CT HorrorFest returns September 11-12, 2027! The event is presented by Connecticut-based horror website Horror News Network, one of the top horror news and information sites on the web.
August 22nd – 10AM-7PM
August 23rd – 11AM-4PM
Come meet horror celebrities and shop horror themed vendors at the DoubleTree by Hilton Stamford in Stamford, CT.
Here are some things to know about CT HorrorFest.
Simply put, CT HorrorFest is like a comic convention, but for people that love scary movies. At our event you have the opportunity to meet the real actors from the films you love and shop horror-themed vendors.
Buying a ticket to the show allows you entry. Once inside you will have to pay for each meet and greet you choose to do. Simply line up at the table of the celebrity you want to meet, wait on line, and then when it’s your turn, you pay the celebrity rep and then it’s your turn to meet them.
As you can probably imagine, you might not be the only person wanting to meet the celebrity. So, with that being said, lines can sometimes get long.
More answers to common questions can be found by visiting the FAQ section on this page.
Celebrity Guests
See the celebrities scheduled to appear at this years show.
Tickets
Looking to attend HorrorFest? Click the button to select your day(s).
The Venue
CT HorrorFest is at the Hilton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT.
Become a Vendor
Do you have cool horror products to sell? Click the button below to fill out a vendor application.
Sponsor the Event
Looking to get your brand in front of thousands of people? Click the button below to start the process.
Celebrity Guests
Please note that guest list can change due to guest cancellation or events beyond our control. Celebrity autograph prices vary and are at the discretion of the celebrity. CT HorrorFest does not control what celebrities may charge for autograph or photo opportunities.
Corey Taylor
Get ready to scream until your veins collapse…CT HorrorFest is absolutely psyched to announce that Corey Taylor will be joining us in Stamford, CT on August 22nd & 23rd!
The iconic frontman of Slipknot and Stone Sour is more than just a metal legend; he is a force of nature! As the frontman of the multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning band Slipknot, he defined a generation of heavy music and as the voice of Stone Sour, he explored new creative avenues and delivered unforgettable anthems.
Also a best-selling author and well-known horror fan, Corey has written several books and donated a lot of his time discussing the genre, particularly with the ‘In Search of Darkness’ series.
Don’t miss out! Meet Corey Taylor at CT HorrorFest in Stamford, CT this August!
Films: Rucker, Bad Candy, Fear Clinic, Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens
Docs/Television: In Search of Darkness series, TerrorBytes: The Evolution of Horror, Hot Ones, Nothin but a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of 80’s Hair Metal, Hellfest, Paranormal Prison, The Power Hour, The History of Metal and Horror
Books: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Heaven: (Or, How I Made Peace with the Paranormal and Stigmatized Zealots and Cynics in the Process), You're Making Me Hate You: A Cantankerous Look at the Common Misconception That Humans Have Any Common Sense Left, Seven Deadly Sins: Settling the Argument Between Born Bad and Damaged Good, America 51: A Probe Into the Realities That Are Hiding Inside the Greatest Country in the World
Please note: Cory will be signing autographs at his table (which you can line up for), but if you also want a photo with him, he's ONLY doing pro photos. You can purchase a pro photo here. Pro photos DO NOT include an autograph. If you want an autograph on the photo you will need to take it to his table.
Pricing:
Autograph $80
Autograph on instruments $250
No selfies - Doing pro photos only
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Tickets
Ticket Options for CT HorrorFest
What you need to know:
Tickets are non-refundable and are non-transferable between days. If you purchase a Saturday ticket, it can only be used on Saturday. If you purchase a Sunday ticket, it is only good for Sunday.
Unless otherwise stated on the website, all celebrities will appear both days. Be aware that a celebrity may cancel due to filming or other obligations beyond our control – there will be no refund given due to a celebrity cancellation (or for any other reason other than show cancellation). Please also keep in mind that a ticket to the show only guarantees entry into the event – not autographs, photos or celebrity meet and greets.
*Children 5 and under are free with a paying adult.
Please note - For weekend passes you will need to purchase a Saturday and Sunday ticket.
Click here to buy your tickets or you can order below.
Event Venue
DoubleTree by Hilton Stamford - 1 First Stamford Pl, Stamford, CT 06902
We have a special room rate that you can book through this link at the Hilton Stamford.
Stamford Hilton
A hotel with over 63,000 square feet of event space.
