Haunted Attraction Network
Haunted Attraction Network is a podcast that connects the global haunted attraction industry through education, news, and events. It features interviews with innovators and operators in the Halloween and haunt space. Episodes cover topics such as design, marketing, safety, and business strategies for haunted attractions. The show is aimed at professionals and enthusiasts who want to stay informed about trends and best practices.
Episodes
NEWS: $13.5 Billion on Halloween, & Gore Isn't Driving It
Halloween is bigger than ever!The NRF puts spending at a record $13.5 billion this year, with 74% of Americans celebrating and 49% starting their shopping in September or earlier. And gore isn't driving any of it: the top ways people celebrate are handing out candy, costumes, decorating, pumpkins, and scary movies. In this week's double issue: why family Halloween is having a moment (go spooky, no
NEWS: 31 Days Until Halloween; Enjoy Some of It
Fall is officially here, and we're only 35 days away from Halloween. By this weekend, every major theme park Halloween event in the U.S. is open, Alton Towers, Movie Park Germany, and Disneyland Paris are open in Europe, and our tracker shows more than 30 haunts opening tonight and tomorrow alone. This is crunch time, and all of us are in the middle of shows. So I'm giving you permission: take car
NEWS: why Halloween is becoming premium
At HHN this year, the premium tiers sold out first. Premium Scream Night, a capacity-capped evening at $399 a head, sold out on both of its dates. The R.I.P. guided tour, at $469, has sold out outright, and the only way left to buy that experience is a private booking for $5,000. Six Flags is making the same premium bet with The Conjuring: Beyond Fear while playing the value side at the same time:
NEWS: haunted houses are the roller coasters of fall
It's Pumpkin Spice Week, and the theme park season is nearly all open too. In this week's newsletter: every major U.S. theme park Halloween event is either running or opens within the next three weeks, and haunted houses are the roller coasters of fall, the dedicated attractions that give the theme park industry its pricing power. Meanwhile, Thirteenth Floor is running a licensed Jason walkthrough
NEWS: Movie tickets broke records. Are haunt tickets next?
Movie tickets broke records this summer, showing that people are still paying to go out. They're choosing cheaper formats, and a haunt ticket sits much closer to a movie ticket than to a theme park vacation. In this week's newsletter, we break down what that demand means for haunts this fall, the sensory Halloween food trend hitting national shelves, how Kennywood and HHN are monetizing assets by
NEWS: Quality vs. Quantity: Universal and Six Flags Split Halloween
Between Midsummer Scream and earnings week, this issue is dense. Disney, Six Flags, and United Parks dropped earnings, and the news is positive overall for our industry. Universal has a strong reputation, but Six Flags now operates the most haunted mazes in the world: 107, added to parks that already have infrastructure and passholders. HHN Hollywood is leaning into independent films where they ha
NEWS: Treatonimics - Guests Want Memorable, Not Cheap
Hershey has a name for the economy we've been describing all year: Treatonomics, "a consumer trend in which people prioritize joyful, memorable experiences and generosity over simply chasing the lowest price." Guests are still spending on Halloween, and they're looking for memorable experiences to connect with, even if it costs a little more. Case in point: eight dates of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Hal
NEWS: People Are Ready To Buy Halloween Now
Guests are ready to buy Halloween in July. That's the takeaway from Mars' annual Tricks, Treats and Trends report, which put consumer numbers on trends we've been tracking all year: 57% of US adults now consider Halloween a full season, 71% want sensory food experiences, and half of Gen Z is discovering Halloween on TikTok and YouTube. This week's news shows operators building for exactly that: Sc
NEWS: Halloween is less than 3 weeks away
The theme park industry spent years training guests that September and October were worth a visit, and it worked so well that Halloween is now the anchor of the entertainment calendar. In this week's newsletter, we break down what that means for haunts, who's still spending, and why consumer retail is now building product for the semi-pro haunter.In this issue:- Plan Your Season with HAN's 2026 Ha
NEWS: The K-Shaped Economy Comes for Halloween
Welcome to the circus!July 5th marks the official countdown to Halloween in the US, and the theme for 2026 is shaping up to be carnival. Bath & Body Works is the second national retailer to land on a haunted carnival theme, joining Michaels and Halloween Horror Nights' "Infernal Carnival of Nightmares." When two national chains and the world's largest Halloween event converge on the same aesth
NEWS: Comcast Splits as Universal Bets Big on Halloween
Halloween is having a moment, and Universal is here for it. Comcast announced it will split into two companies, with the entertainment half, NBCUniversal, anchored by its growing theme parks division. Since Comcast has made horror a central part of its brand, Halloween is about to become a much more visible story on earnings calls, and a higher bar for HHN and Horror Unleashed to clear. That dovet
NEWS: A Haunt Sells Memories, Not Scares
Two threads land on themes we keep circling back to: who you're selling to and what you're selling is changing.Families are one of the three groups still spending on attractions, and the new Universal Kids Resort is a direct play for that demographic. But, it seems to suffer from the same issue as Universal Horror Unleashed: Universal positioned the product as premium, betting that the IP and bran
NEWS: What 52,000 Hires Mean For Your Haunt
Spirit Halloween announced it will hire over 52,000 seasonal associates, the largest hiring event in the company's history. Most Americans don't go to a haunted house, but nearly all of them first encounter Halloween through retail. Retail is the first wave of the season, and it primes guests for everything that comes after, including your attraction.In this issue:-Spirit Halloween to Hire 52,000
NEWS: Who Is Still Spending on Attractions?
