HORROR FEST 2025 – Horror Convention in Arizona!

HORROR FEST 2025 – The Ultimate Spooky Horror Convention Returns to Arizona!

Calling all horror fans and pop culture enthusiasts! The countdown has begun for HORROR FEST 2025, Arizona’s ultimate horror convention that promises a frightfully good time. This 3-day event will kick off the Halloween season with a scream, bringing together celebrity guests, talented horror artists, spooky vendors, and thrilling attractions for fans of all ages​. Whether you’re a die-hard horror movie buff or just love all things creepy and fun, HORROR FEST 2025 is the place to be this October.

When and Where: Event Details 🎃

Mark your calendars for October 3–5, 2025 (Friday through Sunday) – HORROR FEST 2025 takes over the DoubleTree Hilton Tempe Conference Center in Tempe, Arizona​. The haunted happenings run Friday 4pm–9pm, Saturday 10am–7pm, and Sunday 10am–5pm​, giving you three days of spooky celebration. The new Tempe venue offers plenty of space and perks like FREE parking and discounted hotel room rates for attendees​, so out-of-town ghouls can stay close to the action. Located just minutes from Phoenix, this horror convention is easily accessible – and kids 12 and under get in FREE, making it a family-friendly fright fest! (Costumes are encouraged for kids and adults alike, so dust off your vampire cape or zombie makeup!)

Famous Horror Celebrity Guests 👻

One of the biggest thrills of any horror convention is rubbing shoulders with the genre’s stars, and HORROR FEST 2025 has an exciting lineup of celebrity guests ready to give you chills. The organizers pride themselves on bringing in fresh faces who’ve never appeared at an Arizona con before​, so get ready to meet some horror icons making their AZ debut! Confirmed guests include:

• Sarah Voigt – Known for her memorable (and gruesome!) portrayal of Barbara Shaw in Terrifier 2, Sarah Voigt is making her first-ever Arizona convention appearance​. Terrifier fans won’t want to miss meeting this scream queen in person.
• Elizabeth Saunders – The actress who brought Donna to life in MGM+’s acclaimed horror series FROM is also appearing at HORROR FEST 2025 in her Arizona debut​. Elizabeth’s credits span horror hits like IT Chapter 1 & 2, Orphan Black, and The Strain​– perfect for fans of both film and TV frights.
• More to Come! The guest list is still growing. (Who will they be? Stay tuned to find out which other horror heavyweights will haunt Tempe this fall!)

In addition to signings and photo ops with these celebrity guests, HORROR FEST 2025 will feature live entertainment on stage. For example, Arizona’s top horror podcast Scaredy Cast will be returning to host live interviews and discussions all weekend​. Imagine sitting in on a spine-chilling Q&A panel or catching a live podcast episode as horror stars share behind-the-scenes stories – it’s all part of the HORROR FEST experience. You might even bump into other surprise horror personalities roaming the show floor or checking out the fun themselves!

Ghoulish Artists and Spooky Vendors 🕸️

Prepare to shop ‘til you drop (dead) in the Horror Fest vendor hall! The convention will host a massive marketplace of horror artists, exhibitors, and spooky vendors selling everything a horror fan could desire. In fact, over 115 terrifying vendors are expected to be there​, making it one of the largest gatherings of horror-themed sellers in the Southwest. You’ll find:

• Horror Artwork & Comics: Meet indie comic creators and illustrators with booths full of horror art prints, comic books, and paintings of monsters and mayhem. Get your hands on original artwork, posters, and commissions from talented horror artists who bring nightmares to life on the page.
• Collectibles & Props: Discover rare horror collectibles, custom figures, and props. From vintage slasher movie merch to handcrafted replicas of famous horror props, the vendors have it all. (Keep an eye out for Horror Monger Collectibles – one of the newest sponsors – who may bring an array of creepy cool toys and memorabilia!)
• Apparel & Accessories: Update your wardrobe with frightful fashion. T-shirts, costumes, jewelry, and accessories inspired by horror and pop culture will be available from numerous vendors. Local costume shop Evil Izzy’s Haunted Emporium – a returning Horror Fest sponsor – is known as the premier costume headquarters in Phoenix and will likely have a booth of killer outfits and masks for sale. Perfect if you need last-minute cosplay gear for the con!
• Spooky Crafts & Treats: Not everything is blood and gore – some vendors add a crafty or even sweet touch. You might find horror-themed candles, sculptures, and Halloween home décor. 

