The Long Beach Zombie Walk has morphed into something bigger than we ever imagined.
The Zombie Walk exploded into the Zombie Fest – a Halloween carnival that includes zombie walks all three days (free makeup for all those who need it), a maze, zombie laser tag, escape room, cosplay and costume contests, brain-eating contests, dance contests, Thriller workshops, and the chance to be part of a world-record zombie flash mob.
Also, attendees can meet actor Vincent Ward, who played prison gang member “Oscar” in The Walking Dead TV show.
Tracy Wintori, of the Zombie Fest, says the combination of horror, sci-fi and fantasy is the best way to celebrate Halloween.
“Not a typical convention, but a celebration that anyone who loves this time of the year will enjoy,” says Wintori. “The quarantine cannot be contained.”
The success of events like the Zombie Fest continue, Wintori says, because it’s a reflection of our times.
“Being a zombie gives you the opportunity to witness the end of the world that perhaps one has been secretly wondering about,” Wintori says. “It also creates a world of fantasy. We still want to believe we are survivors and that we would survive.”
And fortunately for fest-goers, a post-apocalyptic-themed Halloween party means cosplayers and costume wearers can really let their creative side/inner freak loose.
“We see it all,” Wintori says.
Long Beach Zombie Fest
Friday, Oct. 14: 5-10 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 15: 2-10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 16: 2-10 p.m.
Location: Rainbow Lagoon
400-403 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach