Midsummer Scream 2023
As an avid enthusiast of all things spooky and Halloween-related, attending Midsummer Scream is always an absolute dream come true. The three-day event, which takes place in the heart of summer, manages to capture the essence of Halloween and deliver a delightfully eerie experience that leaves a lasting impression. I always tell folks it is my favorite event of the year, and 2023 upheld that. 2023 was our third year attending and second year with the VIP Gold Bat, which I would recommend if you plan on going all 3 days.
From the moment I stepped foot into the convention center, I was transported into a realm where Halloween magic was alive and well. The vibes of Midsummer Scream are untouchable, the spooky community just feels like home, and it is so special to see so many fellow weirdos lined up waiting to see what horror awaits. The variety of attractions and activities available is always impressive. From immersive haunted house exhibits that had me jumping at every corner to spine-tingling panel discussions featuring horror icons, the event catered to every shade of Halloween enthusiast. It was a true celebration of the horror genre, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that ranged from the classic to the cutting-edge. One of the highlights was the creativity that oozed from every corner. The elaborate and detailed set designs of the haunted attractions were awe-inspiring, transporting me to eerie realms that I had previously only encountered in my nightmares. The dedication of the scare actors, who brought these dark tales to life, was commendable; their performances left me both terrified and impressed.
The vendor area is always a favorite but this year it felt like an extra special treasure trove of Halloween delights. Unique and quirky merchandise, from spooky art prints to intricately crafted decor, was available for browsing and purchasing. Midsummer Scream also managed to strike a balance between entertainment and education. The panel discussions and workshops provided valuable insights into the world of horror filmmaking, haunted attractions, and special effects. The opportunity to learn from industry professionals and enthusiasts alike was both enriching and empowering.
Hall of Shadows - The Hall of Shadows is the back portion of the Long Beach Convention Center that they turn the light off and invite haunted houses and mazes from across the country to set up a taste of their upcoming attraction. A fan favorite portion is the entryway, typically done by Cal Haunts, that fits the theme of the overall event each year. This year’s theme was Dungeons and Demons and while there were no scare actors to greet you in the traditional sense, a lot of these animatronics and creatures were being ran by the team behind the scenes and were interactive in that way. I loved the craftsmanship and interaction of having huge dice to roll to kickstart the animatronics, but I do hope they will go back to having actors in the entryway next year. The attractions beyond the entryway did not disappoint and it was great to experience some new haunts, I particularly loved the Hauntbuster maze for the nostalgia. They crafted an entire mock horror-only Blockbuster storefront for the final part of their queue and I ate it up. The Decayed Brigade once again packed the house for their shows and were a lot of fun.
Food/Drinks - They absolutely upped the amount of bars this year and I am not mad about it. I also love when they put a themed bar in the Hall of Shadows and they brought that back this year, I just wish there had been themed drinks to choose from. Vegan food options are pretty minimal at the convention center but Waba Grill is across the street and they have a great option!
Vendors - With over 350 vendors to peruse you really have to do multiple laps to see it all, and boy did we. I bought so many unique pieces this year and I am just stoked I could support some of my favorite spooky vendors, old and new alike. I really appreciate that Midsummer Scream specifically curates their vendor floor to allocate spots to different types of artists and vendors, it won’t ever be just t-shirts or just prints. They make sure to offer a wide variety and give space and opportunity for a unique and creepy shopping experience.
Panels - I feel like they really upped the variety of panel/experience options this year. There were quite a few crafting stations, how-to panels, podcast recordings, and of course the Main Stage offerings. I really enjoy sitting in for the upcoming haunted attraction panels (shockingly) and never have any real trouble getting a seat with the Gold Bat priority access. However, the Universal Hollywood Horror Nights panel was such a long line, even for VIP. I largely am not a huge fan of HHN so this doesn’t hit for me like it does for other folks wanting to report on the latest news of this event. I would recommend skipping the wait in line for this unless you are an avid fan!
As I reluctantly left Midsummer Scream, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experience. It was a refreshing reminder that the spirit of Halloween isn't confined to a single day in October; it's a year-round passion that brings people together to revel in the eerie, the imaginative, and the wonderfully terrifying. In a world that can sometimes feel mundane, Midsummer Scream reminded me why my love for the supernatural, the mysterious, and the thrill of the unknown is so special to me. With its dynamic blend of entertainment, creativity, and community, it's an event that truly captures the essence of what Halloween represents. Until our next rendezvous, may the secrets of the night intrigue you.
TLDR
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TLDR 〰️
Boo’s Review:
Overall Haunted Attraction Rating: 5
Atmosphere Rating: 5
Vegan Food Rating: 1
Costume & Makeup Rating: 3
Scare Actor/Cast Rating: 4
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 4
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 2
Value for Money Rating: 5
Killer K8’s Review:
Overall Haunted Attraction Rating: 5
Atmosphere Rating: 4.5
Vegan Food Rating: 1
Costume & Makeup Rating: 3
Scare Actor/Cast Rating: 3
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 4
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 2.5
Value for Money Rating: 5
*Scores are out of a possibly perfect 5
**Costuming/Scare Actors/Set Design/Intensity Factor are for the Hall of Shadows as a whole
