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Southern California Dominates Macabre Daily’s List of Top 10 Must-Attend Horror Conventions
A Southern California Horror Convention Hub
Macabre Daily, a respected online publication that covers the national horror industry, has just published its list of the Top 10 Must Attend Horror Conventions of 2025, and four of those conventions are right here in the Southland.
The List
The list was compiled by Samuel Santiago, a senior reporter at Macabre Daily, who looked for conventions that covered several key factors, including horror film releases, memorabilia and prop sales, celebrity attendance, and vendors selling home decorations and other items.
Top 4 Conventions in Southern California
- Midsummer Scream: This is the largest of the local horror-specific conventions, attracting more than 50,000 people to the Long Beach Convention Center during its three-day run each summer. It’s set to return August 15-17.
- Monsterpalooza: This convention takes place at the Pasadena Convention Center from May 30 to June 1 and is not just a horror-specific convention, but also has a strong horror component.
- Creep I.E.: This is the newest of the conventions, launched in 2022, and is returning to the Ontario Convention Center from January 31 to February 2. It prides itself on its celebrity guest list, cosplayers, and themed experiences.
- Comic-Con: While not a horror-specific convention, San Diego Comic-Con made the top 10 due to its international appeal and strong horror component. It returns to San Diego from June 23-27.
Why Southern California Dominates the List
Santiago notes that Southern California seems to be cornering the market when it comes to horror conventions. "Everybody thinks that L.A. is the be all and end all of the movie industry and horror, and that’s not the case," he said. "The Inland Empire’s large population means there is a built-in audience for horror, and Creep I.E. Con does a great job of providing VIP experiences for their guests and providing exclusive reunions of cast members."
Other Horror Conventions in the Area
While these four conventions made Macabre Daily’s list, they aren’t the only scary gatherings around in the area. In September, Horrorcon LA will creep back into the Los Angeles Convention Center, and there are smaller events too, such as Witches Brew Night Market in Orange County and the Spooky Swap Meet at Heritage Square in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Southern California is the go-to destination for horror fans, with four conventions making Macabre Daily’s list of the Top 10 Must Attend Horror Conventions of 2025. Whether you’re a fan of horror films, memorabilia, or just a good scare, there’s something for everyone at these conventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Macabre Daily?
Macabre Daily is a respected online publication that covers the national horror industry, from horror movies to sci-fi and horror-oriented video games. - What are the top 4 horror conventions in Southern California?
Midsummer Scream, Monsterpalooza, Creep I.E., and Comic-Con. - Why did Southern California dominate the list?
Southern California’s large population and diverse range of horror conventions make it a hub for horror fans. - Are there other horror conventions in the area?
Yes, there are smaller events and conventions throughout the year, including Horrorcon LA and the Spooky Swap Meet.
