Most large-scale events over the past five months have fallen victim to the impact of the coronavirus. Midsummer Scream is no different. But while the in-person convention was delayed to July 2021, the event still lives on virtually.
Every year since 2016, Midsummer Scream has returned to the Long Beach Convention Center to satisfy fans ravenous for Halloween and horror products, attractions, panels and more. This year would have been the first year the convention expanded to three days from two, and the creative minds behind the event anticipated it to be their biggest yet, with hundreds of vendors and thousands of fans descending upon the center to celebrate all things spooky.
In place of the onsite convention, Midsummer Scream has partnered with TEA@USC to present an all-day livestream telethon as a way to be “There in Spirit.” Midsummer Scream will take place on one channel featuring panels with the creators of many Halloween attractions and films, streaming visits to eerie locations, and special surprises. More information about the updated list of performers and events can be found at midsummerscream.org/livestream.
At the same time, TEA@USC will stream seminars and educational panels on another channel with themed entertainment professionals for people who want to work in the haunted attraction industry. Viewers can switch between the channels at their discretion.
The telethon takes place Aug. 1, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. PST, and is free to stream on Facebook, YouTube and Periscope. Along with the livestream, Midsummer Scream is selling “trick or treat” packs, which are available at midsummerscream.square.site. Money raised through the livestream sales will be donated to support people impacted by the pandemic.
“While our live event was cancelled due to the pandemic, we still want to usher in the spooky season and continue to be a platform for attractions and leaders of the haunt and Halloween industry to connect with the community,” said Executive Director David Markland.