MONSTERPALOOZA 2026 : BIGGER, BETTER, SCARIER THAN EVER!
By
Tom Lavagnino
The Pasadena-based confab MONSTERPALOOZA celebrated its 18th anniversary this past Memorial Day –- it’s now an adult! -– and the exponential growth of the gathering, in both cosplay-centric attendance and bloodthirsty respect for all things cinematically monstrous, perfectly mirrors the explosive cultural impact of horror here in 2026.
Perhaps best described as “Comic-con For Horror Movie Fans,” this was my sixth year at the convention -– so I knew what to expect: 400-plus vendors (if you’re looking for Blu-rays of Jimmy Sangster-era Hammer, go directly to the Severin Films booth!), in-person monster movie make-up demonstrations (you can occasionally “volunteer” for these; I’m still working up my courage!), and dozens of guest stars signing posters and head shots (for a fee, natch!); among other luminaries, this year’s edition of MONSTERPALOOZA featured Lynn Lugosi Sparks (grand-daughter of Bela, current CEO of “Lugosi Enterprises”), Alice Cooper (no singing, sorry, just signing), Sybil Danning (still sexy as hell, touting her vaunted HOWLING / HALLOWEEN / BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS legacy), and Tom Savini (a garrulous presence at every MONSTERPALOOOZA I’ve attended, and unquestionably one of the most important figures in the history of horror cinema).
But my very favorite component of the event is the “Monster Museum,” located in a quiet room deep within the Pasadena Convention Center’s expanse -– a veritable “MONSTERPALOOZA womb.” Here, horror-centric artifacts and creations are showcased in a dark, low-key, museum-like setting; this year, I was particularly struck by a gigantic portraiture rendering of Nicholson-frozen-at-the-end-of-THE-SHINING, as well as the annual showcasing of horror sculpture, creature prosthetics, and practical make-up effects by the brilliant young artist Casey Wong — and a brand-new addition to the “Monster Museum,” here in 2026, cataloging many iconic artifacts associated with the career of writer-director William Malone (of TALES FROM THE CRYPT and MASTERS OF HORROR fame).
I love the fact that MONSTERPALOOZA respects and celebrates cinema’s horror legacy, and it’s so great to see legions of young folks sporting classic Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr., and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD garb. Our world may be spinning out of control, but it’s weirdly reassuring (to me, anyway!) to see a 10-year-old kid wearing a T-shirt showcasing the 106-year-old CABINET OF DR. CAGLIARI!
Tom Lavagnino is a playwright, television producer and golfer (18 handicap) living in Southern California. www.tomlavagnino.com