Our job is to entertain people. How they want to be entertained, though, might be changing. New data from PGAV and Integrated Insight show that the audience for paid attractions is shifting, with visits down about 11% year over year, with the steepest declines among lower-income households, women, and families without kids.This week, we break down who's still spending, what they want, and why Disn
NEWS: Why haunts Are Becoming Scream Parks
Haunts and theme parks are facing similar challenges in entertaining guests: the connective tissue between the big moments is what makes the day (or night) work.In this issue:- Sinners Announced for Halloween Horror Nights Orlando and Hollywood- Hersheypark Dark Nights Sets June Audition Dates- Epic Universe Turns One: Takeaways- Disney Faces Class Action Over Disneyland Facial Recognition- Field
NEWS: Why Haunts Are Weaving Food Into The Story
Last week I attended IAAPA Honors, and my biggest takeaway was something I saw last year: F&B as narrative. From LA Haunted Hayride's Cider Mill to Scarehouse Windsor's dinner experiences, the expansion of food carts at HHN, and all the haunts with hidden bars, we're seeing more haunts weaving food into the story. Guests are buying experiences from us, and food has to be part of that, not sepa
NEWS: What Disney and Six Flags Tell Haunts About Fall
Both Disney and Six Flags posted strong earnings this week, and while haunts are a few steps removed from the major theme park operators, it tells us something useful: guests are still booking, still spending, and still showing up. The two chains are taking different approaches to the same moment, with Six Flags leaning into value and regional passes while Disney leans into premium. For haunted at
NEWS: Trends shaping the 2026 Halloween season
It was a slow news week after the rush of Halfway to Halloween, but a few major trends are emerging that could shape this Halloween season.In this issue:-Dead Man's Party Returns to Six Flags Great Adventure-Six Flags St. Louis Enacts Strict Chaperone Policy-Universal Horror Unleashed Teases New Dinner Series-Nocturne Theatre Debuts The Eaves-Ohio Haunters Convention Takes Place This Weekend-Midwe
NEWS: Halloween Creep hits a new record
Halloween creep is officially here. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to the Magic Kingdom on August 7th, the earliest start date in the event's history. But Disney is moving up the calendar without really reinvesting in the event itself. Combined with Universal bringing back HHN icons and recent earnings flagging softer summer demand, the question is whether the major operators are qu
NEWS: How Haunters are Celebrating Halfway to Halloween
It's Halfway to Halloween week, and haunters nationwide are celebrating. The Spooky Swap Meet is taking over Heritage Square Museum in LA, the East Coast Haunters Convention kicks off this week in Oaks, Pennsylvania, and it's also the opening weekend of Universal Fan Fest Nights, where Universal Monsters are headlining.In this issue:-East Coast Haunters Convention Guide-Spooky Swap Meet This Weeke
NEWS: ECHC, Retail Creep, & 1,000 Disney layoffs
The East Coast Haunters Convention is less than two weeks out, and this week's HAN newsletter has your full guide to haunt tours, the show floor, seminars, and the Saturday night party at Shocktoberfest. Build season is picking up, and we're booking Vendor Spotlight Videos on the ECHC floor.Also this week: Disney cut 1,000 jobs across marketing and publicity while parks and live entertainment went
NEWS: Transworld 2026 - The Full Recap
TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show wrapped up Sunday in St. Louis, and this week's newsletter is dedicated to the full recap. We spoke with 16 vendors across the show floor, where the trend toward retailtainment was impossible to miss: booths are becoming experiences. We also covered the OSCARES (record attendance this year), a new HAA president, and an insurance conversation the indust
The Haunted Attraction Association's 2026 State of the Industry Seminar
Held annually at TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show, the State of the Industry Seminar brings together HAA board members, haunt owners, operators, and vendors for a candid look at the past season and the challenges ahead. Moderated by outgoing President Jim Werner (Pennhurst Asylum), this year's discussion covered the ongoing insurance crisis, AI's impact on search and operations, and a
