Attention horror fans! CT HorrorFest returns on August 27, 2016! The event is presented by Connecticut-based horror website Horror News Network, one of the top horror news and information sites on the web.
Come meet horror celebrities and shop horror themed vendors at The Matrix Conference Center in Danbury, CT.
Tickets are only $25 at the door. (Cash Only)
*Children age 10 and under FREE when accompanied by a paying adult.
GUESTS: (so far)
Please note that guest list can change due to guest cancellation or events beyond our control.
Celebrity autograph prices vary and are at the discretion of the celebrity. CT HorrorFest does not control what celebrities may charge for autograph or photo opportunities.
George Romero
On October 1, 1968 a film was released that would come to define an entire genre of cinema; a film so important that, nearly 50 years later, it remains the internet’s most downloaded movie.
Filmed on a miniscule budget near Evans City, Pennsylvania, Night of the Living Dead would become the standard that all “zombie” films are measured against and the new definition of what a “zombie” film is.
We are sincerely honored to announce that the “Godfather of the Dead”, George A. Romero, will be appearing at CT HorrorFest this August. When presented with the Mastermind Award from SpikeTV, presenter Quentin Tarantino remarked that the “A” in Mr. Romero’s name stood for “A f*cking genius”; we could not agree more.
Films: Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Martin, Creepshow, The Crazies, Land of the Dead, etc.
The Ladies of The Evil Dead
In 1981, five college students took a trip to a remote cabin in the woods for what they thought would be a good time…and boy were they wrong. In 2016, three of those five will take a trip to Danbury, CT for what will definitely be a good time. CT HorrorFest is proud to welcome the Ladies of The Evil Dead; Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker and Theresa Tilly, on August 27th!
Ellen Sandweiss Films/TV: The Evil Dead, My Name is Bruce, Oz the Great and Powerful
Betsy Baker Films/TV: The Evil Dead, ER, True Blood, Oz the Great and Powerful
Theresa Tilly Films/TV: The Evil Dead, Oz the Great and Powerful, Stomping Ground
Tyler Mane
Horror fans are probably most familiar with Tyler Mane as the iconic Michael Myers in the the 2007 Rob Zombie remake of “Halloween” and 2009 “Halloween II”. Mane also appeared in “The Devil’s Rejects” as Rufus and played Sabretooth in 2000’s “X-Men”. He appeared in several indie hits, including “Compound Fracture” which he also wrote and produced. Up next for Mane Entertainment is “Penance Lane” which Tyler both stars and produces. We are excited to have this millenium’s “boogeyman” at CT HorrorFest in August!
Films/TV: Halloween, Halloween II, 247 degrees, Compound Fracture, Devil May Care, The Devil’s Rejects, Penance Lane, Troy, WCW Wrestling
Ricou Browning
When you talk classic horror, you have to talk Universal horror. From the 1920’s to the 1950’s, Universal presented us with some of the most iconic movie monsters of all time.
However, it was in 1954 when Universal gave us their classic Creature from the Black Lagoon and introduced the world to Gill-man. CT HorrorFest is proud to bring Ricou Browning, the last surviving Universal Monster to Connecticut!
Films: Creature from the Black Lagoon, Revenge of the Creature, The Creature Walks Among Us, Flipper.
Zach Galligan
Zach Galligan well known for his role as Billy Peltzer in the horror classic “Gremlins” will be headed to CT HorrorFest this year! Galligan also appeared in “Gremlins 2”, Adam Green’s “Hatchet III”, and the upcoming flim “The Chair.”
Films: Gremlins, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Waxwork, Waxwork 2: Lost in Time, Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth, Hatchet III, The Chair.
Steve Dash
Immediately following the success of Friday the 13th in 1980, work was begun on the sequel. Not originally planned as being a direct sequel of the first film, the writers smartly decided to take it that way and focus on Jason Voorhees five years after the events of the original film.
When casting for the role of a grown Jason, Warrington Gillette was hired on for the part. During filming, the folks involved realized that they needed someone with a bit more stunt background to handle the majority of the role so Steve Dash was brought on to take over and finish the film.
CT HorrorFest is proud to continue our tradition of bringing you “Jasons” by welcoming Friday the 13th Part 2’s Steve Dash this August!
TV/Films: Friday the 13th Part 2, Mr. Hush, Nighthawks, Wolfen.
Mark Steger
On July 15, 2016 Netflix unleashed a series which took the world by storm. That series was Stranger Things. The show is set in 1983 in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. Will Byers, a 12-year-old boy, vanishes after encountering the creature while riding his bicycle home from a Dungeons & Dragons session with his friends.
As the series progresses, we learn about the mysterious monster who the boys refer to as the “Demogorgon”. We are happy to announce the monster himself, Mark Steger will be appearing at CT HorrorFest.
TV/Films: Stranger Things, American Horror Story, I Am Legend, The Pact.
