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Halloween is the best time of year. For a whole month we horror fans get to feel like it’s Christmas morning, high school graduation, losing our virginity, committing our first kill (did I just say that out loud?). But when you want to extend the festivities beyond the usual party, tricks, pranks, movies, and the usual activities done on the 31st, you have one place to turn: Horror Attractions. These attractions can span from October to November, and can include horror-focused conventions or new-age haunted houses.
Now, don’t get al pissy if your local horror attraction isn’t on our list, but if you’re in any of the areas listed below, we suggest you check out the attraction… and get dressed up for god’s sake!
In no particular order, here are horror attractions to visit this Halloween season:
Housecore Horror Film & Music Festival
Web: housecorehorrorfilmfestival.com
Where: Austin, Texas @ Emo’s / Midway’s
When: October 23-26
Bands:
Acid Witch, Archspire, Author & Punisher, Cattle Decapitation, Corrections House, Danzig, Decapitated, Evil United, Eyehategod, Fulgora, GWAR, Ken Mode, Krigblast, Macabre, Napalm Death, Neurosis, Origin, Portal, Ringworm, Samhain, Subrosa, Superjoint, Unearth, Voivod, Warbeast, Witchburn, Wizards of Gore (aka, Rigor Mortis)
Films:
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 (1987), Creepers (aka, Phenomena) (1985), Dr. Tarr’s Torture Dungeon (1976), Frightmare (1974), Gates of Hell (aka, City of the Living Dead) (1980), Race With The Devil (1975), Shock Waves (1977), Tourist Trap (1979), What Ever Happened To Aunt Alice? (1969), The Witch Who Came From The Sea (1976)
Phil Anselmo returns with his groundbreaking event that combines horror movies with the heaviest music on the planet. Bands, celebrities, authors, acclaimed horror filmmakers and stars.
Twin Cities Horror Festival
Web: tchorrorfestival.com
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota @ Southern Theater, 1420 Waashington Avenue S.
When: October 23-November 2
Featuring: Transatlantic Love Affair, Four Humors, Dangerous Productions, The Importance of Being Fotis, Erin Sheppard Presents, Ghoulish Delights, Harcover Theater, The Poor Nobodys, Gorilla Productions
Ten days of horrifying excitement at the Southern Theater featuring theater, dance, music, and film.
Crypticon
Web: crypticonminneapolis.com
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota @ Ramada Bloomington Minneapolis Airport
When: Ooctober 24-26
Guests: Corey Feldman, Eric Roberts, Zach Galligan, Mick Garris, Dick Warlock, Jamison Newlander (The Lost Boys, The Blob), Felix Silla (Twiki in Buck Rogers, Cousin Itt in the Addams Family, Return of the Jedi) and more
Plus there are parties, films, panels, and more.
Rob Zombie’s Great American Nightmare
Web: greatamericannightmare.com
Where: Scottsdale, Arizona @ Westworld OR Villa Park, Illinois @ Odeum Expo Center
When: Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (October 23-November 1)
Attractions:
Captain Spaulding’s Clown School 3D (Scottsdale)
This irreverent school of pure terror is a hallucinogenic trip through the mind of Captain Spaulding (House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects). Startle after startle will thoroughly frighten the bravest of patrons, who won’t know if they should be laughing, screaming or crying.
The Lords of Salem (Scottsdale & Chicago)
This harrowing attraction — based on Zombie’s 2012 The Lords of Salem independent horror film — is designed to twist the mind. It will accentuate some senses while limiting others. Fear of the dark, claustrophobia, and fear of the unknown will be preyed on as the visitor attempts to traverse this 60-degree maze.
The Devil’s Rejects (Scottsdale)
The murderous, backwoods Firefly family takes to the road to escape a vengeful police force that isn’t afraid of being as ruthless as its targets. Guests wil become part of the state troopers’ search and destroy mission against the Firefly family, who are wanted for over 75 homicides and disappearances.
Haunt of 1000 Corpses (Chicago)
This terrifying attraction pays homage to the 10-year anniversary of the exploitation horror film House of 1,000 Corpses directed by Rob Zombie. This extreme, traditional haunted house will take visitors on a walking journey through a re-creation of the film’s “Museum of Monsters & Madmen” along with an expanded “Murder Ride,” confronting notorious serial killers along the way. This high-impact, highly detailed attraction will use state-of-the-art animatronics, video effects, costuming, sound, scents, and lights.
The Haunted World of El Superbeasto 3D (Chicago)
Utilizing Chromadepth glasses, this innovative attraction will take the patron right into the middle of the irreverent world of Rob Zombie’s El Superbeasto 2009 animated exploitation musical horror comedy film based on the comic book series of the same name. The attraction’s unique surprise entrance, billiant colors, sudden chills, and startling thrills, and salacious humor will make one scream with fright and laughter.
After that Rob Zombie mouthful, are you ready for what’s ahead at the Ultimate Horror Weekend?
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