NEWS: Transworld Week is here
TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show kicks off this week in St. Louis. Whether you're heading to the show floor or following from home, here's what the industry is talking about heading into the biggest week of the year.Also this week:- Halloween Horror Nights 35 Reveals First Haunted House and Returning Icons- Jana Partners Pushes Six Flags to Explore Sale- Sesame Workshop Sues United Pa
NEWS: The Haunt Industry Descends on St. Louis
TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show returns to St. Louis next week with 450+ exhibitors, dozens of seminars, and a full week of industry events. We put together a guide to help you navigate it all.Also this week:- Travis Kelce Signs On as Six Flags Brand Ambassador- New State Lease Terms Put Old Joliet Haunted Prison's Future in Question- Will Attractions Be Impacted by Conflict in the M
NEWS: Haunt Convention Season is Underway
It's March, and that means convention season for the haunted attraction industry is upon us! This week: Preview the floor plans for TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show, coming up March 26th - 29th in St. Louis; Midsummer Scream Tickets On Sal; East Coast Haunters Convention Haunt Tour Tickets On Sale; Texas Haunters Convention Registration Open; United Parks Reports Declining Revenue Ami
NEWS: six Flags Rethinks Seasonal Events
Six Flags is rethinking seasonal events after cancelling Christmas lead to an estimated loss of 425,000 visitors. Also this week:- Imminent Doom Haunted House wins OSCARES Best New Haunt Award. Read the news here
NEWS: 2026 OSCARES Award Winners, Haunt Tours, & More
The 2026 OSCARES Award winners have been announced, honoring excellence across the haunted attraction industry ahead of the March 28th ceremony at TransWorld.Also this week: Glenwood Caverns Files for Bankruptcy After $116M Verdict; Dark Masquerade Returns in March After Sold-Out Debut; Derry Halloween Proposes Ticketing System for 40th Anniversary; East Coast Haunters Convention Announces Haunt T
NEWS: what Disney's new CEO means for Halloween
D'Amaro is Disney's new CEO, underscoring that Disney's future runs through physical experiences rather than linear media; we explain why this will benefit Halloween events.Also this week: Spooky Swap Meet Tickets on Sale; Runway Showcase at TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show; East Coast Haunters Convention Announces Haunt Tours; 3rd Annual Halfway to Halloween Festival Comes to Rancho
NEWS: is your haunt capitalizing on Valentine's Day?
Over 100 haunts are opening for Valentine's weekend, and Dark Hour's new interactive mechanic shows how operators are evolving the off-season format.This week: Dark Hour's Glow Stick Mechanic Turns Blackout Haunts Into a Game; Universal's Hotel Strategy Crosses $1B Quarterly EBITDA; Attractions Magazine's Epic Universe Guide Now Available Digitally; Ask the Haunter: Live Q&A with Philip Hernan
Allen Hopps on Valentine Haunts, Interactivity, and Trends
Dark Hour Haunted House (Plano, TX) will bring back Love Is Blind for Valentine’s weekend, reintroducing the event with a new interactive mechanic that turns a traditional blackout haunt into a choice-driven experience. The limited-run event will take place Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, at Dark Hour Haunted House in Plano, Texas. Unlike earlier iterations of Love Is Blind, this v
NEWS: Dark Harbor expands, Valentine haunts, & retail trends
Haunts nationwide are experimenting with immersive Valentine’s formats, while new retail data suggests a resilient outlook for the 2026 Halloween season. This week: Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Launches "Dark Masquerade"; Cinema of Horrors' "Hearts of Horror"; Brass Ring Excellence Award Finalists; Universal's Fan Fest Nights Doubles Down on Core Fans; Halloween Retailers Expect a Slight Increase in B
Fright Nights WV’s NEW Valentine Survival Horror Experience
Fright Nights WV is opening for Valentine’s weekend with Final Cut: ‘Til Death, a survival-horror experience that places guests directly inside the story while they navigate Valentine’s-themed horror scenarios. Layered inside the attraction is Cupid Crawl, a three-stop bar crawl hidden behind secret doors and available exclusively to upgraded ticket holders. Creative Director Ashley Long joined Th
NEWS: what makes a Valentine haunt successful?
