Is CT HorrorFest scary?

Not unless you find meeting celebrities and shopping awesome vendors scary. Some people come dressed in costumes. But don’t expect a haunted house or to be chased by someone with a chainsaw.

Can I come in costume?

Of course!

My costume has a weapon, is that okay?

All costume props must be inspected at the front desk. Because of safety reasons, we cannot allow any real or sharp weapons into the venue.

What time should I arrive as an attendee and buy tickets?

Any time during show hours. Tickets will be on sale both days at the door provided they don’t sell out in advance.

The event can sell out?

Yes. The venue can only hold so many people and as such, we have allotted a certain number of tickets for Saturday and a certain number for Sunday. We will keep track and make “low ticket alert” announcements on social media if either day that is getting near sell out.

Does CT HorrorFest get crowded?

The average turnout for CT HorrorFest is generally pretty high (thank you, horror fans!) Expect lines, crowds, and lots of horror fans just like you excited to shop vendors and meet horror celebrities. CT HorrorFest has sold out in the past and we’ve had to halt ticket sales to prevent over-crowding, so we do suggest that you buy tickets in advance in case they sell out.

I purchased a Saturday ticket but have decided to come on Sunday instead, is that okay?

Pre-purchased tickets are non-transferrable. If you show up on Sunday with a “Saturday” ticket, you will need to purchase a new ticket to gain entry.

Does my ticket also cover celebrity autograph fees?

No, your ticket purchase gets you entry into the event, allows you to shop the vendors, entry into the panel discussions, and the chance to line up and purchase a celebrity autograph/photo.

I can’t find my ticket. What do I do?

To access your tickets, log in to the Eventbrite app or website using the email on your order. Then, go to Tickets. Here’s a link that can help you:

https://www.eventbrite.com/help/en-us/articles/319355/where-are-my-tickets/

How much are autographs?

Autographs are priced at the discretion of the talent. The last few years on the East Coast, autographs have ranged from $20-$200. We will do our best to publish a list of autograph/photo prices a few days before the event, provided that they get us the information ahead of time.

Can I take photos of vendors, attendees, and celebrities?

With their permission, yes.

Can I take a photo with a celebrity?

That is at the discretion of the celebrity, and most will charge additional for that photo. Like autograph prices, we will post photo prices in advance when/if we get them. That said, there are certain celebrities who will only offer professional photo ops.

What the heck is a “professional photo op”?

CT HorrorFest partners with a professional photography company who will take professional photos with professional equipment in a room that is properly lit and has a backdrop. Attendees who purchase these photo ops will receive an 8×10 glossy copy of the photo at the show and can purchase the option for a digital copy or duplicates if you have more than one friend in the photo with you. Learn more and buy a pro photo op here. You will need to click on the photo op ticket sales once there.

How many people are allowed in the “professional photo ops” (these are referring to pro photo ops and NOT table selfies)

For each ticket purchased you may have two adults and up to three children under 16. If you would like more than two adults and up to three children under 16 in a photo, you must purchase an additional photo op ticket for every two adults.

Speaking of these “professional photo ops”, do they come with an autograph?

No, the photo op is a fast-moving (but professional) experience where you will be ushered into the area with the celebrity, the photo will be taken (and checked for quality) and then it’s on to the next guest while you wait for your print. There is no time for autograph signing or chit chat at photo ops. You are, however, welcome to take your new 8×10 photo and wait in the celebrities’ line to have it personalized to you.

What if the line to meet a certain celebrity becomes too long?

If a line to meet a celebrity at their table becomes too long, we will present timed tickets to attendees and give them a specific time to come back to ensure that lines remain controllable. Or, if waiting in lines isn’t your thing, you can always pre-order a “Slash the Line Pass”!

Can you tell me about the Slash the Line Pass?

Our “Slash the Line” passes are limited to just 200 per weekend in order to keep line skip events to a minimum. Each “Slash the Line” pass allows ONE autograph recipient per skip event (three skips per pass); that recipient can get multiple items autographed that they pay for, but just for themselves. So, for instance, a person who has this line skip can’t use one skip to bring their friends with them in line to get signed items*. HOWEVER, you can use your skip to bring your friend or family up for a selfie* with the celeb (The MAXIMUM amount of people allowed to use the skip for a selfie with celeb are: two adults or two adults with up to three children).

Here are some examples of skips that are allowed:

– A couple and their two children use one line skip to get something signed and a photo of the whole family with the celeb.

– You and a friend use one line skip and you get something signed and both of you jump in together for a selfie with the celeb.

Here are some examples of skips that aren’t allowed:

– A couple and their child use one line skip to purchase three autographs made out to each family member. That would require each person to have a line skip since THREE different people are getting autographs off of one pass.

– John has a line skip pass and is attending the show with Mike. John decides to use the line skip pass to get an item autographed and Mike joins him in line with no pass. Mike cannot skip the line and get an autograph his item autographed. However, Mike CAN get in a celeb selfie with John if John purchases one.

*Reminder that celeb autograph and selfies with celebs are not included in the passes or admission ticket; they will be paid to the celeb or their handler when you arrive at the table and the fees are determined by them.

**Slash the Line Passes are for celebrity tables only – not for photo ops, panels or any other portion of the event.

What happens if the celebrity you are coming to meet cancels?

As the event promoters, we hope that no one cancels; that is truly a nightmare for us. We understand that you may have purchased a ticket to meet one specific person, but celebrity cancellations are out of our control. We do not offer refunds for this reason – the show will go on.

Can I have my machete/knife, etc. signed by a celebrity?

Sorry, for safety reasons the venue does not allow this.

What happens if the convention is canceled?

If for any reason the convention is canceled, we will refund all ticket purchases and vendor tables within 30 days.

Will you be adding more guests?

We will continue to announce guests on a rolling basis as the show draws near.

Can I interview some of the celebrities for my podcast during CTHF?

No, the celebrities are there to meet with fans and we need the lines to move at a steady pace so that they’re able to meet with everyone without interruption.

I want to record a panel and post it on YouTube or live stream a panel/event. Is that cool?

Live-streaming or posting your personal panel recordings online is not allowed. CT HorrorFest will post professional recordings of all panels and events from both days on their YouTube page following the event for any you may have missed, and you are free to repost those.

My friend is running a haunted house or has a horror-podcast or another business, can I hand out flyers at CTHF?

No. Attendees are not allowed to distribute stickers, cards, or any promotional item without prior approval from CTHF. Our vendors and sponsors pay for the ability to promote their haunts, events, businesses, etc. so it would be unfair to allow attendees to do the same for free.

I’m leaving for the day and want to give my friend my wristband so they can enter.

Anyone attempting to enter CT HorrorFest with a wristband that looks damaged or used will have that wristband removed and will need to purchase a ticket to enter.

Will there be food?

The venue will have approved food vendors on site selling food, snacks, and beverages (including beer and wine).

Is there an ATM onsite?

Yes. 

Can I smoke?

There is no smoking of any materials, including vaping or e-cigarettes, allowed in the Connecticut Convention Center. You are free to go outside and smoke and re-enter the event.

Can I bring my pet?

Only service animals are allowed.

Is there a special hotel rate for vendors and attendees of CT HorrorFest?

Yes, we have a special rate that you can book through this link at the Hilton Stamford.

What about ADA Compliance?

Info coming soon.

I’m having an issue with another attendee, what do I do?

Please do not take any matters like this into your own hands. Whatever your issue is, let a staff member know and we will take care of it.

How can I volunteer for CT HorrorFest?

CT HorrorFest is staffed by the crew of horror website Horror News Network. In the chance that we do need volunteers, we would post it on our social media sites.