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    Pixar Fest Returns to the Disneyland Resort

    “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” Parade

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    An all-new daytime parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” will debut at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., as highlighted entertainment for Pixar Fest in 2024. Pixar Fest returns to the Disneyland Resort from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024, with colorful décor, themed menu items, commemorative merchandise and more for a limited-time. For additional Disneyland Resort limited-time seasonal event dates, visit DisneyParksBlog.com. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)

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    Club Pixar

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    Club Pixar will take over the Hollywood Backlot in Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., for a nighttime party each evening inspired by the amazing stories from Pixar Animation Studios with an interactive DJ dance party, live performances, exciting games, photo opportunities, themed food, specially crafted beverages and more during Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)

    Merchandise

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    Inspired by iconic Pixar films and characters, limited-time Pixar Fest merchandise will arrive at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. during Pixar Fest, from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

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    Merchandise collections inspired by iconic Pixar films and characters — like the Pizza Planet collection — will arrive at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. during Pixar Fest, from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

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    Merchandise collections inspired by iconic Pixar films and characters — like the Pixar Painted collection — will arrive at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., during Pixar Fest, from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

    Novelties

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    New Pixar-themed novelties, such as the Pizza Planet truck that doubles as a popcorn bucket, will arrive for Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024. (David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)

     “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular”

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    “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” will return with some all-new scenes to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., as highlighted entertainment for Pixar Fest in 2024. Pixar Fest returns to the Disneyland Resort from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024, with colorful décor, themed menu items, commemorative merchandise and more for a limited-time. For additional Disneyland Resort limited-time seasonal event dates, visit DisneyParksBlog.com. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

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    Character Experiences

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    During Pixar Fest, from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024, guests will be able to meet many characters from Pixar stories, including friends like Joy and Sadness from Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out,” at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. (Disneyland Resort)

    Pixar Fest Cake

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    Pixar Fest Cake available during Pixar Fest from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024, at Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif. (David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)

    Pixar Pals Playtime Party

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    At the Pixar Pals Playtime Party at Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park, guests will be able to get into the groove at a high-energy show, enjoy interactive games, photo locations and activities inspired by Pixar feature films, and even watch a selection of iconic shorts on the big screen during Pixar Fest, from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024 at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)

    Jessie's Critter Carousel

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    Jessie’s Critter Carousel at Toy Story Boardwalk in Pixar Pier stars Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl, and a friendly bunch of desert critters inspired by the Disney and Pixar “Toy Story” films. Guests can choose to ride a whimsical snake, armadillo, turtle, bunny or other critter from the world of Woody’s Roundup. Disney California Adventure Park is located in Anaheim, Calif. (Disneyland Resort)

    Pixar Place Hotel

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    A sculpture of the iconic Pixar Ball and Lamp welcomes guests at the front lobby entrance of Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., with an abstract mobile of Pixar characters floating from the skylight above. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

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    Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival, Concerts and a Leprechaun Too!

    New! Tauren Wells and Sister Hazel Take the Stage this Weekend at the
    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival
     
    Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish cuisine and Celtic music
    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is excited to announce the headlining artists performing at the Food & Wine Festival this weekend, March 16th-17th. Get ready for a weekend filled with delicious food, inspired drinks and cocktails, and electrifying performances. All concerts are included with park admission and take place at the Festival Field stage, located past the cabins on the Festival Pathway.
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    This weekend's lineup features:
    • Tauren Wells, March 16th at 7pm
      • Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, fusing gospel, pop and R&B in uplifting worship anthems
    • Sister Hazel, March 17th at 6pm
      • Smooth 90s rock band behind anthems like “She’s Got Me” and “All for You”
     
    For showtimes and to purchase reserved seating, VIP packages, and sampler lanyards, guests can visit BuschGardensTampa.com. For the full concert lineup with performance dates, click here.
    Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
    In addition to the curated menu of the Food and Wine Festival, guests are invited to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish cuisine, including Corned Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes and Irish Soda Bread, as well as several varieties of Irish beer, like Smithwick's Irish Ale and 3D Irish Style Dry Cider, and Irish style hand-crafted cocktails. Enjoy Celtic music with the Emily Ann Thompson Celtic Duo at the Coca-Cola Canopy Stage on the 16th and Redemption Road at Springs Tap Room on the 17th. Guests may even catch a glimpse of a Leprechaun!
     
    Visit Busch Gardens During Spring Break and Throughout the Year
    Being a Pass Holder allows guests to enjoy 12-months of unlimited visits with unbeatable benefits including exclusive members-only events, savings on food, merchandise, free parking (Silver, Gold and Platinum levels), free tickets for friends and family and so much more. For a limited time, guests can save up to 30% on Passes, and Fun Cards to use during spring break and the rest of 2024.
     