100+ Haunts nationwide are preparing to open for Valentine's Day next month, and we'll explore one haunt, Fright Nights WV, and its strategy in depth. Plus: VFX Creates Launches 2026 Product Line; Is Six Flags Preparing to Sell More Parks?; Scooby-Doo Meets Universal Monsters at USH; The Halloween & Costume Association Spooky Awards Winners; University of Florida Study Suggests A Good Scare C
NEWS: Universal Plans Middle East Theme Park
Universal is reportedly exploring plans for a theme park in Saudi Arabia, funded through a licensing arrangement backed by a government entity. If it moves forward, the project would place Universal alongside Disney, which recently announced a similar licensing deal in Abu Dhabi—one Disney says will be accretive from day one. Also: Submissions are now being accepted for the 2025 Home Haunter Award
NEWS: Merry Hauntings from the Haunted Attraction Network
Merry Hauntings from the Haunted Attraction Network! While most haunts have concluded their holiday run, 8 haunts are still operating this coming weekend. Also this week: Six Flags Magic Mountain Delays New Coaster; Zombie Fun Run at Field of Screams PA Raises $8,000 for PA Breast Cancer Coalition; HauntPay Releases 2025 Season Data in Updated Report; TransWorld Announces "Heaven & Hell" Costu
NEWS: Holiday Haunts Surge Nationwide This December
156 haunted houses nationwide are extending the scare season into December! Nearly half of all events (48%) are concentrated in Southern states, with Texas leading the nation at 14 holiday haunts and Pennsylvania close behind at 13. Also this week: Six Flags Appoints John Reilly as New CEO; Hollow Acres Banned from Christmas Parade; HAA Seeks Board Member Nominations; In Memorial: Remembering Jan
Inside IAAPA’s Haunting Grounds 2025
IAAPA Expo 2025 underscored a clear trend: seasonal events continue to grow, even as IAAPA’s Haunting Grounds remains a modest pavilion compared to dedicated Halloween shows like TransWorld. This year’s exhibitors highlighted how operators are expanding fall and holiday offerings with modular scenic design, interactive environments, AR overlays, and family-friendly installations. In this episode,
NEWS: Seasonal Growth Takes Center Stage at IAAPA
IAAPA Expo 2025 returned to the Orange County Convention Center with record-breaking attendance and a show floor packed with innovations across the attractions industry. Among its newest and fastest-growing areas is the Haunting Grounds, a dedicated pavilion in the North Concourse focused on Halloween and seasonal events.Also this week:- 32nd Annual Thea Awards Recipients Announced- Sally Dark Rid
Nightmares on the Rogue: Oregon’s #1 Haunted House Started as a Youth Fundraiser
What began as a youth center fundraiser in 2019 has grown into one of the most acclaimed haunted attractions in Oregon. Nightmares on the Rogue, located in Medford, is now a 30,000-square-foot Halloween destination featuring three immersive haunted houses and a bustling midway. At the heart of it all is owner Devin Price, who envisioned a haunt that could bring storytelling, spectacle, and communi
Hera’s Nightmare Introduces The Horror Vault Selfie Walkthrough
In Westminster, Maryland, Hera’s Nightmare is planning an ambitious year-round expansion. After winning the 2025 OSCARES Award for First Year Haunt, owner Carlos Rivas doubled the attraction’s size to 25,000 square feet and introduced The Horror Vault — a selfie walkthrough designed for guests to capture their own horror moments.“People want to take pictures when they go through the haunt, but tha
EXCLUSIVE: New Haunts at Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights 2025
Dark Nights celebrated its fourth year as part of Hersheypark Halloween (Hershey, PA) with the new Kill 'n Fill maze and Path of Shadows Coven's Curse scare zone. The Haunted Attraction Network went behind-the-scenes with some of the creative team to learn about the continued evolution of their haunt experience and what sets Hersheypark apart as a must-visit seasonal event. Learn More about Dark N
NEWS: From Halloween to Holidays: What’s Next for Haunts
Halloween may be behind us, but the industry is already shifting into its next phase.In this week’s newsletter, we look at a few insightful stories from this last season, then look ahead to the growing wave of post-Halloween events—from Krampus offerings to holiday-themed haunts—and what this expansion means as the industry heads into IAAPA Expo.This week: Insights from Dark Nights at Hersheypark;