Sponsors
Sponsors of CT HorrorFest
Pro Photo Ops
CT HorrorFest partners with a professional photography company who will take professional photos with professional equipment in a room that is properly lit and has a backdrop. Attendees who purchase these photo ops will receive an 8×10 glossy copy of the photo at the show and can purchase the option for a digital copy or duplicates if you have more than one friend in the photo with you.
Please note that the photo op is a fast-moving (but professional) experience where you will be ushered into the area with the celebrity, the photo will be taken (and checked for quality) and then it’s on to the next guest while you wait for your print. There is no time for autograph signing or chit chat at photo ops. You are, however, welcome to take your new 8×10 photo and wait in the celebrities’ line to have it personalized to you.
Click here to purchase pro photos.
Click here to view the photo op schedule.
Please note, the schedule can change slightly, so please continue to monitor the times.
Event Programming
Saturday
CT HorrorFest Presents : The Kids Costume Contest (1pm)
Alright, CT HorrorFest mini-monsters! It’s the kids costume contest! 12 and under, unleash your inner ghoul! Judges seek peak spooky-cute. Expect mini-Myers, pint-sized Art the Clowns, and adorable zombies. May the creepiest kid win the candy carnage!
CT HorrorFest Presents : The Adults Costume Contest (1:45pm)
CT HorrorFest adults (13+), unleash your horror! We want to see your scariest! We expect gore, detail, and pure terror. Judges seek the most chilling creations. May the ultimate horror icon win the day! Plaques for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place!
CT HorrorFest Presents: Terror Trivia: Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of Them? (2:45pm)
Think you know your slashers from your creature features? It’s time to put your movie knowledge to the ultimate test at the CT HorrorFest Horror Trivia Challenge! Hosted by John Amenta (The Pint Pop Culture Podcast) alongside “Scary” Larry Dwyer, this fast-paced, head-to-head battle will push even the most die-hard genre fans to their limits. 40 solo entrants allowed – register on site – one grand prize winner takes home the crown!
CT HorrorFest Presents: From The Blob to Saw: Shawnee Smith Live (3:45pm)
Most people are so ungrateful to be alive… but not us! CT HorrorFest is beyond thrilled to bring you a front-row seat with true horror royalty: Shawnee Smith! Best known for her iconic, career-defining role as Amanda Young—Jigsaw’s original apprentice and the heart of the blockbuster Saw franchise—Shawnee has cemented her place in horror history. From facing the reverse bear trap to her acclaimed return in Saw X, her performance has captivated genre fans for decades. Beyond Jigsaw’s twisted games, horror fans know and love her as Meg Penny in the 1988 cult classic The Blob, Julie Lawry in Stephen King’s The Stand, and her role in The Grudge 3. This exclusive Q&A will be moderated and hosted by Sean McLaughlin.
CT HorrorFest Presents : 16mm Mayhem: Night of the Vamp-Friars Exclusive Screening (4:30pm)
CT HorrorFest is thrilled to host a special screening of Night of the Vamp-Friars, the very first wholly produced original feature film from cult film powerhouse Vinegar Syndrome! Written and directed by Connecticut’s own Kurtis M. Spieler (the filmmaker behind the legendary resurrection of New York Ninja), this movie pits a local punk rock band against an accidental horde of resurrected, bloodthirsty undead friars. Shot entirely on 16mm film, Night of the Vamp-Friars is a hilarious, gory, and loving homage to the homegrown horror classics that ruled the video store era!
CT HorrorFest Presents: The Night They Came Home: Halloween (1978) Q&A (6:15pm)
Head back to where the terror all began! CT HorrorFest is proud to host a very special panel celebrating John Carpenter’s 1978 horror masterpiece, Halloween! Join us for an incredible Q&A featuring Will Sandin (young Michael Myers), Sandy Johnson (Judith Myers), and Nancy Stephens (Marion Chambers). From the iconic opening scene to decades of surviving the Shape, hear behind-the-scenes stories, filming memories, and fan Q&A straight from the original cast! This legendary panel will be moderated and hosted by Mike Simonetta.
Sunday
CT HorrorFest Presents : The Kids Costume Contest (12pm)
Alright, CT HorrorFest mini-monsters! It’s the kids costume contest! 12 and under, unleash your inner ghoul! Judges seek peak spooky-cute. Expect mini-Myers, pint-sized Art the Clowns, and adorable zombies. May the creepiest kid win the candy carnage!
CT HorrorFest Presents : The Adults Costume Contest (12:45pm)
CT HorrorFest adults (13+), unleash your horror! We want to see your scariest! We expect gore, detail, and pure terror. Judges seek the most chilling creations. May the ultimate horror icon win the day! Plaques for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place!
