Horror fans have another reason to mark their calendars. Monster-Mania Con 68 returns this fall, bringing three days of scares, stars, and nostalgia to Baltimore, Maryland. Below is everything attendees need to know before they go, including dates, ticket options, guest information, and helpful tips for a smooth weekend.
What Is Monster-Mania Con
Monster-Mania Con is a long-running horror and pop culture convention held in the United States. It started back in 2003 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and has grown into one of the most beloved gatherings for genre fans on the East Coast. The event typically runs twice a year, moving between New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland locations. Attendees can meet actors from classic and modern horror films, browse rare collectibles, and enjoy panels, screenings, and photo opportunities. Because the show has such a long history, many longtime fans treat it as a reunion of sorts, catching up with friends they only see at these events.
When and Where Is the Event
Monster-Mania Con 68 takes place from October 30 to November 1, 2026. This timing places the event right around Halloween weekend, which feels fitting for a horror convention. The show will be held at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, located at 401 West Pratt Street in Baltimore, Maryland. This venue offers a large amount of space, which the organizers note is the biggest footprint they have used for any of their Maryland shows so far. The Inner Harbor location also gives out-of-town visitors easy access to restaurants, hotels, and waterfront attractions during downtime.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Monster-Mania Con 68 |
| Dates | October 30 to November 1, 2026 |
| Venue | Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor |
| Address | 401 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD |
| Days | Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| Ticket Type | Single-day, weekend, and VIP passes |
Who Is Attending: Guest Highlights
Guest lists for horror conventions tend to shift as the event date gets closer, so fans should always check the official website for the latest lineup. That said, several notable names have already been announced for this show. Cassandra Peterson, widely known for her Elvira persona, is expected to appear. Elvira has been a horror pop culture fixture for decades, spanning television specials, films, and comic projects, so her presence tends to draw a large crowd. Nick Castle, the actor who first played Michael Myers in the original Halloween film, is also on the list. Buz Hasson and Scott Jackson round out the currently announced names.
Because these conventions draw talent connected to popular franchises, expect representation from series such as Halloween, Escape from New York, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, among others. Additionally, some guests only attend select days of the weekend. Therefore, fans hoping to meet a specific actor should check the schedule carefully before buying a single-day pass.
Sample Guest Roster
| Guest | Known For |
| Cassandra Peterson | Elvira, Movie Macabre |
| Nick Castle | Halloween (1978) |
| Buz Hasson | Convention favorite guest |
| Scott Jackson | Convention favorite guest |
Ticket Options and Pricing
The event offers several ticket tiers to fit different budgets and schedules. A three-day weekend pass covers general admission for all three days of the event. Single-day passes are also available for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday individually, which works well for visitors who can only attend part of the weekend. For those who want extra perks, a VIP ticket is offered as well. It typically includes early entry to the vendor rooms, a Friday night VIP party, an event poster, and an official t-shirt, though supplies for shirts are limited.
Ticket Pricing Table
| Ticket Type | Approximate Price |
| 3-Day Weekend Pass | $70 |
| Single Day Pass (Fri, Sat, or Sun) | $40 |
| VIP Premiere Ticket | $150 |
Prices listed do not include the small service fee added during checkout. It is worth noting that admission tickets are non-refundable, and buying a ticket does not guarantee a meeting, autograph, or photo with any specific guest, since guest lists can change without notice.
Show Hours
While exact hours will be confirmed closer to the event, past shows have followed a consistent pattern. Friday typically runs in the evening, while Saturday and Sunday open earlier and run longer.
| Day | Typical Hours |
| Friday | 4 PM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM to 6 or 7 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM to 5 PM |
Attendees should confirm these times on the official site as the event date approaches, since schedules can shift slightly from show to show.
What to Expect at the Convention
This convention offers much more than autograph tables. The dealers room is usually packed with vendors selling movie posters, action figures, comics, and rare collectibles. Photo ops with celebrity guests give fans a chance to create lasting memories, while panel discussions let attendees hear stories directly from actors and crew members involved in beloved horror films. Costume contests are also a highlight for many, giving cosplayers a stage to show off their work. In addition, past events have featured charity auctions, so guests can enjoy the weekend while supporting a good cause.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets can be purchased through the official website or the Leap Event Technology checkout page linked from the site. Buyers will need to select their preferred ticket type, fill out billing information, and agree to the no-refund policy before completing checkout. Because popular VIP packages have limited quantities, early booking is recommended for anyone who wants guaranteed access to those perks.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
Planning ahead makes a big difference at a busy convention like this one. Consider the following tips before heading to Baltimore:
- Book hotel rooms early, since the Inner Harbor area fills up quickly during Halloween weekend.
- Check the guest schedule in advance if there is a specific actor you want to meet.
- Bring cash, since some vendors may not accept cards for smaller purchases.
- Arrive early on Saturday, which tends to be the busiest day of the weekend.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the venue is large and involves plenty of walking.
Why Baltimore Makes a Great Host City
The Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor sits close to popular attractions, including the harbor waterfront, restaurants, and shopping areas. Visitors traveling from out of town can easily combine the trip with a short city getaway. Because the venue offers more space than previous Maryland shows, this year’s event should feel less crowded in high-traffic areas such as the autograph lines and dealers room.
Getting There and Parking
The venue is accessible by car, train, and plane, since Baltimore-Washington International Airport is a reasonable drive away. Downtown parking garages are available near the hotel, though rates can vary depending on the day. Visitors relying on public transit can also reach the Inner Harbor area through local bus and light rail routes, which helps cut down on parking costs during a busy holiday weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Monster-Mania Con 68 taking place?
It runs from October 30 to November 1, 2026, at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available through the official website, which links to the secure Leap Event Technology checkout page.
Are tickets refundable?
No. All admission tickets are non-refundable, and this policy applies even if a guest cancels their scheduled appearance.
Who are the confirmed guests so far?
Cassandra Peterson, Nick Castle, Buz Hasson, and Scott Jackson are among the names announced at this time. However, guest lists are subject to change, so checking the official site regularly is recommended.
Does buying a ticket guarantee a photo or autograph with a guest?
No. A ticket grants general admission only. Meeting specific guests, getting autographs, or booking photo ops usually requires separate payment at the guest’s table, and availability is not guaranteed.
Conclusion
This event promises a memorable Halloween weekend for horror fans in the mid-Atlantic region. With dates set for October 30 through November 1, 2026, at the spacious Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, attendees can look forward to celebrity guests like Cassandra Peterson and Nick Castle, a packed dealers room, and plenty of photo opportunities. Ticket options range from single-day passes to full VIP packages, so there is something for every budget. Since guest lists and schedules can shift before the event, checking the official website regularly is the best way to stay updated. Whether it is your first show or your fiftieth, this Baltimore weekend looks set to deliver a fun, spooky celebration right in time for Halloween.