Halloween Special: Trends, Tropes, and Takeaways
From Hollywood to Florida and New York to Oregon, this year’s Halloween season proved that the industry is evolving—just not abandoning its roots. Sliders continue to grow as choreographed street theater, chainsaws remain the undeniable American haunt anthem, and creative teams nationwide are finding new ways to give guests something active to do between scares. From selfie moments and staged phot
NEWS: Peak Haunt Season Arrives with Major Updates Nationwide
As haunts across the country enter their busiest weekends, new stories and surprises are emerging from every corner of the industry. From Frightworld’s AI-inspired Mainframe Massacre to The Thirteenth Hour’s expanded finale, creativity remains at the forefront—even as major parks like Six Flags adjust their Halloween strategies mid-season. This week’s roundup captures the pulse of peak haunt seaso
NEWS: Fear Factory Transforms Fire Damage Into Tribute; Treat Maps
After a grassfire in July destroyed a small structure near the train tracks, Fear Factory SLC (Salt Lake City, UT) rebuilt the damaged area and turned the loss into inspiration. Also this week: Disney Raises Prices—Is the “Happiest Place on Earth” Now for the Wealthiest? ; Uniquely Chinese Halloween Fun with Universal Beijing Resort's Scares @ Universal; Disneyland Visitor Dies After Riding Haunte
NEWS: Haunts Open to Record Crowds; Spooky Awards
Last weekend was the first full opening weekend for most Haunted Attractions Nationwide. While most haunts are reporting steady numbers, several have reported 'sold-out' nights. If this trend continues, it could mean an excellent year for the industry. Also this week: Spooky Awards Finalists & Fan Vote; New Howl-O-Scream College Ticket Offer; Stardust Racers Reopens at Epic Universe After Trag
NEWS: HAA Certifies 67 Top Haunts; 2025 Halloween Trends
The Haunted Attraction Association (HAA) has certified 67 haunted attractions nationwide as 2025 Top Haunts - a record year. Since its inception, the Top Haunts program has been the benchmark for professionalism and safety in the haunted attraction industry.Also this week: Halloween & Costume Association Highlights How Adults Embrace the Spooky Season; IAAPA Brass Ring Awards Deadline is Octob
NEWS: Halloween Trends & Knott's Scary Farm Opens
This past weekend, Knott's Scary Farm (Buena Park, CA) opened for its 52nd season, running 26 select nights through November 1st. This year's lineup includes ten mazes, five scare zones, three shows, and more, with over 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in the fog. Also this week:Halloween Trends 2025: What Guests Really Want; DoorDash Releases "Trick, Treat and Trends"; Six Flags Reports Attenda
NEWS: Dark Nights at Hersheypark Debuts New Haunt & Entertainment
Dark Nights at Hersheypark (Hershey, PA) opened this past weekend, running eight weekends through November 2nd. The event features five haunted houses, four scare zones, access to over 50 rides, seasonal foods & beverages, live entertainment, and more. Guests can enjoy family-friendly fun by day and frights at night - all included with a Hersheypark Halloween ticket. A new haunted house ( Kill
NEWS: Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Opens to Record Year
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Opened Last Weekend to a sold-out crowd, featuring 8 Houses, a New Dining Pass, "Chainsaw Man", and More. Meanwhile, Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Criticized for Premium Scream Night Disappointments, Oversold Passes, and Controversies Around Roaming Characters. Also this week: Six Flags Great America's Fright Fest Begins September 13th; Adventureland Debuts New
NEWS: Halloween Horror Night's Market Shift; Kennywood, Haunted Car Washes, & Netflix House
And as HHN leans on accessible IP like WWE, Fallout, and FNAF, builds in food-forward offerings, and pilots no-scare options, the question arises: is Universal future-proofing the brand—or diluting its horror core? Also this week: Kennywood's Phantom Fall Fest Debuts New Haunted House; Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare Comes to Kings Island in 2026; Netflix House to Open in Philadelphia & Dal
NEWS: Halloween Announcements from Attractions Nationwide