CT HorrorFest Presents: Where’d You Get Those Eyes? The Jeepers Creepers Reunion (1:45PM)
He gets 23 days to eat… but you only get one weekend to catch this legendary panel! CT HorrorFest is thrilled to bring you a deep dive into the cult horror classic Jeepers Creepers! Join us for an incredible discussion featuring Jonathan Breck (The Creeper himself), Gina Philips (Trish Jenner), and special makeup FX artist Brian Penikas—the mastermind responsible for bringing the terrifying look of the Creeper to life. From iconic highway chases to the incredible prosthetics and practical effects behind the monster, this panel covers every angle of the modern horror masterpiece. This killer panel will be moderated and hosted by Mark McCurley.
CT HorrorFest Presents: Taking Manhattan – 35+ Years of Friday the 13th Part VIII (2:30PM)
Hop on the cruise ship straight to New York City (or Vancouver)! CT HorrorFest is thrilled to present a special Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan panel featuring horror icon Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees) alongside lead final girl Jensen Daggett (Rennie Wickham)! From the iconic alleyway scenes to behind-the-scenes secrets on set, come hear all about Jason’s trip to the Big Apple! This special Q&A session will be moderated and hosted by Mark McCurley.
Past Events
Have a look at some photos of past HorrorFest events.
FAQ
Answers to the most common questions that we receive.
Is CT HorrorFest scary?
Not unless you find meeting celebrities and shopping awesome vendors scary. Some people come dressed in costumes. But don’t expect a haunted house or to be chased by someone with a chainsaw.
Can I come in costume?
Of course!
My costume has a weapon, is that okay?
All costume props must be inspected at the front desk. Because of safety reasons, we cannot allow any real or sharp weapons into the venue.
What time should I arrive as an attendee and buy tickets?
Any time during show hours. Tickets will be on sale both days at the door provided they don’t sell out in advance.
The event can sell out?
Yes. The venue can only hold so many people and as such, we have allotted a certain number of tickets for Saturday and a certain number for Sunday. We will keep track and make “low ticket alert” announcements on social media if either day that is getting near sell out.
Does CT HorrorFest get crowded?
The average turnout for CT HorrorFest is generally pretty high (thank you, horror fans!) Expect lines, crowds, and lots of horror fans just like you excited to shop vendors and meet horror celebrities. CT HorrorFest has sold out in the past and we’ve had to halt ticket sales to prevent over-crowding, so we do suggest that you buy tickets in advance in case they sell out.
I purchased a Saturday ticket but have decided to come on Sunday instead, is that okay?
Pre-purchased tickets are non-transferrable. If you show up on Sunday with a “Saturday” ticket, you will need to purchase a new ticket to gain entry.
Does my ticket also cover celebrity autograph fees?
No, your ticket purchase gets you entry into the event, allows you to shop the vendors, entry into the panel discussions, and the chance to line up and purchase a celebrity autograph/photo.
I can’t find my ticket. What do I do?
To access your tickets, log in to the Eventbrite app or website using the email on your order. Then, go to Tickets. Here’s a link that can help you:
https://www.eventbrite.com/help/en-us/articles/319355/where-are-my-tickets/
How much are autographs?
Autographs are priced at the discretion of the talent. The last few years on the East Coast, autographs have ranged from $20-$200. We will do our best to publish a list of autograph/photo prices a few days before the event, provided that they get us the information ahead of time.
Can I take photos of vendors, attendees, and celebrities?
With their permission, yes.
Can I take a photo with a celebrity?
That is at the discretion of the celebrity, and most will charge additional for that photo. Like autograph prices, we will post photo prices in advance when/if we get them. That said, there are certain celebrities who will only offer professional photo ops.
What the heck is a “professional photo op”?
CT HorrorFest partners with a professional photography company who will take professional photos with professional equipment in a room that is properly lit and has a backdrop. Attendees who purchase these photo ops will receive an 8×10 glossy copy of the photo at the show and can purchase the option for a digital copy or duplicates if you have more than one friend in the photo with you. Learn more and buy a pro photo op here. You will need to click on the photo op ticket sales once there.
How many people are allowed in the “professional photo ops” (these are referring to pro photo ops and NOT table selfies)
For each ticket purchased you may have two adults and up to three children under 16. If you would like more than two adults and up to three children under 16 in a photo, you must purchase an additional photo op ticket for every two adults.
Speaking of these “professional photo ops”, do they come with an autograph?
