow the event on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest event updates and ticket information.