This week: Adventuredome's Fear Zone Organizer Accused of Sexual Battery; Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs Gets Halloween Makeover; Two New Mazes Coming to Knott's Scary Farm; Howl-O-Scream Tampa Unveils M.A.R.S. Haunted House; Queen Mary's Dark Harbor Announces New & Updated Mazes; Field of Screams Maryland Will Not Open for the 2025 Season; Twin Cities Fear Fest Brings Elvira to M
NEWS: Horror Unleashed Opens; Park Announcements Galore
Last week was MASSIVE for Halloween Fans, beginning with the opening of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, followed by Midsummer Scream in Long Beach. Haunted Attractions took advantage of the 50,000+ attendees at Midsummer Scream to announce their Halloween plans - and we've gathered EVERYTHING for you! Highlights: Universal Reveals Terrifier Haunted House Details; Five Nights at Freddy's P
NEWS: Midsummer Scream Brings Haunts & Halloween to Long Beach This Weekend
50,000 Halloween Fans will gather in Long Beach this weekend (Aug 15-17) for Midsummer Scream! Guests will experience 12+ mini-haunts, shop at 350+ vendors, and hear from local haunted attractions about this season. Also this week: Poltergeist Comes to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood; Six Flags Reveals The Conjuring Premium Experience; Kennywood's Phantom Fall Fest Expands; Universal Horror Unle
NEWS: SLASH at Halloween Horror Nights; Fire at Fear Factory; Candy Trends; and More!
This week's headlines: SLASH to Create All-New Experiences for Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood; Want us to visit your haunt? Tell us by July 31st!; Lagoon Show and Nightmare Fuel Return to Halloween Horror Nights Orlando; New Villains for Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland- Disneyland's Halloween Foodie Guide 2025; Tivoli Gardens Celebrates 20 Years of Halloween Festivities; Fire at Fear Factory SL
NEWS: HHN Tests Street Experiences; Texas Haunters This Weekend
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando announced two "all-new street experiences - "Mel's Die-In Zombies," featuring zombie carhops, and "Club Horror," featuring undead DJs. While we've seen 'street' shows in prior years, they're not typically announced and this could mean a stronger entertainment for this year's event. Also: The Texas Haunters Convention is this weekend; Summerween Spurs Creativity and
NEWS: Stranger Things Haunts Heads to Singapore; Terrifier at HHN; & More
A Stranger Things Haunted House will debut at Singapore's Halloween Horror Nights, joining the returning house, Singapore's Most Haunted: Build to Horror, two yet-to-be-announced houses, two scare zones, and three live shows. Also this week: "Terrifier" Comes to US Halloween Horror Nights; Howl-O-Scream San Diego Returns; "Fresno Fright Nights" Comes to San Joaquin Valley; Freakling Bros. Pauses 2
NEWS: Summerween Hits the Mainstream
With the last major holiday celebration of summer out of the way (no one really decorates for Labor Day), retailers are now fully embracing the "Summerween" season, stocking Halloween-themed products earlier than ever before. As reported in last month's newsletters, stores like Michaels, Target, and Lowe's took advantage of Friday, June 13th, to begin to release their spooky items. Now, even more
NEWS: Universal's Chicago Haunt; Fear Dome; & HHN Houses
This week: Universal Destinations & Experiences Announces Horror Unleashed Chicago; Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Announced 5 Original Haunts; La Llorona, La Muelona, and La Siguanaba Come to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood; Haunts Return to the Las Vegas Adventuredome with "Fear Dome"; Screams Halloween Theme Park Announces Closure; "Graveyard Games" Now Casting Horror Superfans; Spirit
NEWS: Festival Fright Nights, Hauntathon, & MHC Recap
This week: Winchester Mystery House Unveils Festival Fright Nights; Hauntathon seeks Haunted Attractions for 2025 Season; Midwest Haunters Convention Draws Massive Crowds; Oogie Boogie Bash tickets go on sale June 26th; Friday the 13th's Jason comes to Halloween Horror Nights; Universal Japan gets new maze and collab with KATE makeup; Top 5 theme park trends you need to know; Terror Vault presents
NEWS: Industry Mourns Sudden Passing of Edward Terebus of Erebus Haunted Attraction
This week: Industry Mourns Sudden Passing of Edward Terebus of Erebus Haunted Attraction; Fallout Comes to Halloween Horror Nighte; GUIDE to Halloween Horror Night Tickets; Ghost Boat Collaborates with Moment Factory; Haunt Shirts Announces Closure; Midwest Haunters Convention Returns June 5th - 7th, 2026. Read the stories here.
