Mad Monster Party Arizona 2025: Spooky Fun Awaits in Glendale This July
Are you ready for a horror convention so fun it’s scary? Mark your calendars for Mad Monster Party Arizona 2025 – a frightfully fantastic event bringing horror icons, cosplay, and after-hours spooky revelry to the Phoenix area. This year’s Mad Monster Party takes place July 11–13, 2025 at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa, transforming the upscale venue into a haunted playground of monsters and fans. Whether you’re a die-hard horror nerd or just looking for a unique summer event, this Glendale, AZ convention promises a spooktacular weekend you won’t forget.
When & Where: Haunted Hotel Horror in Glendale, AZ
Mad Monster Party Arizona 2025 runs from Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa (9495 W. Entertainment Blvd, Glendale, AZ). Each day of this horror convention has different hours (Friday 6pm–11pm; Saturday 11am–7pm; Sunday 11am–5pm) (Mad Monster Party Arizona 2025 - Mad Monster), giving you three days and nights of MADness to enjoy. The Renaissance Glendale will feel like a “haunted hotel” for the weekend – expect its halls to be filled with costumed creatures, eerie decor, and the buzz of excited horror fans.
Located in Glendale (part of the Phoenix metro area), the venue is easy to reach and surrounded by shops and restaurants at Westgate Entertainment District – so you can grab a bite between frights. You might even consider booking a room on-site to stay in the heart of the action (if you dare spend the night in a hotel full of monsters!). The atmosphere will be casual and welcoming, but with a delightfully spooky twist – perfect for first-timers and horror veterans alike.
Celebrity Guests to Give You Goosebumps 👻
One of the biggest draws of Mad Monster Party Arizona is the killer lineup of celebrity guests. Horror icons and fan-favorite stars will be on hand to sign autographs, take photos, and do Q&A panels. The Mad Monster Glendale guests this year include genre legends from classic slashers, modern horror, and even pro wrestling. Here are some of the star guests announced for 2025:
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Robert Englund – Yes, Freddy Krueger himself will be in attendance! Englund, who portrayed the razor-gloved boogeyman in the A Nightmare on Elm Street series, is making a special appearance (offering professional photo-ops only – no table selfies. One, two, Freddy’s coming for you… to Glendale!
A Nightmare on Elm Street Reunion – In addition to Robert Englund, several actresses from the Elm Street series will be on hand. Amanda Wyss (who played Tina, Freddy’s very first victim in the original Nightmare), Brooke Bundy (Elaine Parker in Nightmare 3 & 4), and Brooke Theiss (Debbie from Nightmare 4 – remember the cockroach scene?) are all scheduled to atten . Elm Street fans can meet these leading ladies of their nightmares and perhaps get some behind-the-scenes tidbits from the 80s films.
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Brad Dourif – Horror fans know him as the voice of Chucky in the Child’s Play films, among many other roles. Brad Dourif (the man behind the murderous doll) is “your friend till the end” and will be meeting fans at Mad Monster Party Arizona 202. This is a rare chance to meet the actor who brought Chucky’s cackle to life on screen.
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David Arquette – Actor and Scream alumni David Arquette (who played Deputy Dewey Riley in the Scream franchise) is coming to Mad Monster Party AZ as wel (. He’s also known for Eight Legged Freaks and even holds a bit of horror history as a former “Halloween Havoc” pro wrestling champion in real life. Meet Arquette and ask him what it was like facing Ghostface and giant spiders!
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Kane Hodder – The man behind the mask of Jason Voorhees in four Friday the 13th films (parts VII–X) and the hatchet-wielding Victor Crowley in the Hatchet series. Kane Hodder is a fan-favorite at horror cons – expect a bone-crushing handshake and great stories of playing an indestructible killer.
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Ken Kirzinger – Another actor who donned the hockey mask, Ken Kirzinger portrayed Jason in Freddy vs. Jason. He actually went toe-to-claw with Robert Englund in that film, so having both Freddy and this Jason in person is a treat. (They’re even doing a special Freddy vs. Jason dual photo-op at the event for the ultimate fan souvenir!)
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And more, including: Fiona Dourif, Danielle Harris, Saraya-Jade Bevis, Griffin Dunne, Michael Paré, Kim Director! The organizers hint that even more guest announcements may be coming . In past years, Mad Monster Party Arizona has hosted 30+ celebrity guest , so the roster is stacked. You never know who else might show up – perhaps a surprise appearance by another horror legend or a cult film favorite. Keep an eye on their social media for last-minute additions.
