Beware Spooky Empire’s springtime gathering of Jasons, horror, cosplay
Halloween may still be months away, but hordes of horror fans will congregate this weekend to celebrate all things spooky, scary, creepy-crawly, dark and macabre.
Spooky Empire is back in Orlando for its springtime “Camp Spooky” edition, which takes place May 17-19 at Wyndham Orlando Resort. The “dark side of comic con” convention features celebrity guests, vendors, tattoo artists, photo ops, costume contests and pool parties.
“During the day, we have vendor rooms, celebrities signing autographs and Q&As. At nighttime, there’s nothing like Spooky Empire. It’s like a spring break 1988 vibe,” said Petey Mongelli, Spooky Empire’s founder and CEO. “I always say that Spooky Empire is kind of like what you imagine it’s like going backstage to a Motley Crue concert.”
Celebrity guests this year include Alice Cooper, Kathryn Newton of “Lisa Frankenstein,” cast members from “Twilight,” “Friday the 13th,” “Children of the Corn” and “The Blair Witch Project,” Jeff Brockton from “Scream 3” and Joey Belladonna.
The weekend kicks off with a “gathering of the Jasons,” Friday afternoon at Uno Pizzeria & Grill (8250 International Drive in Orlando).
“We used to do a zombie walk, but this time, we’re going to have all people dressed up as Jason meeting at Uno Pizza across the street,” Mongelli said. “They’re going to march across the street all at once.”
Other highlights from this weekend’s festival include the tattoo convention with around 40 different artists, 150 vendors, celebrity autographs, costume contests and Q&A discussions — including a Halloween Horror Nights panel on Friday night.
While the October show is larger-than-life with a film festival and workshops, this springtime edition is crafted with loyal supporters in mind.
“This show was built for the fans. We wanted to get a show in to get people excited for the October show,” Mongelli said. “People travel from all over the world to come to this show. Orlando is a good hub with Universal and Disney.”
Even though the show proves hard work to put on, now 21 years in, Mongelli said he’s thankful to the supporters that have sustained Spooky Empire for so long.
“Years ago, we almost went out of business because of a hurricane,” he said. “The fans all came together and rallied the troops and we couldn’t give up. We realized we had to keep going for them.”
Even though die-hard fans are the core audience for this event, Mongelli encouraged first-timers to come out and experience the festivities.
“If it’s your first time, be prepared to have a good time. It’s like a three-ring circus with one ride after another,” he said. “Get a weekend ticket so you can check it all out and make sure you don’t miss anything.”
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
If you go
Spooky Empire is open at 1 p.m. May 17 and 11 a.m. May 18-19 at 8001 International Drive in Orlando. Single-day tickets are $40-$50 in advance or $45-$60 at the door. Weekend passes cost $75 in advance or $275 for VIP perks. For more information, visit spookyempire.com.
