Survive (and Thrive) Midsummer Scream 2025: A First-Timer’s Guide
There are fun photo ops throughout the vendor floor!
First Time at Midsummer Scream? Here’s Everything You Need to Know for 2025!
It’s no secret that Midsummer Scream is my FAVORITE thing that happens each year. I thought it might be helpful to put together a little guide for those that are new to attending, or are just curious how I might recommend they use their time! Either way, this guide is for you.
Midsummer Scream is a celebration of all things Halloween, horror, and haunt — and it’s one of the most welcoming fan events out there. But with so much going on, it helps to be prepared. Here’s what I wish I knew before my first time:
1. Grab Your Ticket Early
This event sells out — especially Saturday and VIP passes. If you’re even thinking about going, secure your ticket as soon as possible. VIP isn’t mandatory, but it does get you early access to the show floor and shorter lines in the Hall of Shadows. This is honestly my greatest recommendation, if you plan to be there for the weekend anyway, just swing for the Gold Bat passes! You won’t regret it. Also if you do plan to be there for the full weekend and you live far away, consider snagging a hotel package before those sell out!
Tip: Your Gold Bat pass grants you entry into the after-hours party on Saturday, which is just a really fun Halloween dance party. It isn’t something I feel you can’t miss, because the days are long. The DJ is hit or miss, but there is always a costume contest and it’s a great chance to see cosplay builds up close, dance with your favorite ghoul, or shake ass with Bob Gurr (yes this happens).
2. What to Wear
Yes, there will be people in incredible cosplays. No, you do not need to dress up to enjoy yourself.
What you do need:
Comfy shoes (it’s a huge floor plan, there are stairs/escalators to get to the panel rooms, and you will be doing lots of walking!)
A tote, especially if you plan to shop
External charger for your phone
If you’re cosplaying: test it beforehand for walkability and heat tolerance (if you plan to be in queue before doors open…trust me, it can be unbearable in the direct sun)
Optional: portable fan or sun shade umbrella
3. Know Before You Go: Schedule & Must-Sees
The show is packed with panels, haunts, meet-and-greets, vendors, photo ops, performances, and more. You can’t do everything — and that’s okay, as long as you prioritize your must-dos!
Prioritize your “must-dos”:
Hall of Shadows: A lights-dimmed zone in the back of the convention center packed with bite-sized haunted attractions - make sure you catch the slider show as well!
Panels: Behind-the-scenes talks from horror icons, indie creators, and major studios. There are also drag shows, burlesque performances, and puppet shows!
Shopping Floor: From spooky art to haunt props to exclusive merch drops, there is literally something to shop for everyone
Makeup demos, cosplay contests, live podcast tapings, and more
Tip: Download the Midsummer Scream app and mark the things you want to do with a reminder! I think the auto reminder is set for 15 minutes, but give yourself a lot more time to queue up for panels, especially the Main Stage panels (in particular if you want to try to be there for the Halloween Horror Nights panel! It WILL fill up ahead of time)
4. The Hall of Shadows is the Main Event
In my opinion, this is what sets Midsummer Scream apart! Local haunters and professional builders set up mini walkthroughs and scare zones right on the convention floor to promote their upcoming haunt season houses or attraction. It’s dark, loud, foggy, and you never know who will be lurking in the shadows. Most years that I have attended there is a themed bar in the Hall of Shadows, but there are bar carts situated throughout the event that you can get a drink and bring with you back there if the line feels too long for a drink! This is also where the slider show will take place, and it gets fairly crowded back there during those time slots.
VIP gets priority access, but even if you’re GA, try to hit it first thing in the day or last thing before close for shorter waits. Keep in mind that the walk throughs do close down to give their talent breaks.
5. You’re Gonna Get Hungry
There are food options inside the Long Beach Convention Center, but they’re pretty limited and pricey. However there are some solid options at the cafe in the main atrium! Just note that finding seating is always A Thing.
There will be a line of food trucks outside of the entrance for you to choose from, but if you are looking for more sit down options:
Waba Grill (casual, plant-based option, a 5-min walk)
Kalaveras (Mexican, plant-based options, across the street from the Convention Center)
6. Expect Sensory Overload (In a Good Way)
The lights! The music! The fog! The people in full creature suits casually browsing enamel pins! It’s a lot — especially if you’re not used to conventions. Build in breaks for yourself, and don’t feel pressure to do everything. There is some seating around the Center where you can charge your phone and just relax. For me, I like to take a break with a cocktail and just watch the cosplays go by!
8. Be a Kind Ghoul
The community is one of the best parts of Midsummer Scream. Whether you’re meeting indie haunt creators, chatting with cosplayers, or fangirling over a panelist — be kind, be respectful, and don’t be afraid to say hi or ask folks for a photo. Everyone here loves the weird and spooky as much as you do. Keep in mind that this is a huge production and everyone has planned for what they can; it will get busy, things you wanted to buy will sell out.
Final Thoughts
My parting tip that I will give as a gift if you read this far, pick up your wrist band on Thursday ahead of the event! And if this is your first Midsummer Scream, let it be just that — your first. Until then, stay spooky — and maybe I’ll see you in the fog.
