Where Horror Authors Should Be in 2026-2027: Events for Networking & Promotion

Updated July 29, 2026

The horror genre is definitely 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. Horror also showed a significant presence in the Academy Award nominations for this year.

If you're a horror author, this the ideal time to ride the momentum and connect with fans where they already gather. Attending genre events can boost visibility for both you and your book. Even when events aren’t strictly book-focused, they attract highly engaged horror fans eager to discover new content. 

Below is a curated list of upcoming horror-themed festivals, fairs, conferences, and related horror events happening this year. This list will be updated regularly, so check back for new additions. Age requirements are noted where available; contact event organizers for details.

*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

🇺🇸 United States

PENNSYLVANIA

July 31-August 1: Grossfest 2026—Pittsburgh

• The goal of Grossfest is to have a two-day horror convention that has lots of independent filmmakers and their films, cool vendors, cool authors, beer, and just being a fun horror and independent nerd haven. 

TENNESSEE

July 31-August 2: CreepyCon—Knoxville

• This three-day extravaganza features 200+ vendors, live performances, celebrity guests, and chilling contests. Your ticket includes a full slate of free activities—classes, workshops, live demos, stage performances, and floor acts. Visit the website for the latest guest list. All ages welcome, but some content may be inappropriate for younger children. After parties are generally 18+.

August

ALABAMA

August 8-9: Deep South Para-Comi-Con—Enterprise

• An immersive convention uniting paranormal investigators, horror and sci-fi fans, cryptid lovers, and cosplayers for a one-of-a-kind experience. Connect with like-minded people, show off your cosplay, and step into a world where imagination meets the unexplained and curiosity takes center stage. Guests include the founders of Fox Family Paranormal, Rock-n-Roll Ghost Hunter Keith Age, and actor/producer James Stokes, among others. All ages.

ARIZONA

August 22-23: Gathering of the Ghouls—Mesa

• • A two-day horror convention where fans and creepy creators come together for an unforgettable weekend of fear, fun, and fandom. With 100+ horror vendors, interactive themed photo ops, and meet-and-greets with iconic horror celebrities, this is where the spooky season truly begins. Guests include Cooper Tomlinson, Lochlyn Munro, Doug Jones, Tyler Labine, Rhonda Shear, and more.

CALIFORNIA

August 7-9: Midsummer Scream—Long Beach

• • With over 300 vendors, the show floor offers something for every horror fan, from casual enthusiasts to die-hard devotees. Explore horror t-shirts, collectibles, haunted house props, paranormal tools, and much more—including Halloween experiences like immersive productions, escape rooms, and haunted attractions. For the 30th Anniversary of Scream, guests include Skeet Ulrich, Jamie Kennedy, Matthew Lillard, David Arquette, and more. All ages.

CONNECTICUT

August 22-23: CT HorrorFest—Stamford

• Presented by Connecticut-based horror website Horror News Network, HorrorFest is like a comic convention, but for people that love scary movies. Here, you have the opportunity to meet the real actors from the films you love and shop horror-themed vendors. Guests include. Corey Taylor, Shawnee Smith, Kane Hodder, Jonathan Breck, and more. All ages welcome, but recommended for older kids, teens, and adults.

FLORIDA

August 15-16: Sunshine City Scare—St. Petersburg

• • Get ready for non-stop entertainment from morning to late-nite at Sunshine City Scare 2026! Florida's Halloween-costume and cosplay themed Prequel, the ultimate kickoff for your Halloween prep on August 15-16 at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront. This Year's theme, FNAF! Family Friendly Fun!

August 22-23: Tanoshii Con 2026—Daytona Beach

• • An all fandom convention where fantasy, sci-fi, horror, comic books, steampunk, anime, gaming, and cosplay collide for two unforgettable days. Experience celebrity guests, award-winning authors, unique vendors, panels, and a community that celebrates every corner of fandom culture. Guests include Candice Rose, Austin Janowsky, and Philo Barnhart. 

GEORGIA

August 7-9: Monsterama—Atlanta

• • Atlanta's only classic horror and classic sci-fi convention featuring 16mm screening room, f/x workshops, guests, panels, and a Monster Prom. Special Events include the Mathesontennial and Dark Shadows 60th Anniversary. Guests include French Stewart, Richard Christian Matheson, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lloyd Kaufman, Jim Storm, and many more. 