Strolling through the vendor hall is an experience in itself. You can chat with creators about their inspiration, snag autographs or sketches from artist guests, and buy unique, handmade horror swag you won’t find in any regular store. It’s the perfect chance to support small businesses and independent artists who share your passion for the macabre. And don’t be afraid to show off your own cosplay while shopping – many vendors love when fans arrive in costume (and you might get a discount or a free treat for being dressed to impress!).

Special Attractions and Eerie Entertainment 💀

HORROR FEST 2025 isn’t just about shopping and celebrity meet-and-greets – it’s packed with fun activities and attractions to keep you entertained all weekend long. Here are some spooktacular attractions you can look forward to:

• Costume Contest: Dust off your creepiest costume for the Horror Fest costume contest! This event has become a highlight each year, with amazing cosplay from horror movies, TV, gaming, and original creations. Show off your look on stage Saturday night for a chance to win prizes (and serious bragging rights). From evil clowns to undead brides, you’ll see it all. Don’t be shy – everyone is welcome to participate or cheer on the contestants during this frightfully fun showcase.
• Trick-or-Treating: Keeping with the spirit of Halloween, the convention offers trick-or-treating opportunities, especially for the little ones​. Kids (and let’s be honest, candy-loving adults too!) can collect treats at designated vendor booths on certain days. It’s a safe and fun way to enjoy Halloween traditions inside the con. Bring a treat bag and indulge your sweet tooth while strolling the halls.
• Walkthrough Haunted House: Do you dare enter the Horror Fest haunted house? New for 2025, there will be an interactive walkthrough haunted attraction right at the event​. Brave attendees can step into a mini haunted house filled with creepy actors and spooky scenery that will have you screaming for more​! It’s like a horror movie come to life. (Pro tip: this is a perfect warm-up for the many haunted houses that pop up around Phoenix each October – consider it training for your nerves.)
• Killer Rides & Photo Ops: Get your cameras ready! HORROR FEST will feature “Killer Rides” – iconic horror-themed vehicles on display​. You might see a tricked-out hearse, a spooky van, or even famous movie cars (could that be the Christine car or the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 lurking around?). These vehicles make epic backdrops for photos. Throughout the con, you’ll also find tons of creepy photo opportunities​: themed sets, props, and backdrops where you can pose with zombies, monsters, or your favorite horror characters. Share your pics on social media to make all your friends jealous of the ghastly fun you’re having!
• Panels, Podcasts & Screenings: Beyond the showroom floor, make time for panel discussions and screenings. Horror Fest often has panel sessions with the celebrity guests – imagine hearing behind-the-scenes stories from Terrifier 2 or getting acting tips from a horror veteran. There may also be sneak peeks or advance movie screenings of upcoming horror flicks (stay tuned to announcements – last year featured an exclusive photo-op tied to the movie SMILE 2, for example). And don’t forget to catch the live recordings of Scaredy Cast, where the hosts will chat with Horror Fest guests and dive into all things paranormal and pop culture​. It’s like a live horror talk show right on the convention floor!

With all these attractions – plus music, giveaways, and more – there’s never a dull moment at HORROR FEST. You can spend the morning shopping for rare collectibles, enjoy an afternoon panel with your horror heroes or grabbing a drink at the hotel bar with fellow fans. (The 2024 fest featured a Saturday night Hackers movie-themed rave – who knows what 2025 has in store!). One thing’s for sure: you’ll make unforgettable memories and new fiendish friends.