    Another great way to enjoy all that Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has to offer is with a 2024 Fun Card, which offers unlimited visits through the end of 2024. For a limited time, guests can purchase a Fun Card for as low as $139.99 and receive unlimited park admission to both Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, Tampa Bay’s premier water park located across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which is now open for the season.
     
    To learn more and to purchase a Pass or Fun Card visit BuschGardensTampa.com.
    ABOUT:             
    ​    Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal 8events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by United Parks & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
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    SeaWorld San Diego Unveils 60th Anniversary Celebration Plans for 2024

    SeaWorld is turning 60 this year, and SeaWorld San Diego has big plans to celebrate all year long, starting on March 21st – 60 years to the day that SeaWorld first opened its gates in San Diego. Plus, for a limited time, guest can purchase Tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes for up to 50% off. ​
    To get the celebration started, SeaWorld San Diego is hosting a 60th Anniversary launch party March 21-24 that will feature:
    • A celebratory cake cutting at park opening with Byron Surrett, Chief Parks Operation Officer. Byron will speak to guests and reflect upon the company’s 60 years. This ceremony will take place each day at 10 a.m., and guests will receive a free cupcake, while supplies last.
    • Special limited-edition food & beverage options, including the return of the beloved Shamu cookie, a blue velvet cake, a 60th Anniversary Burger, 60th Anniversary Donut, specialty cocktails and mocktails, and a special 60th Anniversary IPA in partnership with Mike Hess Brewing. This new beer will be a spin on Mike Hess’s beloved West Coast IPA, with an expansion of the bright citrus, pine, and resin notes and more fruit characteristics.
    • New and exclusive vintage merchandise, including reusable water bottles, plush animals, snow globes, backpacks, notebooks, blankets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, a custom Precious Moments collectible, and more.
    • A custom Precious Moments collectible highlighting a memorable moment at SeaWorld titled “Sea a World of Wonder.” This limited-edition figurine will only be available for purchase while supplies last. Precious Moments sculptor Hiko Maeda will be at the park to sign purchased figurines and meet fans on March 21 – 24. Times will vary by day and will be available on the daily park schedule.
    • For the first time in recent years, guests can see Shamu & Crew together again and take a commemorative photo with them. Kids of all ages will love meeting costume characters - Shamu, Coral the Dolphin, Sydney the Shark, Shivers the Polar Bear, Puck the Penguin, and Flip the Sea Lion!
    • Commemorative in-park screens sharing memorable moments in the parks from guests and ambassadors. Guests are invited to share their own images and videos of their favorite SeaWorld memories using #SeaWorld60.
    • A special gallery of historic photos and memorabilia from the park over the past 60 years will be located at Explorer’s Café.
    To add more excitement to 2024, the new “Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience exhibit” will be opening later this year. The first of its kind for SeaWorld parks, the Jellyfish Experience will be the newest immersive and interactive aquarium at the park.  Guests to the new exhibit will be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes in three unique galleries as if diving into the heart of the ocean.  Each of the three galleries will feature a jelly species to discover including Moon Jellyfish, Pacific Sea Nettles, Upside-Down Jellyfish, and Comb Jellies. Through educational components and aquarist staff within the exhibit, guests will learn from experts what makes a jellyfish, the beauty and diversity of the translucent species, their behaviors and patterns, and how they have adapted to some of the most extreme environments on Earth. 
     
    Plus, coming soon, exciting new presentations and shows, craveable new food and beverage options and more exclusive, collectible merchandise.
    WHEN:           
    Thursday, March 21 through Sunday, March 24, 2024
    ​
    WHERE:          
    SeaWorld San Diego
    ​500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego CA 92109
    ABOUT:          
    ​SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 40,000 animals to date.  The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent.  A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).  SeaWorld is part of the United Parks and Resorts (NYSE:PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at UnitedParks.com
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    Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival 2024 Preview