INDIANA

August 8: Shelbyville Fandom Con—Shelbyville

• Whether you’re a wasteland wanderer, a Jedi knight, a wizard, or a horror enthusiast, the Public Square is your home for this event. Expected to draw thousands of fans from across the Midwest, this isn't just an event—it’s the inaugural celebration of every fandom, every genre, and every fan. Explore a massive outdoor marketplace packed with vendors, independent authors, and talented illustrators in Artist Alley.

MICHIGAN

August 28-30: Detroit Horror Con—Waterford Township

• • Michigan’s newest horror convention is built by vendors, for vendors. From the team behind Milwaukee Horror Con, Columbus Horror Con, and the Chicago Horror Film Festival, this fan-driven weekend features celebrity guests, vendors, cosplay, film screenings, photo ops, and horror fandom from across the Midwest.

NEW JERSEY

August 14-16: Monster-Mania Con™—Cherry Hill

• • Provides horror film fans the best opportunity to meet the biggest names in all of horror history. It offers fans the chance to get autographs, participate in Q&A sessions with the stars, shop the large dealers area, and watch films. Guests include Robert Englund, Warwick Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Geezer Butler, George Lynch, and more.

NEW YORK

August 14-15: Sci-Fi Horror Fest—Vernon

• This horror convention with sci-fi programming is not for the faint of heart! Features The Slasher Shack, where creativity blends into horror: an exclusive space for independent artists, creators, and vendors to showcase their killer work. Guests include Tom McLoughlin, C.J. Graham, Jason Brooks, and many others. All ages.

NORTH CAROLINA

August 21-23: Mad Monster Expo—Concord

• A horror, sci-fi, and fantasy-themed convention that brings the world’s top genre celebrities and vendors together with their fans to trade stories, attend informative panels, buy autographs and fun merchandise, as well as visit with old friends—and meet new like-minded monsters. Guests include Adrienne Barbeau, Erik Estrada, Rebecca Gayheart, Christopher Lambert, Ray Wise, and more. All ages.

RHODE ISLAND

August 13-16: NecronomiCon Providence 2026—Providence

• A biennial celebration of weird fiction—a genre blending horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and magical realism. Part literary and academic conference, part fan festival, and part global community reunion in Providence. Highlights include the Eldritch Ball and the Sunday morning Cthulhu Prayer Breakfast. All ages welcome, but some panels and late night events aren't suitable for children.

TENNESSEE

August 28-30: Smoky Mountain Terror—Kingsport

• Now in its fourth year, this event features celebrity guests, horror-themed panels, and vendors. Special events include a Twilight-themed after-dark party and a Hocus Pocus reunion. Guests include Danny Trejo, Steve-O, Heather Langenkamp, Jack Osbourne, Traci Lords, and more. All ages.

🌏 International

CANADA

August 27-30: Fan Expo Canada 2026—Toronto, Ontario

• Celebrate pop culture with celebrity autographs, insider panels on movies and TV, high-energy Sketch Duels, hands-on “How To” workshops, and photo ops with your favorite costumed characters. Browse a massive show floor for unique gifts and enjoy the ultimate fan shopping experience. Guests: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd will be reuniting to celebrate 25 years of The Lord of the Rings with an on-stage panel. Other guests include Mel Gibson, Alan Ritchson, Corey Feldman, and Josh Holloway. All ages, but children 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

September

🇺🇸 United States

CALIFORNIA

September 27: Sinister Book Fair—Sacramento

• Not merely a marketplace of books, but also a gathering of the beautifully haunted. Here, award-winning novelists, rising voices of horror, occult scholars, comic creators, poets of the macabre, artists, publishers, and storytellers assemble. Special guests for this year are TBA. All ages.

COLORADO

September 18-20: Colorado Festival of Horror: Clowns vs. Witches—Denver

• Join fans from near and far for a weekend of blood-splattered panels, twisted workshops, frightening film festival, haunted vendors, celebrity Q&As, and interactive scares, plus after-hours costume contest, trivia, tattoo competition, karaoke, midnight ghost stories, and more. Guests include Barbara Crampton, David Howard Thornton, and Samantha Scaffidi.

FLORIDA

September 19: Florida HorrorFest 2026—Fort Myers

• A horror mecca convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As a long-time collector of horror and pop culture items, the promoter brings Florida an event that will satisfy any fandom. In addition, a roster of horror industry professionals and fandom-related celebrities are guaranteed in attendance for fans to meet and greet. All ages.