Kevin Van Hentenryck
In April of 1982 a film was released that has become one of the most beloved cult films among B-horror film buffs. Using the gritty, sleazy backdrop of early eighties New York City, Basket Case was sometimes funny, sometimes gory and sometimes crazy but it was always a welcome rental from the shelves of the local video store.
While Belial was the one causing the mayhem, it was his twin brother Duane who had to carry the basket. CT HorrorFest is proud to announce that Kevin Van Hentenryck will be appearing this August…let’s just hope he leaves Belial at home!
TV/Films: Basket Case, Basket Case 2, Basket Case 3, Brain Damage.
James Marshall
If you ask me about TV shows that came and went way too quickly, three pop into my head immediately: Freaks and Geeks, My So-Called Life and Twin Peaks. Out of the three, David Lynch’s Twin Peaks is the best of them; a true cult classic and a show that has managed to retain an incredible following even twenty-five years later.
One of the main characters on the show is the troubled motorcyclist James Hurley who was played by James Marshall and who will be reprising his role in the upcoming Twin Peaks return in 2017.
CT HorrorFest is happy to announce that James Marshall will be appearing in Danbury this August!
Films/TV: Twin Peaks, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, A Few Good Men, Gladiator
Erika Ervin
Erika Ervin also known as “Amazon Eve” is most recognized for her role on American Horror Story – Freakshow. She also appeared as Shelley on Eli Roth’s “Hemlock Grove.”
We welcome Erika to CT HorrorFest 2016!
TV/Films: American Horror Story, Hemlock Grove.
Robert Maillet
Robert Maillet is best known to horror fans as “The Master” on the hit TV show “The Strain,” based on the book from Guillermo Del Toro. He has also appeared in SyFy’s “Haven” and had memorable roles in “Pacific Rim” and “300.” Robert also spent time as a professional wrestler, Kurrgan, in the WWE.
We welcome Robert to CT HorrorFest 2016!
TV/Films: The Strain, Pacific Rim, Haven, 300, A Little Bit Zombie, Monster Brawl, Sherlock Holmes, Once Upon A Time, WWF RAW.
Tyler Green
As a 7 year old child in Litchfield, CT, this guest first began designing his unique creations in a workspace in his parents basement. Fast-forward a few years and he is now a successful SFX artist and inventor as well as the owner of his company, Creative Genius, LLC.
We are happy to welcome season 6 Face Off finalist, Tyler Green back to CT HorrorFest!
James Balsamo
Independent filmmaker James Balsamo has created many underground movies including “I Spill Your Guts”, “Cool as Hell”, “Catch of the Day”, and his latest film, “Bite School.”
We are happy to have James Balsamo return for CT HorrorFest 2016.
Carmine Capobianco
Carmine Capobianco began his career behind the camera but had more fun in front of it. He’s co-written many of his earlier movies and has also been credited as assistant director, producer and composer. You can see him have fun in “Psychos in Love”, “Galactic Gigolo”, “Bikini Bloodbath”, “Land of College Prophets”, “I Spill Your Guts”, “The Sins of Dracula”, “Model Hunger” and many more.
Jason McLeod
Jason McLeod is a paranormal investigator, spiritualist, and empath. He has spent the last 28 years helping individual families deal with both the human spirits who linger in their lives, and the inhuman spirits who seek to ruin them. His training and experience began by following in the footsteps of his close personal friends and mentors – the late Ed Warren and his wife Lorraine, bestselling authors, and movie consultants – who started the modern ghost hunting craze that thrives today. He conducts engaging presentations on the subjects of spirituality, consciousness, quantum physics, meditation, metaphysics, paranormal investigation, and demonology on radio blog broadcasts, and at paranormal conventions, spirituality expositions, in churches and at New Age events throughout the world.
Jeff Zornow
“Horror Comic Award” winning artist, Jeff Zornow makes his return to Connecticut in August. He is best known for his work on “Godzilla”, “Halloween” and “’68”.
Sam Costello
Sam Costello is the creator and writer of the award-winning horror web comic, Split Lip. Split Lip has been published online since 2006 and in print since 2009. It offers over 600 pages of free, original horror comics by rising-star artists from around the world. Split Lip won the “Best Web Comic” award in the 2014 Horror Comic Awards. Costello’s short fiction has appeared in Punk Planet, Cemetery Moon, and The Eschatology Journal, among others.
PANELS AND EVENT PROGRAMMING:
PANEL NAME: Paranormal Panel w/ Jason McLeod
Time: 11:30AM-12:15PM
DESCRIPTION: Things are going to get paranormal at CT HorrorFest! A paranormal investigator, Jason McLeod has spent the last 28 years helping individual families deal with both the human spirits who linger in their lives, and the inhuman spirits who seek to ruin them. His training and experience began by following in the footsteps of his close personal friends and mentors – the late Ed Warren and his wife Lorraine, bestselling authors, and movie consultants – who started the modern ghost hunting craze that thrives today. Learn about some of his tales at this panel.
