Written by Antonina Schubert
Horror fans from across the Midwest and beyond descended on Cincinnati, Ohio, September 12–14 for HorrorHound Weekend 2025. Held at the Sharonville Convention Center, the three-day event once again proved why it’s considered a must-attend gathering for fans of the genre. From celebrity panels to cosplay contests, screenings, and autograph signings, the convention offered something for every type of horror lover.
One of the best tips for newcomers is to arrive on Friday. While Saturday and Sunday bring in the biggest crowds, Friday afternoon offers a more relaxed environment to explore the convention floor. It’s the perfect time to scope out the vendor hall, plan your weekend activities, and get familiar with where your favorite actors will be stationed for the weekend. Whether you’re after collectibles, tattoos, rare merchandise, or the chance to meet the stars of your favorite films, Fridays provide that breathing room to take it all in.
The variety at HorrorHound is what makes it so special. The schedule is packed with Q&As, workshops, film screenings, live panels, a bustling vendor marketplace, and of course, the ever-popular cosplay contest. You’ll find attendees dressed as slashers, scream queens, and even deep-cut cult favorites, showcasing the creativity and passion of the community. For many fans, though, the highlight is hearing behind-the-scenes stories straight from the actors themselves. It feels like diving into the bonus features of a horror DVD collection, with personal insights you can’t get anywhere else.
Celebrity photo ops remain one of the biggest draws, giving fans the chance to leave with a professional-quality picture alongside horror icons. The process moves quickly, so it’s wise to plan what you want to say before you step in front of the camera. If you’re hoping for more personal interaction, autograph tables are the way to go. Stars often take more time here, chatting with fans, sharing stories, and still offering photo opportunities. Keep in mind that most tables are cash-only, so plan accordingly if you want that extra one-on-one time.
This year’s panels drew some of the biggest crowds of the weekend.
The M3GAN Panel brought together Violet McGraw, Amie Donald, and Jenna Davis to discuss their experiences with the viral horror hit. McGraw spoke candidly about her love of horror-comedy despite admitting she’s still afraid of blood and the dark. Donald shared the whirlwind of being cast in the role within just a week, recounting how her audition included 20–30 minutes of dancing followed by intense training in martial arts and wire work. Davis, who voices the doll, explained the unique challenge of recording her lines without meeting the cast until the film’s premiere, relying solely on her imagination and a script to bring M3GAN to life. The trio also reflected on their inspirations—ranging from Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown and Sadie Sink to childhood favorites like Goosebumps—highlighting how the next generation of horror talent is shaping their own legacies.
The Scream Panel paired Jasmin Savoy Brown, who plays Mindy Meeks-Martin, with Max Laferriere, the man behind Ghostface in Scream VI. Brown spoke about the importance of representation, sharing how meaningful it is when fans tell her, “I see myself in you” and how that sentiment makes her cry every time. She also offered a small tease about Scream 7, not being able to give away much but did tell us that the writers are “really good” and she’s excited to see what direction the story takes. Laferriere gave fans a peek into the physical side of the franchise, discussing what it was like to embody Ghostface in the most recent installment and how the stunt work shapes the intensity of those now-iconic chase and kill scenes. Together, their panel gave fans both the emotional depth of the series and the gritty behind-the-scenes detail that brings the slasher to life.
The Saw Panel was one of the most anticipated events of the weekend, bringing together Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, and Leigh Whannell. Bell reflected on the long-lasting impact of John Kramer, better known as Jigsaw, and the challenge of playing a character who blurs the lines as a villain. Smith spoke warmly about her evolution as Amanda Young, sharing how revisiting the character in recent years has been both daunting and rewarding, especially as she’s grown older alongside the franchise. Whannell provided another incredible perspective, telling stories about the scrappy early days of Saw, when he and James Wan were struggling filmmakers trying to get their vision off the ground. He emphasized how surreal it feels to see a small indie project grow into a multi-billion-dollar franchise that has influenced horror for over 20 years. The panel blended nostalgia with deep appreciation for fans, many of whom have followed the franchise since its earliest days, and highlighted just how much Saw has shaped the modern horror landscape.
What makes HorrorHound stand out isn’t just the star-studded guest list or the variety of programming, it’s the atmosphere. Walking the convention floor, you’ll see strangers bonding over shared favorites, trading recommendations, and admiring each other’s cosplay. It’s a gathering that celebrates horror in all its forms, from blockbuster slashers to indie gems, and creates a space where fans can connect with both creators and each other. The energy is equal parts eerie and welcoming, reminding everyone why horror isn’t just a genre, it’s a community.
As always, HorrorHound Weekend left attendees buzzing with excitement, new memories, and plenty of stories to share. With more interviews and in-depth coverage to come, this year’s event was a reminder of why the genre continues to thrive, not just on screen, but in the hearts of its fans.
If you missed out this year, there’s good news: HorrorHound typically hosts two conventions annually, one in the spring and one in the fall. Keep an eye on their official website and social media channels for announcements on dates, ticketing, and the next round of celebrity guests. Whether you’re a lifelong horror devotee or new to the genre, it’s an experience worth adding to your calendar.
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