ILLINOIS

September 19: Horror Fiesta 2026—East Peoria

• Features horror-themed treasures, gifts, and chats with authors, actors, artists, and makers. With a cosplay contests, raffles, giveaways, and jump scares! Creepy fun for all ages. Special guests include Rick Catizone, Heather Harlow, and Sammy Morningstar. 

IOWA

September 11-13: GalaxyCon Des Moines—Des Moines

• More than a Comic-Con, this three-day festival of fandom features celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, panelists, and more. Join fans from across the galaxy and celebrate comic books, pop culture, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, and cosplay. Guests include Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, James Marsters, Helen Hunt, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Lou Ferrigno. All ages.

MISSOURI

September 25-27: Extremicon 2026—St. Robert

• Extremicon is a combination of a Comicon, Tabletop Gaming, and Horrorcon, with authors, artists, celebrity guests, cosplay, a cosplay contest, panels, demonstrations, giveaways, tutorials, and vendors. Guests include Dick Terhune, Candice Rose, and the cast and creators of Arcadia: Origins of the Arkosios.

NEVADA

September 4-6: Days of the Dead Las Vegas—Las Vegas

• 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 Billy Zane, Dee Wallace, Ray Park, Shannon Purser, Bill Moseley, and many more. 

September 30-October 4: HallowScreamCon—Las Vegas

• A brand-new four-day Global Entertainment Mega-Con and Festival, built more like a theme park and immersive experience. This isn't just another convention…it’s a cultural moment waiting to happen. Combining all elements of the entertainment industry with the spectacle and magic of Halloween in the city that never sleeps. Not recommended for children under 13.

NORTH CAROLINA

September 26: Triangle Terror Con—Durham

• A locally owned and operated horror convention, built by fans-for fans,  dedicated to creating a darkly immersive experience that celebrates horror, cult classics, and the creatives who bring nightmares to life. By blending blood-soaked entertainment with hometown pride, they aim to grow horror culture locally while welcoming new faces. All ages.

OHIO

September 11-13: HorrorHound Weekend: Cincinnati—Cincinnati

• • HorrorHound launched and quickly grew to become one of the bestselling and most respected magazines covering the horror genre. In 2007, HorrorHound Weekend, an annual convention was first held. In the subsequent years, HorrorHound has launched a number of other endevers all focused on the fan focused love of the horror genre. Children 12 and under get in free.

SOUTH CAROLINA

September 19-20: SC Horror Con—Columbia

• Columbia's family friendly, 2-day horror convention, featuring celebrity guests, vendors, kid's con, panels, a live haunt experience, and more. Special guests include Bam Margera, Holly Marie Combs, Eddie Deezen, Brian Krause, and many more.

September 24-26: The FanX® Salt Lake Comic Convention—Salt Lake City

• A Dan Farr Productions’ annual event, this is the most-attended convention in the state of Utah and the largest comic convention in North America per capita. Guests include Rainn Wilson, Helen Hunt, Alan Tudyk, Giancarlo Esposito, Angela Kinsey, Amy Smart and Keith David. All ages.
  

September 25-26: HauntFest: A September to Dismember—Simpsonville

• Rather than the Mini Event, this will be a full-fledged weekend festival with vendors, live music, themed entertainment, and much more. Children are welcome, but content could be triggering for young children, such as gore, intense shows, and explicit vendor booths. 

TEXAS

September 25-27: KadabraCon—Austin

• A universe where fandoms collide, and every guest becomes part of the magic. Inspired by immersive worlds of animation, gaming, horror, and more, enjoy an experience that transcends the ordinary. Bringing together pop-culture and fantasy under one roof. Uniting fans from all walks of life in a space where they can explore, engage, and inspire. Open to all ages, but features specific age restrictions for late-night or mature content.  

VIRGINIA

September 11-13: Tidewater Horror Convention—Norfolk

• A spine-chilling weekend filled with celebrity guests, haunted vendors, artists, cosplay, panels, and nonstop scares. From classic slashers to modern terror, Tidewater Horror Convention is the ultimate destination for horror fans of all ages. Come celebrate the screams, the scenes, and the legends that made horror iconic. Guests include Michael Berryman, Camille Keaton, and Nancy Loomis. All ages.