    Busch Gardens Busch Gardens Tampa Food And Wine Festival
    Last week we were invited to a preview of the Food and Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Tampa, and of course that meant that we sent Steve and Jen to enjoy the event. Fortunately it seems that the event is back to it's pre 2020 greatness and a great time was to be had all around. 
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    Busch Gardens Tampa’s Food & Wine Festival is back in a big way!
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    This year they’ve adopted the country by country approach, complete with booths themed to each country’s flag and culture. Geography nerds unite!
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    Argentina came with a chicken empanada and beef chimichurri that were both delicious, as well as some South American wines. Salud!
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    South Africa had several wines, we went with the cab and Shiraz. Gesondheid!
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    Next was Chile, with a fantastic ceviche (Steve’s favorite) and grilled beef. ¡Muy bueno!
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    Canada had a beef gyro and “Timbits,” which were little donuts made with bits of real Tim! Tim tasted great, eh!
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    Australia brought out the big guns with a watermelon salad and Macadamia nut tart. Both were very good, but not a single escaped kangaroo was seen in the area.
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    For dessert, we got the lemon meringue tart from South Africa and dulce de leche cake from Chile. Sugar overload, but tasty!
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    All in all, Busch Gardens has really improved this event after a few lackluster years post-Covid. The theming and food have both been taken up a notch, and the full event will surely be a hit with the general public.

    ​Check out the concert list and make it out this spring!
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    SeaWorld San Diego’s Seven Seas Food Festival Returns with Expanded Menu of All-New Flavors from Around the World

    This year’s menu includes ALL-NEW food and drink options among the menu of over 100 unique, fresh, and flavorful items inspired by signature dishes from around the world
    SAN DIEGO, CA (March 4, 2024) – SeaWorld San Diego’s popular Seven Seas Food Festival returns in 2024 with an array of ALL-NEW flavors for guests to sip and savor. This incredible seasonal event runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, now through April 28. Guests will taste flavors from around the world while strolling between award-winning attractions and incredible animal presentations. With over 100 food and drink options inspired by global cuisine, food enthusiasts and families will discover a gastronomic journey at food locations scattered throughout the park, highlighting delicacies inspired by German, Asian, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisine among others. With single-day tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes at 30% off for a limited time, there is no better time than now to see all that SeaWorld has to offer.
    Some of the ALL-NEW food items guests can taste this year include:
    • NEW Braised Bratwurst: Served on a Pretzel Bun with Warm Potato Salad
    • NEW Schnitzel Sandwich Melt: Served on Rye Bread
    • NEW Sauerbraten with Spaetzle: Braised Beef Marinated in Wine, Vinegar, and Spices with Egg Noodles
    • NEW Tahitian Tuna: Tuna, Coconut Milk, Lime, Onion, Tomato, Cucumber, and Green Bell Peppers
    • NEW Tri Tip Bao Bun: Bao Bun, Tri Tip, and Kimchi
    • NEW Chicken Tikka Masala: Served over Rice
    • NEW Stir Fry: Noodles, Cabbage, Shredded Carrots, Green Onions, and Soy Sauce
     
    There are also ALL-NEW refreshing drinks & cocktails guests can enjoy while savoring their way around the world at this year’s Seven Seas Food Festival including:
    • NEW Milk Tea: with Boba
    • NEW Lucky Dragon Punch: Passion Fruit, Orange, Guava, Sparkling Water, Lychee Popping Boba
    • NEW Seven Seas Spiked Seltzer: with Popping Boba
    • NEW Santorini Lemonade: Lemonade, Pomegranate, and Mint
    • NEW Berlin Mule: Ginger Beer, Lime Juice, and Jagermeister
    • NEW Sea Breeze: Cranberry, Vodka, and Grapefruit
    • NEW Tiki Punch: Tequila, Coconut Rum, Blue Curacao, Lime and Mint
    • New Fortune Fizz: Vodka, Midori, Sweet and Sour, Sparkling Water
    Guests can also relax with ice-cold beer available throughout the park from several local and regional breweries like:
    • Abnormal Beer Co.
    • AleSmith Brewing Company
    • Babe Hard Kombucha
    • Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits
    • Belching Beaver
    • Bivouac Cider Works
    • Karl Strauss
    • Mike Hess
    • Pizza Port
    • Thorn Brewing Co.
     
    In addition, guests will experience atmospheric entertainment in each Seven Seas Food Festival area, from the excitement of Polynesian fire knife dancers and traditional Lion Dance performers, to the authentic sounds of Taiko Drummers and an ALL-NEW Bavarian Band!
     
    From special events and shows, to live music and character experiences, combined with thrilling coasters and attractions, plus award-winning, educational animal presentations and exciting activities, there’s truly ‘So Much More to Sea’ at SeaWorld during the 60th Anniversary year.
     
    Best Way to Savor & Sip
     
    Discover boundless combinations of food and drink selections with a Seven Seas Food & Beverage Sampler. Guests can embark on their culinary journey with a 10-item sampler starting at only $70 or take it up a notch and with the fan-favorite 15-item sampler for the best savings at $85. SeaWorld San Diego Pass Members also get the VIP treatment and can purchase 18 samples for the price of 15 (that's 3 bonus samples!).
     