Sponsors and Community 🎟️🕷️

An event as epic as HORROR FEST 2025 comes to unholy life thanks to a dedicated community and generous sponsors. This convention is produced by Artists Assemble Productions (with 28 years in the entertainment industry organizing horror/pop culture events​), and they’ve rallied some awesome local sponsors to support the fun. For instance, Travel, Attractions, and Events – a local guide that highlights things to do around Arizona – has signed on as a sponsor​. Their involvement means attendees can discover even more haunted attractions and travel hot-spots in the area, turning your Horror Fest trip into a full vacation. Another notable sponsor is Return of the Giving Dead – a charity cosplay duo who use their love of horror to give back to the community​. HORROR FEST 2025 has chosen this charity as an official partner, so part of the event’s proceeds or activities will benefit a good cause (horror with a heart!).

You’ll also see booths and signage from other sponsors. These local businesses and organizations all share a passion for horror and pop culture, and they help make the convention possible. Be sure to check them out and say hello, by supporting them, you’re supporting the whole horror fan community. 👏

Don’t Miss Out – Get Your Tickets Now! 🔥

HORROR FEST 2025 is shaping up to be the horror event of the year in Arizona. Between the star-studded celebrity guest list, the massive vendor bazaar, and all the eerie extras planned, it’s an experience no horror fan will want to miss. Tickets are on sale now and early-bird discounts may be available for a limited time. We recommend snagging your passes in advance – not only do you save money, but you’ll avoid the dread of a sell-out scenario as the event draws near. (In past years, VIP packages and special event tickets have sold out quickly once announced!)

General admission tickets can be purchased for single days or as a weekend pass. If you’re a hardcore fan, consider the Weekend Pass so you have unlimited access to all three days of fearsome fun​. And for the ultimate Horror Fest experience, keep an eye out for VIP tickets. VIP passes typically come with fang-tastic perks like early entry to the convention each day, an exclusive VIP swag bag, priority seating at panels, and even front-of-line privileges for celebrity photo ops. (Plus, who wouldn’t want to brag about being a VIP at a horror con?) VIP tickets will be limited, so jump on them as soon as they become available – as of now the organizers have hinted they’re “coming soon”​, and a recent update noted that VIP tickets were running low, so don’t sleep on it (vampires never sleep, after all!).

Ready to secure your spot at HORROR FEST 2025? Grab your tickets now on the official ticket page 🎟️. The sooner you book, the sooner you can start planning your killer cosplay and scheduling your must-see panels and photo ops. 

Lastly, to stay updated on the latest guest announcements, schedules, and spooky surprises, be sure to follow HORROR FEST 2025 on social media. The organizers post regular updates on their Facebook page and Instagram – including surprise guest reveals, vendor spotlights, and fun contests as the event approaches. You might even catch sneak peeks of the exclusive merchandise or interactive props that will be at the show. Joining the event’s online community is a great way to connect with fellow attendees, ask questions, and share your excitement.

In summary: HORROR FEST 2025 is a horror convention that combines the thrills of a fan expo (celebs! panels! merch!) with the festive fun of Halloween (costumes! candy! haunted houses!). It’s fun, spooky, and informative – everything a horror fan could want. So assemble your horror-loving friends, start working on those costumes, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of horror this October. Grab your tickets, practice your scariest scream, and we’ll see you in Tempe for HORROR FEST 2025 – where Halloween comes to life a few weeks early! Don’t miss the fright-fest that everyone will be talking about. See you there… if you dare! 👻🎫🎉

Haunted Houses in Arizona

Haunted Houses in Arizona – Your Guide to Halloween Thrills

October in Arizona means spooky season is here, and for horror fans that’s the signal to start lining up at the state’s scariest haunted houses. From Phoenix to Tucson, haunted attractions are open with new frights for Halloween 2024. If you crave the adrenaline rush of a good scare, we’ve got you covered with the top haunted houses to scream your way through this month (if you dare!).