With such a diverse and star-studded cast of Mad Monster Party Arizona 2025 guests , there’s someone for every horror fan to get excited about. Many of these celebrities will be signing autographs and taking photos all weekend (just note that most do charge fees for autographs/selfies, and some like Englund only do pro photo-ops). All guests are scheduled for all three days unless otherwise note , but as always, appearances are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. So cross your fingers that all your favorites make it – and maybe practice your best “don’t fangirl too hard” face for when you meet them!
Killer Events & Activities All Weekend
Mad Monster Party isn’t just about meeting celebs – it’s an immersive experience with tons of activities, vendors, and entertainment for attendees. Here are some of the frightful events and attractions you can look forward to at Arizona’s horror convention of the year:
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Cosplay & Costume Contest: Break out your most creative creepy costume for the Mad Monster Party cosplay contest in Glendale, AZ. Whether you dress as a screen-accurate Michael Myers or a mash-up like “Zombie Disney Princess,” all are welcome. The con invites fans to *enter the costume contest for cash prizes , so you might even win some loot for your DIY monster outfit. Cosplayers roam the hotel all weekend, making for killer photo ops. The contest itself is a highlight, with categories for different ages or themes, and big applause for the winners. Even if you’re too shy to compete, the Saturday night costume showcase is a must-see spectacle of spooky creativity.
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Q&A Panels: Ever wanted to ask a horror icon a question? Throughout the weekend, there will be Q&A panels and discussions where the celebrity guests chat about their experiences and take fan questions. These panels are usually included with admission and provide some of the most memorable moments. Imagine hearing Brad Dourif do the Chucky laugh in person, or Robert Englund recount a behind-the-scenes prank from the Elm Street set! Panels are typically moderated and run during the day – expect topics like the legacy of Nightmare on Elm Street, the making of Scream, women in horror (with folks like Danielle Harris and Fiona Dourif), and more. Check the final schedule (usually released closer to the event) so you don’t miss your dream panel.
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After-Hours Parties & Scaraoke: When the show floor closes, the spooky fun keeps going. On Friday and Saturday night, stick around for after-hours events that let you party with other attendees. One signature event is “Scaraoke” – scary karaoke – where you can “kill” your favorite songs on the mi. Belt out “Monster Mash,” channel Ozzy Osbourne, or serenade the crowd with “Time Warp” from Rocky Horror. Costumes + karaoke = a hilariously good time (imagine Ghostface singing pop songs, or Elvira doing heavy metal!). The hotel will have bars open for liquid courage (it is a 21+ friendly event in the evenings; under 18 might have curfews on karaoke). In addition to Scaraoke, there may be a themed party or mixer – past Mad Monster events have done an 80s horror prom night, a zombie pin-up contest, and other ghoulish gatherings. These parties are generally free for attendees (most after-party events are included with your con admission , so everyone can mingle and have fun. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing with a zombie or having a drink with someone in a Freddy costume!
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Exhibitor Hall – “Merchants of the Macabre”: Bring your spending money, because the vendor room will be full of temptations. Mad Monster Party Arizona boasts a curated selection of *exhibitors from all over the country selling horror memorabilia, art, collectibles, clothing, props, and more. You can shop for rare horror DVDs, handmade jewelry, movie posters, spooky home décor, monster masks, and of course lots of Funko Pops and action figures. Meet local artists who create ghastly artwork, or snag that vintage Creature from the Black Lagoon poster you’ve been hunting. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir (or three) and support small businesses that cater to our horror and pop culture obsessions.
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Workshops and Photo Displays: Beyond the main events, keep an eye out for other cool happenings. There may be makeup FX demonstrations, horror short film screenings, or workshops on topics like cosplay crafting or indie filmmaking. Some conventions also feature galleries of fan art or a museum of monster props/costumes. While Mad Monster hasn’t released all details yet, they often have a few extra surprises to enhance the experience for fans roaming the convention floor. Even just people-watching is entertainment – you’ll see kids in adorable costumes, adults in incredibly elaborate creature get-ups, and maybe even a celeb casually walking around.
