Strange fun for the Puyallup community at HorrorCon last weekend!

Hundreds gathered at the fairgrounds for a three-day Halloween festival in Puyallup, Washington, that started on Friday. With exclusive events, interesting vendors, and celebrity meet & greets, there’s much to keep you busy. Local Kayla A. attended on her own. “It’s my first time, but I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone”, she said. Many guests came dressed up, with others asking to take pictures with them. 

Attendees were drawn towards the back of the main event center, where they waited to meet celebrities famous in horror media. The longest lines were for David Arquette, from the Scream franchise, and Cassandra Peterson, known for playing the lead in Elvira: Mistress of Darkness. If you attended on Sunday, you could also sign up for tea and scones with Peterson. Though these meet & greets were not free, ranging from $60 to $265, fans eagerly waited around 30 minutes for a picture and a chat. Many left the stalls with huge grins, and even some tears of joy.

Costumed R2-D2 rolls around the venue at HorrorCon in Puyallup, Wash., Friday, October 25th, 2024.

Celebrities were not the only feature that captured guests’ attention. Vendors had many unique items for sale, most decorated to fit the Con’s theme.

A booth with horror themed merchandise for sale at HorrorCon in Puyallup, Wash., Friday, October 25th, 2024.

Some had even pivoted from typical character art to something more specialized, such as seller Glo McCollough. She now creates portraits of The Muppets in costumes. “There’s just something about doing what you love,” the artist said, when asked about the change, “it makes it much more fun.” She also agreed to a further discussion about her craft next week. With over 100 booths, vendors were selling almost anything you could think of: clothing, books, toys, antiques, woodworks, even charms for Croc shoes. April, an employee from Seattle’s Talon & Claw, creates and sells handmade gaming accessories. Her and her team often travel to Cons around the state to promote their products.

Author Crystal Connor poses at her booth at HorrorCon in Puyallup, Wash., Friday, October 25th, 2024.

Attendees were also able to walk to another building called Artist’s Alley.

Guests browsing Artist’s Alley at HorrorCon in Puyallup, Wash., Friday, October 25, 2024.

Smaller, with about 30 booths, every station had handmade products: crafts, reading materials, and more. Contests and events were held at the back of the room. Visitors gathered at consoles and tabletops, and staff waited for the winners at a small booth with themed items as prizes.

Free games set up for entertainment in Artist Alley at Puyallup, Wash., Friday, October 25, 2024.

The event started at 2 p.m. and lasted until 8 p.m., with re-entry anytime. Local eateries had their booths open all day in case you needed a meal, and even included commemorative cups. Ticket prices begin at $30 with family packages also available. Parking was free and located directly across from the venue, with an employee to guide you out, after you finished your adventure. If you’re a Horror fan, make sure to keep your calendar open for next year’s HorrorCon!