And just like that, another Midsummer Scream is in the books!
This year marked my fourth time attending the world’s largest Halloween convention, and I never get sick of it. There is always SO much to see and do.
But my favorite part? It’s always the people.
Not only did our entire 2022 crew return and add a member or two—I also got to meet one of MY favorite people in the Halloween community: Clay Roe who runs DeadAir.co. I’ve been listening to his Halloween Internet radio station since I started Spooky Little Halloween. Mike and I interviewed him on By Pumpkin’s Light earlier this summer, but it was a treat to meet in person.
Midsummer Scream 2023
Here are some of my favorite things I saw this year. You can also check out this recap over on Instagram.
Midsummer Scream Vendors
Catfight Coffee was on my list of must-see vendors I sent to my Treats Not Tricks subscribers, and I’m here to tell you…it did not disappoint. I missed out on these killer cups by waiting until Sunday to grab a coffee, but this iced caramel latte Misty got night one was incredible, and I LOVED how smooth their cold brew was too.
My ghoul Jordan at Skelly Paper Co. is always a fave booth to stop by. She just gets the Spooky Little Halloween vibe with her colors, prints, and font choices.
I was thrilled to meet Brian Remillard, the artist behind BrianBrain Studios. A few years ago, he messaged me asking if I might consider sharing a Kickstarter he was running for that green brain bucket. I loved it and backed the project immediately. When I saw he was a vendor this year I couldn’t wait to find his booth and say hello in person. And yes, I walked away with goodies you’ll see in my haul post.
My spooky purse collection is out of control, but I totally fell for that horror bag from Grim Girl! It was stunning in person, and she’s currently taking preorders for delivery in late August.
Another fave purse brand you may not know yet is The Punkin Shop. Lauren’s tote-style bags are perfect for events. They store a lot and come with crossbody straps…but I will be forever obsessed with those clutches. They’re so cute on the outside, and the inside has SO much detail.
Also, proud older sister moment but this was Lauren’s first Midsummer Scream as a vendor, and she KILLED it.
Finally, The Halloween Shirt Company! It was wild seeing SO many of their tees around the convention this year. They’re another small business that’s had huge growth, and I couldn’t be more excited. (Please bring back your Ghoul Scout design!)
Hall of Shadows
Surprisingly, I spent most of my time in the Hall of Shadows this Midsummer Scream. I loved this “Hole in the Wall” bar tucked behind a haunt.
The reason I spent so much time over here? I did EVERY. SINGLE. HAUNT. Seriously! Even though they’re short, I’m so proud of myself. This one, Scream in the Dark, was a sensory experience since the whole thing was done…in the dark.
You know what will get you like nothing else? Fishing line that feels like hair. EEK.
Not so much a haunt as a scene setter to wander, but this one still had some cool imagery to enjoy.
Fear Farm brought back its castle facade with a brand new haunt. This was the last one we did, but that inflatable squeeze tunnel was still just as unsettling as it was last year.
The graveyard ambiance scene returned this year!
I could live here.
Don’t let the friendly skeleton fool you: this haunt GOT ME. Whew. Straite to Hale worked directly with the Winchester Mystery House to build this and will have a proper haunt there this October. The Midsummer Scream haunt featured a few details from the actual house, like the spires on top of the roof.
Why was this the scariest? When my eyes caught a moving seance table in the second room and couldn’t process what was happening or how it was moving, my whole system got thrown off. (Hello, vertigo?) Then, because I was already disoriented, an air blaster in the third room caught me off guard and scared the shit out of me. After that, I was unsettled, felt out of control, and the rest of the haunt was a blur.
Yet…it was also one of the best we did? So I went back the next day, prepared, so I could take it all in properly. And it was awesome!
The other great haunt of the weekend, which I didn’t take any photos of, was The Twilight Zone. None of us expected it, but the entire thing was done in black and white with nods to several iconic scenes. Very, very cool.
Santa Ana Haunt’s mini-haunt had a fun backstory about a cult leader…who tried VERY hard to sell us on joining while in line. I loved that seance circle.
One haunt I loved but didn’t grab any great photos of was Wicker Manor, a home haunt from Colorado. We walked through their entire set-up which is usually inside their garage! It was awesome.
Sights and Sounds
Here are a few more fun photos from the weekend…
The cats are iconic.
This year’s LA Haunted Hayride set-up that welcomed you onto the show floor was amazing.
Knott’s Scary Farm is celebrating its 50th year and had a killer photo op with these gorgeous gargoyles.
Stopping by Mr. He’s booth for a photo with the mirrored 12-foot skeleton was a must too.
Don’t mind if I do!
FINALLY met Skeleton Sam from LVCRFT!
And watched him enjoy a dance party in Pixie’s Paranormal Pumpkin Patch! His theme song was playing everywhere, which made it feel like instant Halloween to me.
Loved these gutty pumpkins from AdamJessFX.
Twelve foot everything on the stage, please!
Aside from doing ALL the haunts, I’m also proud of myself for chatting with Mr. Floats. I have a fear of clowns I can’t quite explain…
We also took the cutest photo together!
There were a lot of killer Midsommar cosplays, but this dress was my favorite.
One happy ghoul.
What was your favorite thing about Midsummer Scream 2023?
Let me know in the comments!
And if you’re going, “Um…I didn’t know Halloween conventions were a thing!” then you need to check out this list to find one near you.
I suppose it isn’t too early to say…since next year would be year 5 for me, I will be back at least one more time to hit that personal milestone. See you in Long Beach!
