CT HorrorFest

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Attention horror fans! CT HorrorFest returns September 23-24, 2023! The event is presented by Connecticut-based horror website Horror News Network, one of the top horror news and information sites on the web.

September 23 –  11AM-7PM
September 24 – 11AM-5PM

Come meet horror celebrities and shop horror themed vendors at the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

 


TICKETS:
Click here to buy tickets on the XL Center website.
(Please note:  Tickets musts be purchased on a phone or Computer, not an IPad)

What you need to know:
Tickets are non-refundable and are non-transferable between days (if you purchase a Saturday ticket, it can only be used on Saturday, September 23 and if you purchase a Sunday ticket, it is only good for Sunday, September 24th).

Unless otherwise stated on the website, all celebrities will appear both days. Be aware that a celebrity may cancel due to filming or other obligations beyond our control – there will be no refund given due to a celebrity cancellation (or for any other reason other than show cancellation). Please also keep in mind that a ticket to the show only guarantees entry into the event – not autographs, photos or celebrity meet and greets.
*Children 10 and under are free with a paying adult.

GUESTS:

*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.

Cassandra Peterson

From the top of her beehive hairdo to the bottom of her stiletto heels, Elvira personifies the horror genre in one spooky, sexy, fun package.


Played by actress Cassandra Peterson, Elvira was the first horror host ever to air on national TV and she has emerged as one of pop culture’s most original and outrageous characters.


Elvira’s reign has now spanned 40 years and includes her long-running nationally syndicated television series, Movie Macabre and two feature films Elvira, Mistress of the Dark and Elvira’s Haunted Hills.


Cassandra’s film appearances include Peewee’s Big Adventure, All About Evil, and the upcoming The Munsters, directed by Rob Zombie. Elvira’s TV appearances include Search for the Next Elvira, Oddities, Counting Cars, Halloween Wars, Storage Wars, Ru Paul’s Drag Race, 13 Nights of Elvira for Hulu, The Goldbergs, and the voice of an animated Elvira in Happy Halloween Scooby Doo!


The Elvira brand is worldwide and has generated thousands of products, including pinball machines, slot machines, mobile games, Funko POPs!, jewelry, party décor, 3 comic book series, a macabre edition Vespa, Pez dispensers, costumes, a Chia Pet, a Living Dead doll, a newly released (2022) action figure from NECA, costumes, makeup and more.


In 2021 Cassandra released her long-awaited memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira from Hachette Book Group, which became an instant New York Times Bestseller. She also co-wrote and starred in AMC Shudder Channel’s Elvira’s
40th Anniversary Very Scary, Very Special, Special and starred in a national Netflix Halloween ad campaign.


David Howard Thornton

With the departure of Mike Giannelli after the anthology film All Hallow’s Eve, writer/director Damien Leone was tasked with finding a new actor to fill Art the Clown’s huge, bloody shoes. Thankfully for him, in walked a gifted voice actor from Alabama with a talent for scaring the hell out of people who aren’t normally even afraid of clowns.

David Howard Thornton has brought the perfect amount of brutal hilarity to the character of Art the Clown during his portrayals in Terrifier and Terrifier 2 and we’re excited to see where he can take the character in the future!

We are thrilled to bring David Howard Thornton to CT HorrorFest 2023!

Film: Terrifier, Terrifier 2, The Exigency, The Dark Offerings, The Mean One, Night of the Living Dead 2

Television: Gotham, Nightwing: Escalation, The Bravest Knight, Alma’s Way

Voicework: Two Worlds ii Pirates of the Flying Fortress, The Invizimals: The Lost Kingdom, Miss Hokusai


Damien Leone

 A student of special effects makeup and a lifelong horror fan, Damien Leone always knew he wanted to unleash loads of screen-gore unto the masses. Then in 2008, he wrote and directed a short film titled The 9th Circle which featured a character he created named Art the Clown.

Based on the reaction to that character, he gave Art his own short film in 2011 titled Terrifier. Word about this underground blood-fest circulated which led to an anthology film featuring the demented clown and now two stand-alone films – the most recent of which is currently still filling theaters with horror-obsessed Art fans.

