ScareFest Weekend 17 Brings Three days of Chills, Thrills, and Celebrity Screams!

From Freddy Krueger to the real Annabelle doll, you might wanna consider having a priest on speed dial this weekend!

There’s a chill rolling into Lexington this October, and it’s not just the autumn wind. ScareFest Weekend 17 is set to unleash three days of spine-tingling excitement from October 17–19, 2025, at the Central Bank Center. Billed as Kentucky’s largest horror and pop culture convention, this monstrous gathering promises a full weekend where fans can meet their screen nightmares face-to-face, snag autographs, attend exclusive panels, and dive deep into every macabre corner of the genre. Think Comic-Con—but the lights flicker, and the main attraction might just stare back at you.

The guest lineup alone is enough to make any horror aficionado clutch their VHS collection with pride. Headliners include Robert Englund, the man behind Freddy Krueger’s infamous glove, along with Juliette Lewis from Yellowjackets and David Giuntoli of Grimm fame. Scream queen Linnea Quigley also joins the frightful fun, ensuring no shortage of shrieks and selfies. Add in more than 90 celebrity guests spanning film, television, and the paranormal, and ScareFest becomes less a convention and more a pilgrimage for the horror faithful.

Beyond the stars, the Central Bank Center itself will transform into a labyrinth of thrills, featuring over 200 vendors offering everything from handmade horror art to screen-used memorabilia. There’s even ScareFest Ink, a tattoo expo where top artists will etch your favorite monsters right into your skin—because who doesn’t want a permanent reminder of their true horror fandom? Whether you’re after collectibles, crafts, or creeping dread, the show floor will have something that follows you home.

Think Comic-Con—but the lights flicker, and the main attraction might just stare back at you.

The beating heart of the weekend lies in its programming. Across multiple stages and rooms, fans can join celebrity Q&A panels, writing and FX workshops, and live podcast events like “Talk Scary to Me: LIVE!” hosted by Danielle Harris and Scout Taylor-Compton.

Screenings run throughout the weekend, spotlighting new indie horror films and beloved classics that still make you check your locks twice. It’s an experience that blends fandom with education, offering both jump scares and job tips for aspiring creators.

Of course, no horror convention would be complete without a few cursed relics. The Warrens’ Occult Museum Experience returns with the real Annabelle doll on display, daring brave attendees to test their nerve—and possibly their insurance coverage. Admission comes in two flavors: $35 for a single encounter or $50 for unlimited access. Either way, it’s not every day you get to stare down one of the most notorious artifacts in paranormal history.

Nightfall brings a new flavor of fear with ScareFest’s after-hours events. There’s the WickedBeard Cosplay Showdown, offering $500 to the best in monstrous couture, along with horror drag theater, “Scaryoke,” and even paranormal investigations for those who prefer their nightlife with a hint of EVP static. Themed parties and immersive games ensure the energy doesn’t fade when the lights go down—because at ScareFest, darkness is part of the itinerary.

Families haven’t been left out of the fright fest. Kids 12 and under get in free all weekend, and Sunday is officially “Kids Day,” featuring age-appropriate programming, activities, and photo ops that won’t send anyone running for therapy. It’s a clever balance that lets parents share their love of the genre without turning bedtime into an exorcism.

For travelers, the event’s hotel partners offer special “fan block” rates at nearby spots like the Hampton Inn, Clarion, and Hyatt Place. Shuttle routes are planned to ferry guests to and from the convention center, ensuring no one has to risk summoning a Lyft driver named Damien in the dead of night. With downtown Lexington’s restaurants and nightlife just steps away, the weekend offers as much comfort as it does chaos.

Tickets are already selling faster than a final girl in a cornfield chase scene. Single-day and weekend passes are available, but VIP and “Plus” packages have a history of vanishing early. Some perks include early entry, priority seating at panels, and exclusive photo ops that give superfans the edge when it comes to bragging rights. Organizers warn that tickets may not be available at the door—so, in classic horror fashion, waiting until the last minute might just be your undoing.

When all is said and screamed, ScareFest Weekend 17 stands as a celebration of everything that makes horror fun: the community, the creativity, and the chance to laugh at what scares us. Whether you’re chasing autographs, eerie artifacts, or just a good time surrounded by fellow fans, Lexington’s Central Bank Center will be the bleeding (possibly still-beating) heart of the horror world this weekend. Bring your camera, your courage, and maybe a lucky charm—because this time...the scares aren’t just on screen.