NEWS: Haunt Trends Playing Out in Real Time
This week: How trends from InterPark Magazine and theme parks impact haunts; Monsterpalooza Comes to Pasadena This Weekend; Six Flags validates horror IP expansion & themed F&B; Spirit Halloween Cancels Flagship Store Grand Opening; Queen Mary's Dark Harbor To Open June 13th; Zombies Takeover Hello Kitty Land This Summer; Ghostly Manor Debuts at Paultons Park; ScareCON's 2025 SCAR Awards W
NEWS: MHC Returns June 6-8; Theme Park Shifts
This week: The Complete Guide to the Midwest Haunters Convention; Decreased Production of Halloween Goods; Disney's Stock Jumps 7% After a Blockbuster Quarter 2; Jack Skellington Gets a Makeover for Disney Halloween 2025; Paint The Night returns to Disneyland; Danny Elfman, John Carpenter, and More to Perform at "Future Ruins" Festival. Read the stories here.
Theme Park Trends That Can Transform Your Haunt
Recently, I joined Tyler Barnett on the Fearworm Wormhole show to discuss how major theme park innovations could transform haunted attractions, and this is the full recording. We unpack Universal’s new Fan Fest Nights, Horror Unleashed, Dark Universe, and the rise of off-season activations like music festivals and “summer slasher” events. You’ll hear how IP partnerships, luxury-tier VIP add-ons, a
Marketing Your Haunted Attraction: Full Haunter's Toolbox Masterclass
Today we're playing the FULL audio from a marketing masterclass I recently hosted for Haunter's Toolbox, answering YOUR QUESTIONS on marketing strategies for haunted attractions. This is the complete, unedited recording! If you're a haunt owner or operator looking to boost ticket sales and reach new audiences, you'll find tactics you can immediately implement. Examples from Hush, Woods of Terror,
Smart Stupid Horror: Director Eli Craig on Clown in a Cornfield
Director Eli Craig (Tucker and Dale vs Evil) breaks down his new slasher film, "Clown in a Cornfield," in this exclusive interview. Discover how he balances horror and comedy, creates authentic Gen Z characters, and draws inspiration from classics like Jaws. This is essential listening for haunted attraction creators and horror fans alike, with insights on the modern horror renaissance and the end
NEWS: Halloween Creep: August Becomes Haunt Season’s New Start
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Begins Aug 15, following Aug announcements for Horror Unleashed & HHN; Marketing Your Haunted Attraction; Six Flags America To Close- ScareCON comes to Birmingham May 20th - 21st; Midwest Haunters Convention's Exhibitor List; Eli Craig Talks Clown in a Cornfield and Modern Horror; FX’s Alien: Earth Brings Immersive Sci-Fi Horror to AREA15. Read more here.h
NEWS: Can Universal turn Spring into Second Halloween with Fan Fest Nights?
This week: Can Universal turn Spring into Second Halloween with Fan Fest Nights?; Theme Parks Turn to Diversification Amid Uncertainty Epidemic; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Howl-O-Scream Mayhem Sale; Midwest Haunters Convention Friday Haunt Tour to Feature Abandoned Haunted House Complex; Fright Nights WV "Fright Nights Final Cut: Summer Slaughter"; Mars releases Tricks, Treats, and Trends Report. R
NEWS: East Coast Haunters Convention Draws MASSIVE Crowds
East Coast Haunters Convention delighted attendees with haunt tours, programming, vendors, and more; Comcast's Stock Dips Despite EPIC Universe Opening; Wicked New England comes to Salem this Saturday; Creep It Real OC Tickets; The VHS Society presents "Mother of Evil" on May 16th; Street Food Cinema's "Boo-ze, Bites & Frights: Half-O-Ween;" Read the stories here.
