Handbook for the Recently Admitted

(A user’s guide to free & low cost fun at ScareFest)

Whether you’re a first-time guest or a seasoned survivor, this handbook is your guide to all the free and low-cost activities included with your admission. From collecting trading cards and bracelets to joining trivia battles, poetry slams, cosplay fun, and community meetups! There’s always something happening around every corner. Dive in and discover how much frightful fun you can have without spending another dime. You can also check out the interactive floor plan: Click here to visit the map!

Graphic with the words “Tricks & Treats (Collect & Play)” over a maroon background decorated with silhouettes of bingo cards and friendship bracelets.

 

  • Where: Convention floor – pick up cards at the Info Booth

  • When: Play anytime during show hours, turn in by Sunday at 4 PM

  • Description: Spot things around ScareFest (from costumes to props) and mark them off your card. Completed cards can be entered for prize drawings.

  • Cost: Free with admission

 

  • Where: Hidden throughout the convention, plus select vendor and guest tables

  • When: All weekend

  • Description: Over 20,000 ScareFest cards are scattered across the event. Collect them, trade with friends, and see if you can complete the series!

  • Cost: Free with admission

 

  • Where: Throughout the convention center

  • When: All weekend

  • Description: Bring handmade bracelets to exchange with fellow fans. A simple way to connect and make new ScareFest friends.

  • Cost: Free with admission

Alt text: Graphic with the words “All Weekend Creeps (Ongoing Interactive Fun)” on a maroon background with silhouettes of a camera, bats, cobwebs, speech bubbles, and a spooky figure.
  • Where: Ballroom 2
  • When: Saturday — Prejudging 2–4 PM, Finals at 6 PM
  • Description: Costumes everywhere! Watch incredible cosplayers compete for the crown. From handmade horrors to pop culture icons, this showdown is a fan favorite.  Sign Up Here
  •  Cost: Free with admission
  • Where: Throughout the convention center
  • When: All weekend
  • Description: Cosplayers roam ScareFest showing off their craft, and most love posing for photos! Be sure to ask permission before snapping pics.
  •  Cost: Free with admission
  • Where: Throughout the event (check booths for special setups)
  • When: All weekend
  • Description: Strike a pose with ScareFest’s themed props and displays. Some vendor-hosted displays may charge a small fee — please ask first if unsure.
  • Cost: Free with admission (unless noted at vendor booths)
Graphic with the words “Stage Frights (Creative Experiences)” over a maroon background featuring silhouettes of a microphone, sewing thread, needles, and film reels.
  • Where: Level 2 – Entertainment Room
  • When: TBD
  • Description: Step up to the mic and share your original words of terror, or sit back and experience haunting verses performed live by fans and creators.
  • Cost: Free with admission
  • Where: Level 2 – Entertainment Room
  • When: TBD
  • Description: Horror knowledge battles all weekend long — test your memory of movies, monsters, and the macabre against other fans. Prizes for the top minds!
  •  Cost: Free with admission
  • Where: Level 2 – Entertainment Room
  • When: TBD
  • Description: Learn insider tips, tricks, and techniques from experienced cosplayers. Perfect for beginners and veterans looking to level up their craft.
  •  Cost: Free with admission
  • Where: Various locations around the convention center
  • When: Scheduled throughout the weekend (check our ScareFest Weekend Fans! Facebook group)
  • Description: Connect with fellow horror lovers, fandom groups, and communities who call ScareFest home. A great way to make friends that last beyond the weekend.
  • Cost: Free with admission
  • Where: Level 1 – Ballroom 2 (Main Panel Room), Level 2 – Meeting Rooms 12 & 13 (Panel Room 2), Level 2 – Meeting Rooms 6-8 (Entertainment Room) Click here to visit the floorplan
  • When: Scheduled all weekend (schedule released soon)
  • Description: From the paranormal to pop culture, our  panelists bring unique insights, stories, and scares to the stage.
  • Cost: Free with admission
  • Where: Level 2 – Meeting Rooms 3 & 4
  • When: Scheduled all weekend (Click here to see the schedule)
  • Description: Hear directly from featured guests, authors, and experts as they share personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and thought-provoking talks. These spotlight sessions offer a closer look at the people shaping the worlds of horror and the paranormal.
  • Cost: Free with admission