🌏 International

CANADA

September 25-26: Creature Kon 2026—Sudbury, Ontario

• A horror, sci-fi and fantasy weekend packed with celebrity meet-and-greets, unique vendors, interactive exhibitors, movie screenings, and so much more…all under one roof! Guests include Linnea Quigley, Miko Hughes, Zack Ward, Lynn Lowry, and more. 

October

🇺🇸 United States

ARIZONA

October 2-4: Artists Assemble Horror Fest—Mesa

• Get ready for an exciting lineup featuring celebrities, artists, vendors, costume contests, trick or treating, and much more at this premier horror convention. Special guests include Bill Duke, Richard Chaves, Michael Biehn, Dominique Swain, Mark Rolston, and many more. Open to all ages.

October 10: Flagstaff Creepy Con—Flagstaff

• Northern Arizona’s gathering place for fans of Horror, the paranormal, cosplay and True Crime storytelling. Created by the team behind Creepy Coffees, the event brings together creators, investigators, storytellers, and fans who share a fascination with the darker side of culture — from haunted history and paranormal research to horror films, folklore, cosplay, and investigative true crime. The goal is to create a unique community event where creativity, curiosity, and storytelling come together. Celebrity guests include Gary Morgan, Katy Cable, Steve (Uncle Creepy) Barton, and many more.

CALIFORNIA

October 17: Scream Diego—San Diego

• A multi-faceted, action-packed, horror-inspired event that features Tabletop Games, cosplay, panels, entertainment, and so much more! Scream Diego is San Diego's official Halloween and Horror Convention. Special guests include Vincent M. Ward, with more to be announced. 

October 31: The Monster's Ball: LA's Premiere Halloween Costume Party—Los Angeles

• The sexiest Halloween event in the city. Join us for a night of spooky fun, killer beats, and unforgettable memories. Dress to impress in your most creative costume and dance the night away with fellow party monsters. Don't miss out on the Halloween event of the year!

FLORIDA

October 2-4: Scaradise—Tampa

• This convention is the ultimate destination for horror fans, fright seekers, and pop culture enthusiasts. Celebrity guests include Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jon Bernthal, Elisabeth Shue, Jack Quaid, Sophia Lillis, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Megan Lawless, and many more. All ages.

October 3-4: The PropCon—Daytona Beach

• The ultimate celebration of props, creativity, and fandom! From haunt and horror effects to anime, cosplay, oddities, stage, and film, PropCon brings together artists, vendors, creators and fans of all things props: haunt effects, cosplay, anime, film, collectibles, oddities, and beyond. All ages.

October 10: HallowRamaCon—East Palatka

• An all-day horror/Halloween event with celebrity meet & greet, horror merch vendors, and photo ops. Includes an outdoor Halloween market with Creepy Crafters and children's activities. Guests include Warrington Gillete, Rick Styczynski, Sonya Thompson, and Luke Aglietta. All ages. 

October 30-November 1: Spooky Empire Film Festival—Orlando

• An extension of the Spooky Empire convention. Hosted by And You Films since 2022, this festival is a home away from home for horror filmmakers and fans alike, united by a shared passion for the things that go bump in the night. A full weekend of horror delights, including dozens of film screenings, industry panels, a massive vendor floor, celebrity guests, a tattoo festival, and more. All ages. 

GEORGIA

October 16-18: Multiverse 2026—Peachtree City

• A three-day geek culture convention featuring tons of fun activities for fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror, gaming, or whatever else you "geek out" about, in a well-organized and intentionally inclusive space. 150+ fascinating panels on all kinds of topics, plus shopping, a stunning art show, board and video gaming, parties, craft workshops, and the most welcoming community you'll find in fandom. Guests include authors Jesse J. Holland and Marta Wells. All ages. 

ILLINOIS

October 3: Central Illinois Horror Con—Peoria

• This convention was started with a simple goal in mind: to create a platform that makes it easy for people to connect horror fans and artisans who share their interests and passions. Sponsored by the haunted house attraction Spook Hollow, the YouTube host Slash Sisters, Funko Mafia of Central Illinois, and Blue Orchid Event Planning.