NEWS: Tariff Terror: Will Halloween Decorations Double in cost this year?
This week: Tariffs Threaten to Raise Prices on Halloween Costumes & Decor; Creepy Creator Group Brings Easter Screams in Horror Parody Anthology; Complete Guide to the East Coast Haunters Convention; John Carpenter Comes to Midsummer Scream; Tokyo Disney Resort Limits Halloween Costumes; Merlin Entertainments Partners with RWS Global; Fear Farm Attraction Seeks New Venue; Texas Chainsaw Massac
NEWS: It's Hot Haunt Summer! Haunt and Halloween Convention Season
Halloween convention season is underway with a myriad of events that are partnering with haunts for programming and attractions; TransWorld's East Coast Haunters Convention takes place next week with pre-con haunt tours on April 24th & 25th and convention days on April 26th-27th; The Spooky Swap Meet returns to Los Angeles on April 25th-27th; Universal plans for strategic geographic diversific
NEWS: OSCARES 2025 Ceremony; Halfway to Halloween Events
This week: The full OSCARES 2025 Awards; Dark Harbor returns on Sept 19th; Halfway to Halloween at Winchester Mystery House & Reign of Terror; The Mystic Museum's Horror High Prom; Previews begin for Dark Universe at Universal's Epic Universe; Zagone Studios to close. Read the stories here.
NEWS: Transworld Recap Video & Tourism Struggles
Watch our video on the 25 Best New Products from Transworld 2025 here; U.S. tourism decline threatens attractions; Epic Universe's Darmoor Monster Makeup Experience; UF Swamp Haunters host halfway-to-Halloween haunt; Haunters Toolbox to host a live Q&A with Philip Hernandez of the Haunted Attraction Network on April 8th. Read more here.
NEWS: Herschend's Acquisition: Will Halloween Haunts Survive?
This week: Herschend to Acquire Palace Entertainment's U.S. Attractions; Limos: Immersive Tarot Experience Returns to LA; The John Wick Experience Opens in Las Vegas; The London Dungeon Seeks Haunted Items; Home Depot Teases "Ultra Skelly" Animatronic; "It's Alive" Panel Returns to WonderCon. Read the stories here.
NEWS: Will Year-Round Scares Succeed Off the Vegas Strip?
This week: Horror Unleashed Analysis; 18 Haunts opened for St. Patrick's Day events; Wicked New England plans Halfway to Halloween in Salem; Scarehouse Windsor wins Innovator of the Year Award; John Carpenter announces NYC concert; Disney Halloween Festival returns to Disneyland Paris; East Coast Haunters Convention exhibitor list. Read the stories here
Universal Horror Unleashed: Can Year-Round Scares Survive in Vegas
Universal’s Horror Unleashed is set to bring year-round horror to Las Vegas, launching August 14, 2024, at AREA15. But can Universal’s seasonal HHN magic translate into a sustainable permanent attraction? During the TEA Stories from the Fringes series, a panel of Universal Creative team members—including Shelby Honea, Sean Chung, Abbye Finnan, and Corey Schurr—shared their vision for Horror Unleas
NEWS: Convention Season & Transworld RECAP
This week: Transworld RECAP; Midsummer Scream tickets now on sale; East Coast Haunters Convention and pre-show tours; Registration opens for Texas Haunters Convention; Six Flags prepares for a massive 2025 season; United Parks' earnings show trouble ahead; Field of Screams Montana Honored with Legacy Haunt Award. Read more here.
2025 Legacy Haunt: The Story of Field of Screams MT
Description: For 26 years, Field of Screams MT has been a staple of Montana’s Halloween scene, growing from a simple corn maze into a multi-attraction haunted destination. This year, they received the Legacy Haunt Award from the Haunted Attraction Association, honoring their decades of innovation and impact. In this episode, we sit down with the Kirkland family for an unedited, free-flowing conver
SPECIAL - The 2025 OSCARES Awards: Honoring the Best in Haunted Attractions
The 2025 OSCARES Awards celebrated the top vendors, haunts, and industry leaders during TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show in St. Louis. As producers of this year’s ceremony, we had a front-row seat to the energy and excitement, from the debut of the Spirit of Leadership Award to the Lifetime Achievement honor for Timothy Gavinski. This episode features the FULL, UNEDITED recording of t
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