13th Floor Haunted House (Phoenix)

The Scare: The 13th Floor is Phoenix’s most famous haunted house, known for Hollywood-quality production and heart-pounding scares. Each year, this massive indoor attraction unveils all-new themes and ultra-detailed sets. In 2024, you can expect multiple terrifying sections in one walkthrough – one moment you might be tiptoeing through a cursed Victorian manor with ghosts lurking behind cracked mirrors, and the next you’re sprinting past snarling zombies in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The costumes, makeup, and special effects are top notch, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a horror movie.

Why You’ll Love It: If you love variety and surprise, 13th Floor delivers. They typically have 2-3 distinct haunted house experiences within the overall attraction, so your scares come in many flavors. Animatronic creatures, live actors that come this close to your face, fog, strobe lights, and spine-chilling sound effects – it’s an all-out assault on the senses in the best way. The anticipation in the queue (often decorated like a creepy courtyard) builds the suspense. By the end, your heart will be pounding and you’ll be laughing with relief.

Tips: Buy tickets online for a specific time slot – this haunt is popular and sells timed entries to manage wait times. Friday/Saturday nights get packed; if you can, go on a Thursday or Sunday for smaller crowds (and a slightly slower-paced experience to catch your breath between rooms). They offer fast passes and even an “upgraded” experience with an added mini escape room if you’re into that. Note that it’s very intense – not recommended for kids under 13. And a fun extra: after you survive, check out their themed merch and photo ops outside (who wouldn’t want a pic with a creepy 7-foot tall prop monster?).

Fear Farm (Phoenix/Glendale)

The Scare: Fear Farm is an expansive outdoor haunt combining several haunted houses plus the infamous haunted corn maze. Spread over a large field on the edge of town, it offers a more open-air, festival vibe – until you enter the attractions and the fear sets in!

Why You’ll Love It: It’s like getting 5 haunts in one. Your ticket grants you access to a circuit of different haunted house tents, each with a unique theme – think haunted asylum, cursed circus, swamp creatures, etc. Then there’s the corn maze, arguably the scariest part, where you wander through rows of 10-foot-high corn in the dark. The isolation and anticipation of “what’s around the next corner?” is thrilling. Many an Arizonan has a Fear Farm corn maze story involving a chainsaw guy appearing out of nowhere... The overall atmosphere is fun – there are often food trucks, a DJ, maybe fire pits – so you can make a whole evening of it.

Tips: Fear Farm is mostly outdoors on dirt paths – wear closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dusty. Start with the corn maze first before lines grow, then hit the houses. Or vice versa if you want to build courage for the maze. Keep in mind it’s a bit of a walk between attractions, so it feels like a mini hike in the dark (adds to the adventure!). Like 13th Floor, get tickets ahead to secure your entry night – especially the closer it gets to Halloween. They sometimes have “happy hour” pricing if you arrive right at opening. Bring a few bucks for a hot cocoa or fry bread after – you’ll need to replenish after all that adrenaline!

Slaughterhouse (Tucson)

The Scare: Southern Arizona’s premier haunt, the Slaughterhouse, is exactly what it sounds like – an actual former slaughterhouse turned into a multi-attraction horror show. The setting itself (an old meat packing plant) gives off seriously creepy vibes before any actors even jump out.

Why You’ll Love It: Slaughterhouse boasts multiple themed sections (often 4-5), all under one roof. You might start in a deranged clown carnival, find yourself navigating a pitch-black maze by touch alone (terrifying!), then end up in an “undead” nightclub with strobe lights and zombies at every turn. They put a lot of effort into story and ambiance – for example, one year they had a whole alien invasion segment that felt like X-Files meets haunted house. It’s a favorite for scare connoisseurs because they mix classic jump scares with psychological eeriness and even some choose-your-path moments. Bonus: They often have side attractions like mini escape rooms or an axe throwing range to enjoy while you wait.

