No genre of films and literature is as much maligned as horror. Conversely, few genres have such a devoted audience, so in the end, things probably even out. And if you ever wondered about the dedication of horror fans, look no further than the ubiquitous horror conventions. Almost every major city hosts one (or two or three or more), so you likely don’t need to travel far to enjoy the morbid charm of these weekend outings.
In Pittsburgh, the nearest big city to my humble dwelling, there are two major horror conventions: Monster Bash, which focuses on classic horror, and Horror Realm, which spotlights modern masters of the macabre. I’ve attended and enjoyed both events, but truth be told, modern horror holds a little more sway over me, so Horror Realm wins out as my personal favorite horror convention.
Founded in 2007, Horror Realm holds two conventions annually, and the most recent one happened this past weekend. The major guests included Lisa Loring and Felix Silla of Addams Family fame, a cast reunion from the George Romero classic Day of the Dead, as well as actors William Forsythe and Steve Railsback.
Panels and film screenings occur all day, but even after the dealer room closes each night, that doesn’t mean a horror convention stops. The after hours for last weekend’s Horror Realm included a trivia contest, a horror cabaret, and a shadow-cast performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The Saturday night Zombie Luau even came complete with a costume contest. Naturally, the dress-up included the brain-chomping undead–a whole eclectic horde of them in fact– but an elaborate Frankenberry costume took the crown for the best in show.
But while the guests and events are always enjoyable, the offbeat vendors clinch the horror convention experience. Where else can you find Dracula magnets, crocheted Cthulhus, and Addams Family needlework?
In some ways, horror conventions are the patron saints of offbeat artists. Creative types in general don’t exactly have it easy (after all, the moniker ‘starving artists’ comes from somewhere), and those who gravitate toward all things weird can become even more marginalized. But horror conventions provide an outlet for bizarrely fun art that might earn ire at other shows. Plus, the gift options are endless. Even for the person who has everything, there’s nothing quite like a Cthulhu stocking stuffer or Nightmare Before Christmas bow.
If, like me, you can’t resist the thrall of horror conventions, check out this detailed list to find an upcoming event in your area. And for anyone who’ll be in Pittsburgh during the first weekend in March, be sure to stop by Horror Realm’s Spring Break Massacre. Nothing thaws out the winter quite like a slasher horror theme.
Happy haunting!
Artwork by ARH F/X (magnets), Danielle Davison (Cthulhu crafts), Allie Spicer’s Wicked Stitches (Addams Family needlework), and Zoonies World (assorted bows).