Please welcome writer/director Damien Leone to 2023’s CT HorrorFest!

Film: The 9th Circle, All Hallow’s Eve, Terrifier, Terrifier 2, Frankenstein vs. the Mummy


Kane Hodder

When it came time to cast the role of Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, Paramount Pictures wanted Part 6’s CJ Graham back in the role. Director John Carl Buechler, who had worked with Kane Hodder on the 1987 film Prison, knew that Kane was his guy. He pushed for Kane until the studio relented and you know the rest - Kane went on to become the first person to play the role of Jason multiple times and has since become synonymous with the role.

A prolific stuntman, stunt coordinator, actor and author, Kane Hodder is one of the most recognizable faces in horror and a welcome site for horror fans the world over.

We are thrilled to welcome Kane Hodder to CT HorrorFest 2023!

Film: Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan, Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday, Jason X, Hatchet, Hatchet II, Hatchet III, Victor Crowley, Prison, Best of the Best, Wishmaster, Monster, The Devil’s Rejects, Frozen, Holliston

Books: Unmasked: The True Story of The World's Most Prolific, Cinematic Killer


Quinn Lord

Our next guest got his start in his own living room where, at the age of five, he was memorizing scenes from Star Wars and Indiana Jones and performing them for his parents and anyone else who would watch. By the time he was six, his parents had him enrolled in an improv class and he started doing commercial work.

He then made the jump to TV shows and landed roles in popular shows like Supernatural, Smallville and Stargate SG-1. At the ripe old age of seven, he auditioned for, and won, the role of Sam in the Halloween cult classic film Trick ‘r Treat. Since then, Quinn has been nominated for the Young Artist Award as Best Leading Young Actor in a Feature Film for his role as Thomas Whitman in the 2012 feature film Imaginaerum and he can currently be seen on the Netflix show Firefly Lane.

We are thrilled to bring Quinn Lord to CT HorrorFest in 2023!

Films: Trick ‘r Treat, Deck the Halls, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, In Their Skin, Imaginaerum, Deadman Standing, The Possession

Television: The Man in the High Castle, Smallville, Supernatural, Stargate SG-1, Fringe, Firefly Lane


Bill Moseley

A Yale grad born in Stamford, CT, Bill Moseley got his start writing for magazines like ‘National Lampoon’ and ‘Omni’ before turning his sights to acting in his late twenties. In only his second role, he won over horror fans with his portrayal of Leatherface’s brother “Chop-Top” in Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 in 1986.


Bill kept busy during the rest of the 80’s and 90’s with films like Silent Night, Deadly Night 3, Tom Savini’s Night of the Living Dead and Army of Darkness but it was his turn as Otis in Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses that truly reignited his legend in the horror genre.

Please join us in welcoming the incredible Bill Moseley to CT HorrorFest in 2023!

Films: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Army of Darkness, Night of the Living Dead (1990), Honey I Blew Up the Kid, House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, 3 from Hell


Jonathan Breck

Our next guest is from the big state of Texas where he played football and graduated with a degree in business studies from Baylor University. After several years of a successful career in medical sales, Jonathan Breck decided to chase his dreams of being an actor. He spent a few years on the stage before landing some television roles; including a stint on Star Trek: Voyager.


In  2001, Jonathan won the role that made him a star in the eyes of horror fans as he became The Creeper in Jeepers Creepers; a role that he has since reprised for the series’ sequels.

Join us in welcoming The Creeper, Jonathan Breck, to CT HorrorFest 2023!

Films: Jeepers Creepers, Jeepers Creepers 2, Jeepers Creepers III, W., Everybody Wants Some!!

Television: Star Trek: Voyager, I Married a Monster, V.I.P., JAG, Friday Night Lights

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Nick Castle

Nick Castle was no stranger to Hollywood before his turn as “The Shape” in John Carpenter’s Halloween. Nick’s father was a mainstay in television, theater, and film as an actor/dancer/choreographer and after young Nick was born, he was often used in small roles in his dad’s films.

However, it was while studying film at USC that he and his classmate/friend John Carpenter first got a taste of the big time as a short film that they both co-wrote (The Resurrection of Broncho Billy) won the Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short Film in 1970.