Tips: Tucson cools off in October, so an evening at Slaughterhouse might actually be chilly – bring a light jacket for the line (and for shivering in fear!). The lines can be long on peak nights; consider a VIP pass to skip ahead, or go early in the month. Parking is free but carpool if you can, as it fills up. After you go through, downtown Tucson isn’t far – sometimes it’s fun to debrief over a late-night bite at a diner, still riding the adrenaline high from the scares. And remember, all these places have a no-touch policy (actors won’t grab you) – so if you get super scared, you can always close your eyes… though where’s the fun in that?

Haunt Tips: Survive & Thrive

• Know Your Limits: Arizona’s pro haunts are intense. If you have young children or anyone who might not handle it well, consider family-friendly alternatives (like haunted train rides or pumpkin patches with mild spookiness). For teens and adults who love horror, these haunts are perfect – just be ready to be truly scared.
• Stay Safe & Polite: Follow all the rules the haunt provides. That often means no touching actors, no running, and no filming inside. The actors will get in your personal space and may startle you, but remember they’re people doing a fun job – do not swing or shove if you’re startled (it happens; just apologize and keep going if you accidentally flail into someone). Use the haunted house’s safe word or exit route if needed – there’s no shame in stepping out if it’s too much.
• Go with Friends: Everything’s better with a buddy or three. Plus, it’s entertaining to see who in your group scares the easiest! You’ll laugh about the moments you screamed and jumped into each other’s arms afterward. And in the haunted corn maze, multiple people = multiple eyes to spot that sneaky scareactor before they get you (strength in numbers!).
• Timing Is Everything: The last two weekends of October, these places get busy. If you hate waiting, go on an earlier weekend or a weeknight if they’re open. Also, later at night (after 9:30-10 p.m.), lines may die down as the early crowd leaves – brave a late-night slot for potentially shorter waits (and somehow things feel scarier at midnight 👻). Most haunts close by midnight or 1 a.m. on weekends.

Arizona’s haunted houses in 2024 are scarier than ever, offering everything from big-budget frights to homegrown horrors. Whichever haunt (or haunts!) you choose, you’re in for a spine-chilling, adrenaline-pumping good time. So muster your courage, grab your bravest friends, and head into the darkness for an unforgettable Halloween experience.

And after you survive, make sure to brag a little – you earned it! Share your haunted adventures with us: follow us on Instagram and Facebook and tag us in your scariest photos (if you managed to snap any). We’ll be sharing our own haunted house reactions (and maybe a scream-faced selfie or two). Happy Haunting, Arizona – stay scary! 🎃

The 6 Spookiest Haunted Houses in Phoenix (2024 Guide)

Best Haunted Houses in Phoenix for 2024

Whether you’re looking for a classic haunted house, an extreme horror experience, or a fun-yet-scary Halloween outing, these attractions offer something for everyone. Here are the six most terrifying haunted houses near Phoenix:

1. Fear Farm Haunted House

📍 6801 N 99th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305
📞 (623) 866-5378
🌐 fearfarm.com
⏰ Hours: October–November (Sun–Thurs 7PM–10PM; Fri 7PM–12AM; Sat 6:30PM–12AM)
💰 Admission: Starts at $27.99

Fear Farm is Arizona’s largest haunted attraction, spanning over 30 acres of terrifyingly themed haunted houses and outdoor scare zones. With new horror attractions every year, expect everything from crazed outlaws to demonic entities and eerie carnival freaks. Actors roam freely, making every moment unpredictable—even outside the haunted houses. Highly recommended for horror lovers!

