The organizers of Midsummer Scream, described by officials as the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, announced they will move the event from the Long Beach Convention Center to the Anaheim Convention Center for its 2027 show, scheduled for Aug. 6–8, 2027.
The announcement came during the closing program of the 2026 convention in Long Beach, where thousands of attendees gathered for panels and exhibits. Executive director and co-founder David Markland took the stage to explain the decision and played a video that showed images of the Anaheim venue.
“The demand for people who want to come that can’t come is pretty big, and we need to do something about that,”
In a separate statement, Markland said it was “bittersweet to leave a venue as amazing as the Long Beach Convention Center, but we look forward to all the new opportunities awaiting us in Anaheim.” Social media responses ranged from cheers at the live announcement to concern among some fans and critics who noted Anaheim already hosts a number of large conventions.
Space, crowds and competition
Organizers cited the need for expanded space to accommodate a growing community of fans, haunters, vendors, artists and celebrities. The Anaheim Convention Center, located near the Disneyland Resort, regularly hosts major events including Disney’s D23, WonderCon and the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
For Anaheim, the move presents both opportunities and challenges. Local hotels, restaurants and retail businesses could see increased bookings and visitor spending during the convention weekend. At the same time, residents and city officials will need to manage the logistical demands that accompany large gatherings: traffic congestion near the resort area, higher demand for short-term lodging and potential strains on public transportation and local services.
- Economic boost: Additional visitors typically translate into higher occupancy for nearby hotels and increased foot traffic for restaurants and shops.
- Event crowding: Critics noted Anaheim’s convention calendar is already full, raising questions about overlapping events and visitor capacity.
- Vendor access: Organizers say the larger venue will allow more space for vendors, artists and independent haunters who participate in the convention marketplace.
Organizers and fans react
On social media, Midsummer Scream posted a short video with the caption: "The [black] cat’s out of the bag. See you next year, Anaheim 2027." Audience reactions at the live announcement included cheering and shouts of thanks, though some comments on the posts expressed concerns about moving into an area some described as an already overcrowded market.
Midsummer Scream has spent a decade at the Long Beach Convention Center. Officials called the most recent edition their most successful year yet, and the decision to relocate reflects an effort to scale the event for continued growth. The move will put the convention within walking distance of Anaheim’s major tourist district, a factor that may influence how attendees plan lodging and ancillary activities.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Previously | Long Beach Convention Center (10 years) |
| New location | Anaheim Convention Center |
| 2027 dates | Aug. 6–8, 2027 |
City agencies and businesses in Anaheim have not released detailed plans or comments in response to the announcement. Local hospitality and transportation providers will likely monitor ticket sales and projected attendance figures to prepare staffing, security and transit plans as the event approaches.
For now, the relocation signals a notable addition to Anaheim’s calendar of large-scale conventions and events, joining a roster of gatherings that already draw regional and national visitors to the resort area. Organizers say the move aims to address unmet demand among fans who want to attend but have been unable to secure access at the convention’s current venue.
More details about show layout, ticketing capacity and participating vendors and celebrities are expected from Midsummer Scream organizers in the months leading up to the 2027 event.
