Updated November 8, 2026
The horror genre has definitely been having its moment. U.S. sales have been booming since 2023, and the UK has seen even more dramatic growth. But this cultural wave is about more than just sales numbers. Google search interest for "horror books" has climbed more than 70% since 2020, while horror's box office success in the last year is drawing new audiences back to the page. Curry Barker's Obsession has earned over $500 million worldwide on a tiny budget, while viral internet phenomenon Backrooms became a massive box-office smash, grossing roughly $397–$401 million worldwide and setting records for A24. Horror also showed a significant presence in the Academy Award nominations for 2026. Fascination with the genre isn't going away any time soon.
If you're a horror author, this is an ideal time to ride the momentum and connect with fans where they already gather. Genre events offer opportunities to introduce your book, meet potential readers, and build relationships within the horror community. Don't overlook events beyond the literary scene: film festivals and horror conventions may also be a good fit for your work.
Below you'll find a curated list of horror-themed festivals, fairs, and conventions taking place over the next 6 to 12 months. We'll update this list regularly, so check back for new additions. Age requirements are included where available; contact organizers to confirm details before making plans.
*Disclaimer: Some of the dates for these events are subject to change as they approach. Please be sure to check the links to verify exact dates
November
🇺🇸 United States
ARIZONA
November 13-15: TusCon—Tucson
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The longest-running science fiction, fantasy, and horror convention in Arizona, this is a fan-driven science fiction, fantasy, and horror convention featuring author panels, readings, films, art, and community celebration of speculative storytelling. Author Guests of Honor are Rebecca Roanhorse and Galen Dara. All ages welcome, but attendees under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
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CALIFORNIA
November 8: SAM: Storytelling Across Media®—San Diego
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- Comic-Con® presents a one-day symposium for aspiring writers and artists, as well as professionals, interested in the art of storytelling. Admission is included with the purchase of a Comic-Con Museum® ticket. Seating in all symposium events is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. All ages welcome, but attendees under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
November 20-22: Creep It Real Festive—Santa Ana
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- Kick off the “horror-liday season” at this outdoor festival blending winter charm with spooky fun. Shop artwork, crafts, treats, and licensed merchandise from more than 100 vendors at the CryptsMas Marketplace, enjoy live music, and meet chilling characters, including Kreep Kringle.
GEORGIA
November 20-22: Superstar Comic Con—Savannah
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The stars shine bright at this event, powered by GalaxyCon, Nightmare Weekend, and Animate. We proudly present three days of out-of-this-world celebrities, jam-packed parties, unique vendors, exciting gaming, amazing cosplay contests, and fun for all.
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ILLINOIS
November 20-22: Days of the Dead Chicago—Chicago
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With the primary goal of bringing back the concept of the genre convention being a welcoming social gathering of like-minded friends, this weekend is chock full of special events tailored just for the fans, an active after hours scene of horror themed parties, and a massive guest list of the hottest celebrity guests, artists, and up and coming independent filmmakers. Celebrity guests include Chris Sarandon, Kane Hodder, Zoe Bell, and more.
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NEW JERSEY
November 20-22: Philcon® 2026—Cherry Hill
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Philcon features cutting-edge programming about literature, art, television, film, anime, comics, science, gaming, costuming and cosplay, music, and other topics of interest to fans of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Includes a Writer's Workshop (featuring professional authors and editors); a Young Writers Contest, and much more.
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NEW YORK
November 6-8: Horror on the Hudson—Hudson Valley
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A horror reader/horror writer retreat with author readings, signings, panels, book talks, book swaps, exclusive swag and raffles. Guests include Nat Cassidy, CJ Dotson, Ronald Malfi, Chuck Wendig, John Langan, and many more.
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November 14-15: Hudson Valley Horror Fest—Fishkill
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Get ready for a haunting celebration of horror and pop culture featuring celebrity guests, over 50 artists and vendors, cosplay, comics, collectibles, creepy art, monsters, music, delicious food, and fun for fans of all ages. Whether you're a lifelong horror fanatic or just looking for a wickedly good time, this is one event you won't want to miss. Guests include Douglas Tait, Lauren Alenia, and Daniel John Kearney. Features special complimentary booth space for all Horror writers. Spaces are limited.
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PENNSYLVANIA
November 21: Horror Fan Flea Market—Pittsburgh
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An annual shopping event organized by Horror Realm that features local small businesses, crafters, and vendors selling horror-themed movies, books, artwork, figures, and gently used genre items. This is strictly a shopping and social market event, not a full convention—meaning there are no celebrity guest meet-and-greets or panels.
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TEXAS
November 21-22: Horror for the Holidays—Hilton Austin
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Started as a shopping market in 2014, the vendors will always be the heart of HFTH. Along the way, they've added tons of attractions to add to the weekend of horror fun. Making it more of a unique "horror experience" rather than a giant convention. This has always been focused on the local community and it's become an Austin tradition for horror fans.
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December
LOUISIANA
December 5-6: Cajun Con 2026—Gonzales
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- A media convention with anime, comics, fantasy, horror, and sci-fi programming, created by Scott Innes, a multi award-winning radio personality, and concert and events promoter. Scott is the voice behind some of the biggest cartoon characters in the world, including Scooby Doo, Shaggy, and Scrappy Doo. All ages.
2027
January
🇺🇸 United States
GEORGIA
January 22-24: Days of the Dead Atlanta—Atlanta
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- With the primary goal of bringing back the concept of the genre convention being a welcoming social gathering of like-minded friends, this weekend is chock full of special events tailored just for the fans, an active after hours scene of horror themed parties, and a massive guest list of the hottest celebrity guests, artists, and up and coming independent filmmakers. Celebrity guests include Heather Langenkamp, Kane Hodder, Zoe Bell, and special Saturday night event: An Evening with John Waters.