Nick then worked on Dark Star with John Carpenter before John asked him to portray the killer Michael Myers in 1978’s Halloween and he has subsequently returned for roles in Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills, and Halloween Ends.

We are thrilled to welcome Nick Castle back to CT HorrorFest for the 45th anniversary of the 1978 Halloween!

Actor: Halloween (1978 & 2018), Halloween Kills, Halloween Ends, Escape from New York, Dark Star

Writer: Skatetown USA, Escape from New York, Hook, August Rush

Director: Tag: The Assassination Game, The Last Starfighter, The Boy Who Could Fly

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Charles Cyphers

Charles Cyphers has always been one of those actors who is so brilliant at blending into a film that you almost don’t know that it’s him when you see him on the screen. From his first uncredited role in Cool Breeze with Thalmus Rasulala to his first credited role in Truck Turner with Isaac Hayes, Charles’ presence is always felt in the scenes he’s in. Mr. Cyphers is said to be most proud of his huge decades-long body of work in the Los Angeles theatre scene where he’s won awards for his acting.

In 1978, he first made his presence known in the horror world when he starred as Sheriff Brackett in John Carpenter’s Halloween; a role that he reprised in the 1981 sequel and then again in 2021’s Halloween Kills.

Please welcome Charles Cyphers CT HorrorFest 2023 for the 45th anniversary of the 1978 Halloween!

Films: Halloween (1978), Halloween II (1981), Halloween Kills, The Fog, Escape from New York, Assault on Precinct 13, Death Wish II, Major League, Gleaming the Cube, Grizzly II: Revenge

Television: The Six Million Dollar Man, Charlie’s Angels, The Dukes of Hazard, Wonder Woman, Little House on the Prairie, The Betty White Show, Starsky and Hutch, Dallas, ER, Seinfeld, Freddy’s Nightmares


Nancy Kyes

As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of John Carpenter’s Halloween, we would be remiss not to include Laurie Strode’s best friend Annie Brackett in the fun. After working with John Carpenter on 1976’s Assault on Precinct 13, Nancy Kyes (Loomis) was chosen by Carpenter to round out the trio of friends that included PJ Soles and Jamie Lee Curtis in 1978’s Halloween.


Having retired from her acting career shortly after it really began, Nancy now spends her time sculpting and teaching acting classes in Los Angeles.

We are happy to welcome back Nancy to CT HorrorFest!


Films: Halloween, Halloween II, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Assault on Precinct 13, The Fog.


PJ Soles

Over the years, the 1975 joint-casting session for George Lucas’ Star Wars and Brian De Palma’s Carrie has become the stuff of legend. Tons of people who went on to become Hollywood royalty attended those auditions and lucky for us, one of them brought along her red baseball cap.

Brian De Palma instantly took a liking to P.J. Soles and ended up increasing her role of Norma in Carrie from a one-line role to a much larger part. Another young filmmaker named John Carpenter happened to catch P.J. Soles’ performance in Carrie and “totally” wrote the role of Lynda in 1978’s seminal film Halloween just for her.

Here, in the 45th anniversary of Halloween, CT HorrorFest is thrilled to welcome P.J. Soles!

Films: Carrie, Halloween, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, Stripes, Private Benjamin, Jawbreaker, The Devil’s Rejects, Halloween (2018), Candy Corn, and Hanukkah.

Television: Cheers, Airwolf, Simon & Simon, Knight Rider.


John Michael Graham

On Halloween night in 1978, in the quiet town of Haddonfield, Illinois, Bob Simms picked up his girlfriend Lynda Van Der Klok and headed to the Wallace house where Lynda’s friend Annie was babysitting the Wallace’s young daughter Lindsey.

Finding no one home, the young couple had the whole house to themselves…or so they thought. When Bob went downstairs to search the fridge for a beer, he was encountered by Michael Myers which led to his death, and one of the most iconic images in the Halloween franchise.

We are thrilled to welcome John Michael Graham, Halloween’s Bob Simms, to CT HorrorFest for the 45th anniversary of the 1978 Halloween!

Actor: Halloween (1978), Grease


AUTOGRAPH PRICING:

Not known at this time.