No, the photo op is a fast-moving (but professional) experience where you will be ushered into the area with the celebrity, the photo will be taken (and checked for quality) and then it’s on to the next guest while you wait for your print. There is no time for autograph signing or chit chat at photo ops. You are, however, welcome to take your new 8×10 photo and wait in the celebrities’ line to have it personalized to you.
What if the line to meet a certain celebrity becomes too long?
If a line to meet a celebrity at their table becomes too long, we will present timed tickets to attendees and give them a specific time to come back to ensure that lines remain controllable. Or, if waiting in lines isn’t your thing, you can always pre-order a “Slash the Line Pass”!
Can you tell me about the Slash the Line Pass?
Our “Slash the Line” passes are limited to just 200 per weekend in order to keep line skip events to a minimum. Each “Slash the Line” pass allows ONE autograph recipient per skip event (three skips per pass); that recipient can get multiple items autographed that they pay for, but just for themselves. So, for instance, a person who has this line skip can’t use one skip to bring their friends with them in line to get signed items*. HOWEVER, you can use your skip to bring your friend or family up for a selfie* with the celeb (The MAXIMUM amount of people allowed to use the skip for a selfie with celeb are: two adults or two adults with up to three children).
Here are some examples of skips that are allowed:
– A couple and their two children use one line skip to get something signed and a photo of the whole family with the celeb.
– You and a friend use one line skip and you get something signed and both of you jump in together for a selfie with the celeb.
Here are some examples of skips that aren’t allowed:
– A couple and their child use one line skip to purchase three autographs made out to each family member. That would require each person to have a line skip since THREE different people are getting autographs off of one pass.
– John has a line skip pass and is attending the show with Mike. John decides to use the line skip pass to get an item autographed and Mike joins him in line with no pass. Mike cannot skip the line and get an autograph his item autographed. However, Mike CAN get in a celeb selfie with John if John purchases one.
*Reminder that celeb autograph and selfies with celebs are not included in the passes or admission ticket; they will be paid to the celeb or their handler when you arrive at the table and the fees are determined by them.
**Slash the Line Passes are for celebrity tables only – not for photo ops, panels or any other portion of the event.
What happens if the celebrity you are coming to meet cancels?
As the event promoters, we hope that no one cancels; that is truly a nightmare for us. We understand that you may have purchased a ticket to meet one specific person, but celebrity cancellations are out of our control. We do not offer refunds for this reason – the show will go on.
Can I have my machete/knife, etc. signed by a celebrity?
Sorry, for safety reasons the venue does not allow this.
What happens if the convention is canceled?
If for any reason the convention is canceled, we will refund all ticket purchases and vendor tables within 30 days.
Will you be adding more guests?
We will continue to announce guests on a rolling basis as the show draws near.
Can I interview some of the celebrities for my podcast during CTHF?
No, the celebrities are there to meet with fans and we need the lines to move at a steady pace so that they’re able to meet with everyone without interruption.
I want to record a panel and post it on YouTube or live stream a panel/event. Is that cool?
Live-streaming or posting your personal panel recordings online is not allowed. CT HorrorFest will post professional recordings of all panels and events from both days on their YouTube page following the event for any you may have missed, and you are free to repost those.
My friend is running a haunted house or has a horror-podcast or another business, can I hand out flyers at CTHF?
No. Attendees are not allowed to distribute stickers, cards, or any promotional item without prior approval from CTHF. Our vendors and sponsors pay for the ability to promote their haunts, events, businesses, etc. so it would be unfair to allow attendees to do the same for free.
I’m leaving for the day and want to give my friend my wristband so they can enter.
Anyone attempting to enter CT HorrorFest with a wristband that looks damaged or used will have that wristband removed and will need to purchase a ticket to enter.
Will there be food?
The venue will have approved food vendors on site selling food, snacks, and beverages (including beer and wine).
Is there an ATM onsite?
Yes.
Can I smoke?
There is no smoking of any materials, including vaping or e-cigarettes, allowed in the Connecticut Convention Center. You are free to go outside and smoke and re-enter the event.
Can I bring my pet?
Only service animals are allowed.
Is there a special hotel rate for vendors and attendees of CT HorrorFest?
Yes, we have a special rate that you can book through this link at the Hilton Stamford.
What about ADA Compliance?
Info coming soon.
I’m having an issue with another attendee, what do I do?
Please do not take any matters like this into your own hands. Whatever your issue is, let a staff member know and we will take care of it.
How can I volunteer for CT HorrorFest?
CT HorrorFest is staffed by the crew of horror website Horror News Network. In the chance that we do need volunteers, we would post it on our social media sites.
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