KENTUCKY

October 23-25: ScareFest—Lexington

• ScareFest is one of the largest conventions of its kind in the country, bridging horror, paranormal, and fandom culture - backed by a community of 80,000+ followers across social media. Every year they welcome celebrities from the big and small screen, paranormal personalities, artists, vendors, and performers. Featured guests this year include Eli Roth, Sam Raimi, Harold Perrineau, Lin Shaye, Lou Taylor Pucci, Bill Moseley, and many more - including haunted automobiles such as Christine, the Jeepers Creepers truck, and Delta 88.

MARYLAND

October 24-25: Frightreads Book Festival—West Friendship

• Enjoy the sixth year of Frightreads, a Halloween-themed event with authors, artists, and crafts. Featuring more authors than you'll be able to read, artists with fantastical art, and musical performances by HipHopMcDougal and Beach Creeper. All ages. 

October 30-November 1: Monster-Mania Con™—Baltimore

• This event brings the biggest and best names in horror to the gorgeous Hilton Inner Harbor Hotel with the largest amount of space ever used for any of their Maryland events. Features film and television stars, wall-to-wall vendors, films, and much more. Celebrity guests include Cassandra Peterson, Nick Castle, Scott Jackson, and Buz Hasson.

MASSACHUSETTS

October 10-11: North Shore Horror + Anime Fest—Danvers

• This two-day convention brings together fans of horror, anime, and pop culture for a weekend packed with celebrity guests, cosplay, vendors, and interactive experiences. Shop a wide variety of collectibles including anime merch, horror memorabilia, trading cards, comics, and more. Enjoy live panels, photo ops, and appearances from voice actors, artists, and creators. Guests TBA.

MINNESOTA

October 2-4: Crypticon 2026—Minneapolis

• Experience the best in pop culture where film, television, anime, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and family fun converge. Enjoy a standout selection of indie films at the Crypticon Indie Film Fest & Cryptic Awards. Meet celebrity guests, and browse vendors and artists offering toys, comics, movies, posters, collectibles, art, apparel, and more. Guests include Jeremy Davies, Henry Thomas, Barbara Crampton, and many more. All ages.

NEW JERSEY

October 24-25: Vampires of New Jersey Con 4—Whippany

• Creation’s Vampire Fan Weekend returns to New Jersey for a vamped-up The Vampire Diaries party you won’t forget! Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley and more guests will be on hand for non-stop programming, events, live entertainment and more. Some adult content; parents should decide if the content is appropriate for their children.

NEVADA

October 10-11: Nightmare in Vegas—Las Vegas

• Returning  for its second year, bringing Vegas' first outdoor horror convention & classic car show back to life. Experience eerie photo ops, immersive cosplay actors, celebrity guests, classic cars, a spooky pinup pageant, paranormal panels, celebrity panels, and much more. Featured guests TBA. All ages. 

NEW YORK

October 9-11: Buffalo Horror Garage Sale—Amherst

• Now three days, and featuring 100 vendors, horror celebs, panels, and activities. Something for everyone.  Guests include William Ragsdale, Tom Savini, Mark Soper, John Russo, Chainsaw Girls, and more.

NORTH CAROLINA

October 10-11: Nightmare Weekend—Raleigh

• Experience the unforgettable as horror legends join together under one roof. Expect epic panels, jaw-dropping cosplay, and edge-of-your-seat unforgettable moments with your favorite celebs, voice actors, creators, and fellow fans. Guests include Eli Roth, Jane Levy, and Rider Strong. All ages.

NORTH DAKOTA

October 9-10: Midwest MonsterCon—Minot

• Created to bring the ultimate horror experience to Minot, with a mission is to unite fans of all things spooky and macabre for a day of eerie excitement, engaging panels, unique vendors, and unforgettable memories. Featured guests include P.I.N.D. (Paranormal Investigators of North Dakota), Paul Taylor, Hannah Fierman, Drew Fortier, Tara Hiatt, and Anna Scott (ND State Director and Co-Director of Northland Mufon). All ages. 

PENNSYLVANIA

October 16-18: Living Dead Weekend: Re-Animated—Pittsburgh

• An annual zombie fan convention held at the world famous Monroeville Mall, which was the primary filming location for George A. Romero's 1978 cult classic Dawn of the Dead. Features celebrity guest panels, photo ops, film screenings, and movie location tours. Celebrity guests include Barbara Crampton, Bruce Abbott, Jeffrey Combs, Linnea Quigley, Allan Trautman, Tom Savini, and many more.