    A complete menu of the Seven Seas Food Festival dishes and drinks can be found online at www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com/7Seas.
     
    Spring into Savings with the Spring Break Sale
     
    Right now, for a limited time during the Spring Break Sale guests can save up to 30% on tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes. With new offerings introduced for 2024, SeaWorld San Diego has the best benefits ever for 2024 Annual Pass Members. Guests can enjoy up to $2,365 worth of special benefits, including unlimited year-round admission for amazing animal experiences, thrilling attractions, and incredible seasonal events. Members receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to six free guest tickets, and special savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more. Pass Members are first for everything, first to ride any new attraction, first to view new animal exhibits, and first to know about major park announcements. In 2024, Pass Members will be the first to view SeaWorld’s newest exhibit, Jewels of the Sea, A Jellyfish Experience, the immersive and interactive aquarium.
     
    For more information, visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com. Be sure to follow SeaWorld San Diego on Facebook and Instagram for the latest park updates and information.
     
    About SeaWorld
     
    SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 40,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.
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    MIDSUMMER SCREAM, the World’s Largest Halloween and Horror Convention, Returns to Southern California July 26-28

    Passes on Sale Beginning March 2 for Three Days of Fright-Filled Fun;
    Limited-Time Special Rate for General Admission Passes Available
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    Photo Credit: Suspiria Vilchez for Midsummer Scream

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    LONG BEACH, Calif. (February 29, 2024) – It’s never too early to begin thinking about Halloween, and thousands of haunt-lovers will get first looks at what this year’s spooky season has to offer during MIDSUMMER SCREAM, which announced its return to the Long Beach Convention Center July 26 to July 28.

    Passes for Midsummer Scream will be available beginning Saturday at www.MidsummerScream.com, with a special early purchase discount of 40% for General Admission passes. In addition, non-discounted VIP “Gold Bat” passes, which sold out in 2023, will also be available beginning Saturday.

    The seventh annual Midsummer Scream — the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention — promises a weekend filled with unparalleled excitement and spooky surprises, and is themed “A Haunting,” exploring real and fictional ghost stories and other paranormal activity. The theme will be woven throughout the event and activities during the not-to-be missed weekend, and will also be featured in official event art created by Suspiria Vilchez (aka Suspirialand), in panels, presentations and special experiences during the one-of-a-kind weekend convention.

    Midsummer Scream will boast a celebrity special-guest lineup that includes the Roger L. Jackson (the voice of Scream’s Ghost Face) Boulet Brothers (Dragula); John Kassir (Tales from the Crypt); Garret Sander, the creator of Monster High, accompanied by voice cast from the animated TV series; and more to be announced in the coming weeks.

    Midsummer Scream will also feature a world-class schedule of panel presentations covering all of the season’s biggest news, including planned presentations by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (creators of LA Haunted Hayride, Delusion, Shaqtoberfest and the Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns); Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest; Winchester Mystery House, and more to be announced soon.

    And, of course, Midsummer Scream’s cavernous and enormously popular Hall of Shadows—75,000 square feet of haunted attractions created by some of the most renowned professional and home haunters—will delight attendees with enough thrills and chills for an entire weekend with an entry experience created by Fear Farm.

    In addition, classic Midsummer Scream components will be on hand throughout the Long Beach Convention Center, including the “Pumpkin Patch” scare-free kids’ zone; the Black Cat Lounge, with kitten adoptions from Kitten Rescue; and the Screaming Room Film Festival, presented by HorrorBuzz. What’s more, some 350 vendors will be on site to offer their wicked wares, including Trick or Treat Studios, the Halloween Shirt Company, Backstitch Bruja, Sin City Props and Froggy’s Fog. 

    “For tens of thousands of Halloween lovers throughout Southern California and beyond,  Midsummer Scream has become the official start of the Halloween season,” said David Markland, co-founder and executive director of Midsummer Scream. “Building on the success of 2023, when we saw our biggest attendance in history, this year’s event is shaping up to be truly extraordinary, so we’re urging fans to make their plans now so they can enjoy an event not to be missed.” 

    More details will be released in the weeks ahead. Halloween fans can be the first to know what’s coming to Midsummer Scream by signing up for the event’s digital newsletter at www.MidsummerScream.com and by following @midsummerscream on Facebook and Instagram.
    ​
    Single-day passes range from $35 for adult admission to $145 for a three-day VIP “Gold Bat” pass. For a limited time, single day and general admission passes are 40% off. Children under 10 are free with an accompanying adult. More information on passes to Midsummer Scream, plus full details on the show schedule and area accommodations, can be found at www.MidsummerScream.org. ​