Review: ScareLA Convention (Pasadena, CA)

With Halloween less than 3 months away, what better way to start to get into the mood than by going to a convention that caters to everything that is Halloween?  And that’s exactly what I did this past weekend at the ScareLA Convention in downtown Pasadena, California.

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Now in it’s third year, the ScareLA Convention is easily one of my favorite horror-related conventions to hit up, and this year they had a new bigger and better location at The Pasadena Convention Center.  And because of that bigger and better venue, there were bigger and better treats and surprises as well!  For instance, an entire section of the convention center was dedicated to local haunted houses, where you could stand in line and get a taste of what they had to offer by walking through mini-versions of them.  This was definitely a highlight for me, as the area really captured the Halloween spirit with fog machines, darkness, and the occasional costumed creature popping up.

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There is a ton to do at the ScareLA Convention, so you definitely won’t be bored if you decide to go when it comes back next year.  In addition to the mini haunted houses, you can check out some movie screenings or sit in on a panel like the Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights one where they announced this year that a brand new Michael Myers maze will be coming!  Numerous ghouls and ghosts walk around the convention while you stop by the many booths full of Halloween and horror-themed art, trinkets, and delicious pastries.  There is even a kiddie section set up where you can take the little ones so they can join in on the spooky fun as well.  Overall, you won’t find more bang for your buck if you’re looking to get into the Halloween sprit and the ScareLA Convention definitely keeps improving every year!

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(5 out of 5)

ScareLA Convention Coming To Pasadena On August 8th & 9th!

My favorite time of the year is only about 3 months away!  No, not Columbus Day.  And no, not my wedding anniversary.  My apologies to my wife btw…..but I’m talking about Halloween!  And what better way to get yourself into the mood than with a convention that revolves around anything and everything that is Halloween called the ScareLA Convention in Southern California, which is taking place this year in Pasadena at the Pasadena Convention Center on August 8th & 9th.

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Now, I have to say that I’ve been the past two years to the ScareLA Convention and can unbiasedly say it’s one of the most fun and entertaining conventions of it’s kind that I’ve experienced.  It really nails the Halloween feel, with tons of exhibits and booths dedicated to the holiday, as well as some actual haunted attractions that you can walk through as well!  You might even see a celebrity or two pop up as well (I was lucky enough to meet Sid Haig last year).  For more details on all of the festivities and for tickets, click HERE for everything that you need to know for the ScareLA Convention this year in Pasadena!

Review: 2014 ScareLA Convention (Los Angeles)

Halloween is only a couple months away!  So to get into the spirit, I headed out to the 2014 ScareLA Convention in downtown Los Angeles this weekend and rubbed elbows with a bunch of ghouls and ghosts.  Oh, and I met Sid Haig too!

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Last year, ScareLA was getting it’s feet wet and you could tell that there were definitely kinks to be worked out in the end.  When I arrived on Saturday, I was pretty amazed to see the line literally wrapped around the building all the way down Broadway Avenue.  The word had clearly spread about the convention, and once I got inside (after a fairly long wait) I could see why.  Everything was way bigger and better than last year.

The most notable addition were the free haunted attractions located inside and outside of the building.  It was a nice touch, because nothing says Halloween like going through a spook house and having the shit scared out of you.  Did I mention that there was even a zombie shooting range where you could take out the undead with an airsoft rifle?

ScareLA really stepped it’s game up this year and convinced me and a lot in attendance I’m sure, that they are definitely a force to be reckoned with in the horror convention game.  What sets it apart from other convention experiences that I’ve had, is that the focus is on the fun.  Not a lot of celebrity sightings (except the aforementioned Sid Haig of course), but that’s what makes it unique.  Trust me, you’ll never get bored.

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There were seminars, free movie screenings, pumpkin carving classes, and even a show and presentation celebrating the 45th anniversary of Disney’s Haunted Mansion.  Another great aspect of ScareLA is that since it’s centered around Halloween, they encourage people to dress up.  And because of that and everything else mentioned so far, it truly is an original horror convention that you definitely should attend next year if you’re in the LA area.  Now let’s get ready for Halloween!