 


CELEBRITY PHOTO OPS:

Ok everyone, you told us that you wanted professional photo ops and we listened. The MAXIMUM amount of people allowed in one of the photo ops are: two adults or two adults with up to three children. These can be pre-purchased here: https://purchase.growtix.com/eh/2023_Connecticut_HorrorFest_Photo_Ops

Also, keep in mind that there are no autographs in the photo op area; if you purchase a photo op and want it signed, you’ll have to wait in their line at their table afterward.

 


WANT EARLY GUEST ANNOUNCEMENTS?

We have created a Patreon page to help us continue to bring amazing content and events your way. Through ongoing funding, we hope to spend more time engaging our fan-base in an interactive way and continue to populate the internet with beautiful things that tons of people can enjoy.

We have many different levels (tiers) to help support us – even as low as $1 a month. We have some amazing stuff in other tiers including early CT HorrorFest guest announcements and behind the scenes at Horror News Network and CT HorrorFest. Click here for more.


VENUE:

WHERE?
XL Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103

WHEN?
September 23-24, 2023

SHOW HOURS
September 23 –  11AM – 7PM

September 24 – 11AM – 5PM

PARKING FOR CT HORRORFEST
There are plenty of lots and parking garages at the venue.


CHARITY RAFFLE:

In December of 2015, long-time Horror News Network/CT HorrorFest staff member, Sarah Mathews passed away suddenly. Her love of all things pop culture was only over shadowed by her love of cats. It is in her honor that we donate the raffle prize and table to Animals for Life-CT at CT HorrorFest.

Animals for Life is an all-volunteer, not for profit animal rescue based out of CT. Since 1996, Animals for Life has had the simple goal of finding needy animals loving homes. Now, more than 20 years later, their goal remains the same–to place homeless cats and dogs into wonderful, forever homes.

They are also are huge believers in education and outreach and work to educate and assist the public on companion animal issues, and address the issue of pet overpopulation that is rampant in CT and the world in general.


EVENT SPONSORS:

 


PANELS AND PROGRAMMING:

Will be announced as the event gets closer.

Covid-19 Specific Guidance:

Do I have to wear a mask?

Per the current Connecticut guidelines, aligned with CDC recommendations, mask-wearing is currently not required at destinations such as the Naugatuck Event Center, therefore guests at CT HorrorFest are not required to wear a mask at this time. *

*Please note that we will continue to follow State guidance on this topic so this may change by the date of the event.


I’m not feeling well, should I still attend?

Absolutely not. This is true even before the pandemic.


Important to note

Some folks may still choose to wear a mask. We will not tolerate any harassment of any attendee, guest, celebrity, vendor at CTHF for choosing to wear, or not wear, a mask. Anyone engaging in such behavior will be asked to leave immediately (without refund).


Assumption of risk and liability

COVID-19 and its variants are extremely contagious. CT HorrorFest cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19 while attending the convention.

FAQ:

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.


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

Any time. Tickets will be on sale both days at the door.


But can the event sell out?

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


I purchased a Saturday ticket but have decided to come 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.


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

We’ve had this problem in the past and this year we will be instituting a ticketing system should the need arise during the show. More to come on that.


Can I come in costume?

Of course!


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.


Is there an ATM onsite?

Yes. 


My costume has a weapon is that OK?

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 without being checked.


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

No.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Will there be food?

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


Will you be adding more guests?

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


Can I smoke?

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


Can I take photos of vendors and/or celebrities?

With their permission, yes.


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.


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.


PAST SHOWS:

CT HorrorFest 2022: Horror News Network Coverage

CT HorrorFest 2021: Horror News Network Coverage

CT HorrorFest 2019: Horror News Network CoverageCT Post Coverage

CT HorrorFest 2018: Horror News Network CoverageCTNow CoverageNews Times

CT HorrorFest 2017: Horror News Network CoverageCTNow CoverageNews Times

CT HorrorFest 2016: Horror News Network CoverageCTNow CoverageNews Times

CT HorrorFest 2015: Horror News Network CoverageCTNow Coverage

CT HorrorFest 2014: Horror News Network CoverageCTNow Coverage


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