2. 13th Floor Haunted House

📍 2814 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053
📞 (602) 456-2250
🌐 13thflooraz.com
⏰ Hours: October–November (Thurs & Sun 7PM–10PM; Fri–Sat 7PM–12AM; Mon–Wed CLOSED)
💰 Admission: Starts at $29.99

Brought to life by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, this Hollywood-level haunted attraction is packed with elaborate sets, immersive soundtracks, and terrifyingly realistic horror scenes. Expect dark mazes, claustrophobic tunnels, and intense sensory experiences that test your nerves. If you fear the unknown, this haunted house will push your limits.

3. Scarizona Scaregrounds

📍 1901 N Alma School Rd, Mesa, AZ 85201
📞 (480) 444-2590
🌐 scarizona.com
⏰ Hours: October (Thurs–Sat 7PM–10PM; Sun–Mon 7PM–9PM; Tues–Wed CLOSED)
💰 Admission: Starts at $24.95

Scarizona is an adrenaline-fueled horror experience featuring multiple haunted houses, scare zones, and terrifying animatronics. The full-sensory horror rooms are designed to make you feel like you’re inside a nightmare. This haunt gets scarier every year, making it a must-visit for true horror fans.

4. Golfland Fright Nights

📍 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
📞 (480) 834-8319
🌐 golfland.com
⏰ Hours: October (Thurs & Sun 6:30PM–10PM; Fri–Sat 6:30PM–11:45PM)
💰 Admission: Starts at $25

Ever played mini-golf inside a haunted graveyard? Golfland Fright Nights features the award-winning Gauntlet Haunted House, a multi-level horror maze that requires crawling, climbing, and escaping from terrifying creatures. Perfect for those seeking an interactive horror challenge!

5. Sanctum of Horror

📍 6525 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85206
📞 (480) 200-8163
🌐 sanctumofhorror.com
⏰ Hours: October (Fri–Sat 7PM–11PM; Sun & Thurs 7PM–10PM)
💰 Admission: Starts at $25

Step inside the haunted asylum of Leonore, where her violent past unfolds through gruesome, immersive horror scenes. Sanctum of Horror is story-driven, focusing on a psychological thriller experience with eerie silence, disturbing imagery, and intense actor interactions.

6. Mill of Madness

📍 Phoenix, AZ (Exact location TBA)
🌐 New attraction for 2024!
💰 Admission: $25

This brand-new horror experience is designed like a live-action horror movie, blending cinematic storytelling with terrifying encounters. It features structured horror narratives, chase sequences, and interactive scares, making visitors feel like they’re inside a real-life horror film. A must-visit for fans of immersive horror!

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Bonus: Ghost Tour in Phoenix

Get Ghosted Phoenix – Best Paranormal Tour

📍 Downtown Phoenix
📞 (520) 873-9845
🌐 getghostedphx.com
⏰ Hours: By appointment only
💰 Admission: Varies by tour

If haunted houses aren’t enough, why not go on a real ghost tour? Get Ghosted Phoenix offers historically accurate paranormal investigations using EMF detectors, dowsing rods, and spirit boxes. Their Spooks, Spirits, and Speakeasy Tour (21+) combines ghost hunting with a vintage speakeasy experience.

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Tips for Visiting Haunted Houses in Phoenix

✔ Check Haunted House Rules – Some allow costumes, but most do not.
✔ Wear Closed-Toe Shoes – Uneven floors, running, and foggy rooms require sturdy shoes.
✔ Buy a Fast Pass – Skip long lines, especially on weekends.
✔ Don’t Touch Actors or Props – Haunted house staff will scare you, but no physical contact is allowed.
✔ Read Warnings & Disclaimers – Some attractions have age restrictions or health advisories.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best haunted houses in Phoenix for 2024, these attractions offer unforgettable horror experiences. Whether you’re seeking Hollywood-level scares, eerie ghost tours, or interactive horror adventures, Phoenix has something terrifying in store for you.

Which haunted house will you dare to visit this Halloween? Let us know in the comments! 🎃👻