PANEL NAME: Kids Costume Contest – Sponsored by Monster Mini Golf
Time: 12:45PM-1:15PM
DESCRIPTION: The KIDS costume contest will be hosted by Tyler Green and take place at 12:45. Judges for the contest will be a representative from Monster Mini Golf, a Horror News Network staff member, and Danbury Mayor, Mark Boughton.
Prizes are as follows: First Place: $50, Second Place: $25, Third Place: Family 4 Pack of Tickets to Monster Mini Golf.
PANEL NAME: Horror Comics on the Big and Small screen
Time: 1:45PM-2:30PM
DESCRIPTION: This years comic panel will focus on horror comics that made it to both the big and small screen. Join Rob Caprilozzi and Nick Banks as they discuss some of their favorites.
After the panel concludes, Rob will be giving away over 2,000 of his own comics!
PANEL NAME: Get to know the Gill-Man
Time: 3:30PM-4:00PM
Join Rob Caprilozzi as he chats with The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Ricou Browning. You will not want to miss this special interview with the Universal Monster.
PANEL NAME: Adult Costume Contest – Sponsored by Legends of Fear at Fairview Tree Farm
Time: 4:30PM-5:15PM
DESCRIPTION: The adults costume contest will be hosted by Tyler Green and take place at 4:30. Judges for the contest will be a representative from Fairview Tree Farm, a Horror News Network staff member, and a judge TBD.
Prizes are as follows: First Place: $350, Second Place: $200, Third Place: $75.
PANEL NAME: Ladies of the Evil Dead
Time: 6:00PM-6:45PM
Join Christine Caprilozzi as she sits down with the wonderful Ladies of the Evil Dead to talk about old cabins, being locked in a basement, and getting assaulted by trees.
PANEL NAME: Godfather of the Dead
Time: 7:25PM-8:00PM
Join HNN’s Larry Dwyer as he talks with the legend himself, George Romero.
VENUE:
WHERE?
Matrix Conference Center
100 Reserve Road
Danbury, CT 06810
WHEN?
August 27, 2016 11AM – 8PM
PARKING
Parking is free of charge.
DIRECTIONS
Coming East from NY area
Take Exit 1 on 84
Make Right at the end of the Exit Ramp and drive .5 miles
Make Left onto Reserve drive
At the Roundabout, make a right up the hill and you have arrived.
There is plenty of parking in the garage.
Coming West from Hartford area
Take Exit 1 on 84
Make a Left at the end of the Exit Ramp and drive .5 miles
Make Left onto Reserve drive
At the Roundabout, make a right up the hill and you have arrived.
There is plenty of parking in the garage.
OUR SPONSORS:
Welcome to your own personal horror movie. You have found yourself locked inside an enclosure. You cannot see anything. You can only hear the howling wind and the screams of the tormented victims beyond the locked door. This is your only chance. Can you escape from this Blood Stained Hell before ‘He’ comes back? You better. Escape ‘The Chamber’ or die trying.
Please note: Admission: $5 cash / $5.63 for debit/credit. Time limit is 5 minutes.
In December of 2015 we woke to the news that our Horror News Network and CT HorrorFest staff member, Sarah Mathews had suddenly passed away. Knowing Sarah on a personal level was a great thing. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor were absolutely incredible. Her love of all things pop culture was only over shadowed by her love of cats. She truly was a person who cared for other creatures more than she cared for herself. It is in her honor that we are donating a table to No Paw Left Behind.
No Paw Left Behind (NPLB) is an all-volunteer, not for profit (foster home based) animal rescue based out of central CT. Since 2012 this group has improved the lives of hundreds of homeless animals. They care for several outdoor feral colonies and are always taking in new strays and owner surrenders; many of which are sick and/or pregnant. While their current focus is on cats, they actually started with dogs and still take them in on occasion (as they can).
TICKETS:
Tickets are $25 at the door.
FAQ:
What time should I arrive as an attendee?
Attendees are let in to the event at 11AM. The parking lot at The Matrix Conference Center opens at 8AM.
Where do I enter the Matrix?
Please enter through the 3rd floor parking garage.
What if I have preorder tickets?
If you purchased your tickets ahead of time, you will get in the “Have Tickets” line. *This includes the Will Call email tickets and Radio Winners. That line will enter the CT HorrorFest first when the event opens.
What if I need to BUY tickets day of the event?
You may purchase tickets the day of event for $25 cash only at the front table.
Can I come in costume?
Of course! Please NO real weaponary. There will be a check at the front entrance.
Can I have a machete signed?
If you get a machete signed, you will need to check it at the front desk or bring it to your car immediately following.
Is there food at the Matrix?
Yes, the Matrix has a cafeteria.
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-$80.
Is there an ATM onsite?
Yes.
PAST SHOWS:
CT HorrorFest 2016: Horror News Network Coverage, CTNow Coverage, News Times
CT HorrorFest 2015: Horror News Network Coverage, CTNow Coverage
CT HorrorFest 2014: Horror News Network Coverage, CTNow Coverage
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