With panels, parties, contests, and more, Mad Monster Party offers an immersive horror-themed carnival atmosphere. You can be as active or as laid-back as you want: chase down every event on the schedule, or just hang out in the hotel lobby in costume and make new friends. The vibe is super friendly and inclusive – it’s like a big Halloween family reunion in the middle of summer. Don’t worry if you can’t attend all three days, either; each day has unique highlights (Friday’s kickoff and Scaraoke, Saturday’s peak hours and costume contest, Sunday’s more relaxed vibe and last-chance shopping). But if you can swing the whole weekend, you’ll get the full “Shriekend” experience!
Tips to Make the Most of the MADness
To ensure you have a killer time at Mad Monster Party Arizona 2025, here are a few quick tips and reminders:
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Tickets: Grab your tickets in advance online if possible. You can buy single-day passes or a full-weekend (Shriekend) pass. Prices are reasonable (around $35–$45 for single days, and there’s often a discounted weekend bundle) – but note that *prices go up at the door . Save some cash by securing your pass early. Also, special event tickets like photo ops can be purchased ahead on the Mad Monster website. Popular photo ops (e.g. Robert Englund’s) may sell out, so don’t procrastinate if you want those.
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Hotel & Parking: If you’re local to Phoenix, the Glendale location is an easy drive. The Renaissance Phoenix Glendale has parking and there are additional lots at Westgate. If you want the full experience, consider booking a room at the hotel – that way you have a home base to drop off merch, change costumes, or take a breather. Plus, you won’t have to worry about driving after late-night Scaraoke. The hotel might offer a special convention rate; check the Mad Monster site for a *hotel link and book early, as rooms can sell out with all these monsters in town.
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All Ages Welcome: Despite the spooky theme, this event is family-friendly. In fact, kids 12 and under get in FREE with a paid adult! If you have young horror fans or Halloween-loving kids, bring them along (daytime is best for kids – the little ones might get tired or spooked at the late parties). There will be plenty of tame fun for them, including seeing costumed characters (maybe a chance to high-five a Ghostbuster or take a pic with a friendly Frankenstein). Just use parental discretion on what events to attend; some panels might discuss R-rated film stuff, and the after-hours scene is more adult-oriented.
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Bring Cash: Many vendors and celeb tables accept cards now, but it’s always smart to have some cash on hand for quicker transactions, especially for autograph lines. Small bills are useful if a celeb charges, say, $40 for a signed 8x10 – it saves time if you have exact change. There may be ATMs on-site, but they often have fees and lines.
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Costume Comfort: If you’re cosplaying, remember Arizona in July is HOT (though the convention is indoors with blessed AC). Plan your costume accordingly – you might want lighter materials or to take breaks so you don’t melt like a witch in water. Also, cosplay is not consent: the event will have rules to ensure everyone feels safe. Always ask before taking photos of or with someone, and be respectful. The organizers have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or really inappropriate attire (so maybe save the super gory stuff for after hours). Generally, the crowd is awesome and inclusive.
Join the Monster Mash – Don’t Miss Out!
Mad Monster Party Arizona 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest horror conventions of the summer. It’s the ultimate gathering for horror buffs in Phoenix, with celebrity guests, cosplay contests, Q&A panels, and after-hours parties all under one (haunted) roof. Whether you’re excited to meet the actors who gave you nightmares, show off your costume creation, or just soak in the spooky atmosphere, this event has something for every fan of the macabre. As the organizers like to say, it’s *“Arizona’s Horror & Pop Culture event of the year” – and they aren’t kidding. The combination of stars, events, and enthusiastic community makes it a monster of a good time.
So dust off your Freddy glove, polish your vampire fangs, and get ready to party with fellow creatures of the night. 🎉 Mad Monster Party Arizona 2025 is creeping up soon – July 11–13 in Glendale – and it’s an event you’ll be howling about afterward. Grab your tickets now (before they vanish into smoke), prep your camera for celeb selfies, and prepare for a weekend of chills, thrills, and ghoulishly good fun. Don’t miss the chance to make killer summer memories at this haunted happening. As Chucky would say, “Attending will be a real scream – wanna play?” 😈👹
Get ready to join the MADness – see you at Mad Monster Party Arizona 2025!
For more info, tickets, and updates, visit the official Mad Monster Party Arizona web (Mad Monster Party Arizona 2025 | Mad Monster) and remember: the freaks come out at night… in Glendale this summer!