October 16-18: Autumn Monster Bash Conference—Cranberry Township

• A horror convention with film festival programming with more than 100 vendor tables of collectibles, monster magazines, original movie posters, Blu-Rays, DVDs, VHS, model kits, action figures, comic books, vintage toys, and more. Guests of honor include Michael Glenn Nix, Lynne Lugosi-Sparks, Victoria Price, Renee Browning, and Daniel Roebuck. 

SOUTH CAROLINA

October 18: Charleston Horror-Fest—North Charleston

• A Horror mecca convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As a long-time collector of horror and pop culture items, the promoter brings South Carolina an event that will satisfy any fandom. A roster of horror industry professionals and fandom-related celebrities are guaranteed in attendance for fans to meet and greet, including Dr. Chud, Warrington Gillette, and James Stokes among others. 

October 31-November 1: VillainSCon—Beaufort

• A two-day event bringing together fans of comic books, movies, TV shows, video games, and pop culture. Whether you're into cosplay, meeting celebrity guests, attending fun panels, or discovering exclusive merchandise, VillainSCon has something for everyone. Featured guests TBA.

TENNESSEE

October 10: Appalachian HorrorFest 2026—Knoxville

• Features a curated mix of Halloween- and horror-themed entertainment showcasing the power of storytelling. Expect master storytellers sharing chilling folklore and supernatural tales from local legends and global myths, plus live music to set the mood. The Vendors Village will highlight handcrafted goods, themed merchandise, and seasonal curiosities. Attendees under 16 must be directly supervised by a parent or guardian.

October 30-November 1: HallowCon—Cleveland

• A multifandom/literary convention that's not only a convention event, but also an experience. Features games that brings out the kid in everyone participating and watching. Not just horror but also fantasy themed, so bring your favorite cosplay costume for a fun event and experience. Guests include author Stephanie Osborn and musician and actress Samantha Newark. 

TEXAS

October 24-25: Villain Invasion Halloween Festival—Corpus Christi

• A Halloween themed convention surrounded by villains and the amazing actors who bring them to life. Support many local artists and vendors, an amazing showcase of what Texas's best has to offer. Guests include Tyler Mane, Phil Parsons, and Mark McCracken. All ages. 

🌏 International

CANADA

October 23-25: Frightmare in the Falls—Niagara Falls, Ontario

• For those drawn to the supernatural, the macabre, and the terrifying, welcome to Frightmare In The Falls (FITF), where horror enthusiasts come together to celebrate their love for all things frightful. Features a range of activities over 100,000 square feet, including celebrity guest appearances (Barbara Crampton, Chandler Riggs, Mark Pellegrino, Stephen Geoffreys, and more), panel discussions, film screenings, cosplay contests, and exhibitors.

November

🇺🇸 United States

ARIZONA

November 13-15: TusCon—Tucson

• 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.

CALIFORNIA

November 8: SAM: Storytelling Across Media®—San Diego

• 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.

ILLINOIS

November 20-22: Days of the Dead Chicago—Chicago

• 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.

NEW JERSEY

November 20-22: Philcon® 2026—Cherry Hill

• 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.

NEW YORK

November 14-15: Hudson Valley Horror Fest—Fishkill

• 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. 

December

LOUISIANA

December 5-6: Cajun Con 2026—Gonzales

• 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

• 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. 

February

🇺🇸 United States

PENNSYLVANIA

February 26-27: Horror Realm—Pittsburgh

• 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. 

March

🇺🇸 United States

MISSISSIPPI

March 19-21: MidSouthCon 42—Olive Branch

• 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.

OHIO

March 6-7: Black Swamp Horror & Oddities—Maumee

• 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.

April

🇺🇸 United States

VIRGINIA

April 10-11: Screamiverse Expo—Roanoke

• 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.

May

🇺🇸 United States

WISCONSIN

May 14-16: Milwaukee Horror Con—Milwaukee

• 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.

June

🇺🇸 United States

PENNSYLVANIA

June 10-13: StokerCon 2027—Pittsburgh

• Celebrate 40 years of the Horror Writers Association with All the panels, workshops, presentations, and Final Frame you've come to love.

🌏 International

February

CANADA

February 5-7: Creep IE Con—Ontario

• 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. 

ENGLAND

February 13: Terato Con 2027—Bath

• 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.

April

April 30-May 2: National Australian Horror Convention—Abbotsford, Victoria

• 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.

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.