Pennsylvania
January 22-24: The Dark Drafts Festival—Mount Joy
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Step into a world of chilling tales and atmospheric ales at this festival held at the historic Bube’s Brewery for a spine-tingling weekend celebrating horror literature like never before. From exclusive VIP access to evening delights, this event offers something for every fan of the macabre. Meet your favorite authors, discover new reads, and enjoy a truly haunting experience.
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February
🇺🇸 United States
CALIFORNIA
February 5-7: Creep I.E. Con 2027—Ontario
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Get ready to immerse yourself in a night of captivating performances, interactive installations, and engaging conversations that will leave you inspired. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow spooky enthusiasts and explore the creative energy that defines our community. Features a star-studded celebrity lineup, themed experiences, and more than 170 vendors to shop at.
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OKLAHOMA
February 27: Tulsa Horror Con—Glenpool
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An annual regional horror convention that brings together fans for celebrity meet-and-greets, cosplay, panels, scare zones, and specialized vendors in a horror-centric marketplace.
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PENNSYLVANIA
February 26-27: Horror Realm—Pittsburgh
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A convention run by fans for fans of zombies and the horror genre, in Pittsburgh, the Zombie Capital of the World. Meet your favorite horror celebrities, browse through hundreds of vendors, attend panels and workshops, and join the fun at the tattoo and Match Game contests. Plus, you’ll get to explore the city, which has its own spooky history and attractions. Special guests include Peter Washington. All ages.
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🌏 International
CANADA
February 5-7: Creep IE Con—Ontario
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Named one of the Top 10 Horror Conventions in the United States by the "Horror & Halloween Event Group" and "Macabre Daily", Creep I.E. Con returns for 3 days of spooky shenanigans. Celebrity guests include a Nightmare on Elm Street reunion with Robert Englund and Heather Langenkamp.
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ENGLAND
February 13: Terato Con 2027—Bath
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A convention for those who love monsters and enjoy the monster romance genre. TeratoCon is an 18+ convention focusing on weird fiction, erotic and queer horror fiction and media. Terato Con and all associated projects are a Safe Space for trans people and all members of the LGBTQIA++ community.You can find a list of panels and speakers here.
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March
🇺🇸 United States
MISSISSIPPI
March 19-21: MidSouthCon 42—Olive Branch
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A Sci-Fi Convention with Anime, Comics, Costuming, Fantasy, Gaming, and Horror programming, bringing together fans, creators, artists, gamers, writers, scientists, and cosplayers for a weekend of learning, creativity, and fun. Guest of honor is Hugo Award-winning author John Scalzi.
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OHIO
March 6-7: Black Swamp Horror & Oddities—Maumee
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Two days in Maumee with vendors, cash-prize cosplay and makeup contests, terrarium workshops, tabletop games, live demos, and a celebrity guest keeping the floor busy all weekend. Built by fans, for fans. All ages.
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April
🇺🇸 United States
NORTH CAROLINA
April 24-25: Carolina Fear Fest—Raleigh
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A community-driven horror convention offering celebrity guests, unique shopping for horror fans, horror-themed special events, a horror gaming area, fan-led panel discussions, and more.
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PENNSYLVANIA
April 24-25: East Coast Haunters Convention—Oaks
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This regional show will be action-packed and stacked with exciting entertainment. This year will feature premier haunted house tours, networking events, evening parties and a top notch show floor. This fully interactive convention will give you a chance to celebrate Halloween in April.
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VIRGINIA
April 10-11: Screamiverse Expo—Roanoke
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- A horror, sci-fi, and arts convention featuring special guests, over 100 vendors, programming including panels, tattooing and piercing; Film Fest, cosplay contest, and an after party with "scaraoke". Special guests include C.J. Graham, Lew Temple, and many more TBA. All ages.
🌏 International
April 30-May 2: National Australian Horror Convention—Abbotsford, Victoria
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A celebration of the horror genre in all its many forms, focusing primarily upon literature, but also covering media, gaming, comics, and pop culture, with three days of scheduled events and activities. There will also be a major focus upon Indigenous Australian and multicultural horror. For fans, industry professionals, and traders alike.
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May
🇺🇸 United States
WISCONSIN
May 14-16: Milwaukee Horror Con—Milwaukee
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Halfway 2 Halloween Weekend! Dive into a world of fright with special guests, exclusive merchandise, creepy panels, and premiere indie horror films. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer, there's something for everyone. Meet horror legends, discover spine-chilling surprises, and connect with fellow fans in an unforgettable celebration of all things terrifying. Featured guests include Bill Moseley, with the rest TBA.
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JUNE
🇺🇸 United States
PENNSYLVANIA
June 10-13: StokerCon 2027—Pittsburgh
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Celebrate 40 years of the Horror Writers Association with All the panels, workshops, presentations, and Final Frame you've come to love.
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JULY
TENNESSEE
July 30-August 1: CreepyCon—Knoxville
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Three days of thrills, chills, and community. From celebrity meet-and-greets and spine-tingling photo ops to live performances, film screenings, and a vendor hall packed with horror treasures—CreepyCon 2027 delivers an experience unlike anything else in the Southeast. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard collector, there's something here for every type of horror lover.
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Horror-themed events aren't just for movie buffs and cosplayers, they're a powerful way for indie authors to grow their audience, build industry connections, and get books into the hands of dedicated horror fans. These conventions can open unexpected doors. Take the time to research upcoming events, book your ticket or table early, and make the most of the genre’s most dedicated audience.
