Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, has concluded its most successful year to date, welcoming more than 50,000 fans to the Long Beach Convention Center for another sold out weekend filled with haunted attractions, celebrity guests, panels, and Halloween spectacle.
The record breaking attendance marks a landmark milestone for the event, which has grown into the premier destination for horror enthusiasts, creators, and fans worldwide.
For 2027, Midsummer Scream is heading to the Anaheim Convention Center. The event is scheduled for August 6 through 8, 2027, with the expanded venue offering greater space to accommodate the event’s growing community of fans, haunters, vendors, artists, and celebrities.
However, Midsummer Scream will not be leaving Long Beach behind entirely. Organizers also announced that their fan favorite holiday horror event, Season’s Screamings, will return December 5 through 6, 2027 at the Long Beach Convention Center. The winter event will feature the Hall of Yuletide Spirits, spooky vendors, and other surprises designed to celebrate the holidays with a healthy dose of scares.
“The amazing community of Halloween and horror fans continues to grow, and we’re excited to be able to grow with it,” said David Markland, executive director and co founder of Midsummer Scream. “It’s bittersweet to leave a venue as amazing as the Long Beach Convention Center, but we look forward to all the new opportunities awaiting us in Anaheim.”
This year’s convention delivered a packed schedule of memorable moments, beginning with the CATHEDRAL Listening Party on Friday evening. The weekend continued with a standing room only 30th Anniversary Scream panel hosted by Matthew Lillard and produced in partnership with Paramount Scares. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights also brought its closing panel, featuring Creative Director and Executive Producer John Murdy.
More than 350 vendors filled the convention floor, creating an unrivaled shopping experience featuring rare collectibles, original artwork, and costumes. The Hall of Shadows drew massive crowds across all three days, with fans packing nearly two indoor acres of attractions from Lionsgate Studios, Universal Studios Horror Unleashed, and independent creators from open to close.
The convention floor also gave haunted attraction fans an exciting preview of the upcoming Southern California scare season. Displays and photo opportunities from Knott’s Scary Farm, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, and Six Flags Magic Mountain offered attendees an early look at what awaits when the region’s Halloween attractions open their doors.
Celebrity meet and greets kept lines buzzing throughout the weekend, while a full slate of kid friendly activities kept young horror fans entertained, proving that Midsummer Scream truly offers something for everyone.
Tickets for both Midsummer Scream and Season’s Screamings will go on sale in early 2027. For up to date information, follow Midsummer Scream on Instagram and Facebook at @midsummerscream or sign up for their mailing list at midsummerscream.org.
