Horror movie fans, collectors, music lovers, cosplayers, and Halloween enthusiasts can spend a Sunday surrounded by the darker side of pop culture when Charleston Horror Fest comes to North Charleston on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
The one-day convention runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Hotel & Convention Center, 5055 International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29418, bringing horror celebrities, vendors, artists, cosplay, collectibles, and fans together just two weeks before Halloween.
This year’s special guest lineup reaches across slasher-film history, horror punk, television, and independent horror with Warrington Gillette, Dr. Chud, and James Stokes scheduled to appear.
Event Highlights Include:
- Meet Jason from Friday the 13th Part 2: Warrington Gillette is credited as Jason Voorhees in the 1981 slasher classic Friday the 13th Part 2. Gillette appears as the unmasked Jason during the film’s memorable climactic sequence, making him part of the early history of one of horror cinema’s most recognizable characters.
- Meet Former Misfits Drummer Dr. Chud: Music and horror-punk fans can meet Dr. Chud, also known as David Calabrese, who performed with the Misfits during the band’s 1990s resurrection era. He played on the albums American Psycho and Famous Monsters and later worked with Graves, Gorgeous Frankenstein, Doyle, and his own project, Dr. Chud’s X-Ward.
- Meet Actor James Stokes: Stokes has appeared in Netflix’s Stranger Things and the action film Adrenaline, while horror fans may also recognize him for portraying Jason Voorhees in Voorhees: Night of the Beast. His work includes acting and producing across a growing collection of independent film projects.
- Horror Vendors and Artists: The convention floor will bring together vendors and artists for fans interested in horror collectibles, artwork, memorabilia, apparel, and pop-culture merchandise.
- Cosplay Contest: Costumes are encouraged, and general admission includes entry into the show’s cosplay contest, giving horror fans an opportunity to bring favorite monsters, villains, creatures, and original creations to life.
- Additional Ticket Experiences: Along with $20 general admission, Charleston Horror-Fest offers limited VIP and Platinum ticket packages for attendees looking for early entry and front-of-line access to artists and celebrity guests. A separately ticketed wrestling attraction is also available for $15, with kids admitted free to the wrestling portion.
General admission is $20, with tickets available in advance or at the registration table on the day of the event. Kids under 11 get in free, one child per paid adult, and additional children are $10 each.
Taking place in the heart of October, Charleston Horror-Fest gives Lowcountry horror fans a chance to meet personalities connected to cult films, television, and horror music while browsing vendors and artists and spending the day with other fans of the genre.
Event at a Glance:
- What: Charleston Horror-Fest
- When: Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Hotel & Convention Center, 5055 International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29418
- Special Guests: Warrington Gillette, Dr. Chud, and James Stokes
- Admission: $20 general admission. Kids under 11 are free, one per paid adult; additional children are $10 each.
- Additional Options: VIP and Platinum packages are available in limited quantities. Wrestling requires a separate $15 ticket; kids are free for the wrestling portion.
For tickets, guest information, vendor details, and the latest show updates, visit carolinashorrorfest.com.