I’m sure at this point you know that we are about to enter the final month of the 2021 iteration of the 100 Horror Movies in 92 Days. Over the past year, I’ve attended a bunch of virtual horror film festivals or festivals that have had horror offerings. Getting to attend festivals that I would otherwise not have the opportunity to visit has been one of the small silver linings of the pandemic.
I thought it would be awesome to round up a list of festivals that will be going on between now and the early part of January.
- Horrible Imaginings Campfire Tales October Edition (9/30-10/4) – Looking for a super affordable way to check out some cool horror shorts that are on the festival circuit? This virtual festival is for you!
- Fantastic Fest (9/30-10/11) – According to their site, “Fantastic Fest is the largest genre film festival in the US, specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action and just plain fantastic movies from all around the world.” This festival is presented by Alamo Drafthouse so you know it has to be good!
- Mile High Horror Film Festival (10/7-10/10) – Based out of Denver Colorado, this 11-year-old film festival has been recognized as one of the “top 5 coolest horror/sci-fi film festivals” as voted by MovieMaker Magazine. This festival seems to be more shorts-heavy, so if that is your jam, this one is for you!
- Nightstream (10/7-10/13) – Nightstream was recommended to me by Prince Jackson of Knight Light: A Horror Movie Podcast. As of the release of this article, they haven’t posted their program yet but they are offering 5 and 10 film/shorts block packages, similar to Mile High.
- Phoenix FearCon (10/15-10/16) – Phoenix FearCon is set up a bit differently than some of the other festivals since it is connected to a horror convention taking place here in Phoenix. The movies and shorts will be up for a duration to be determined but the other content like panels, workshops, and performances won’t expire until 12/31. This festival is a great option if you’re interested in a taste of what some of the larger festivals are offering and at a smaller price point.
- Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival (10/15-10/17) – I don’t know a ton about this festival, but its offerings don’t cross over with a lot of the other festivals which is nice!
- Salem Horror Fest (10/22-10/31) – Salem Horror Fest is by far my favorite virtual experience so far! Last year I even had a panel in their program! Their head programmer Kay is absolutely incredible and not only does the festival always have incredible offerings (One of my favorites, Keeping Company, will actually be at this year’s festival) but also supports a variety of great causes. This is a festival you can definitely feel good about giving your money to.
- CineXpose (December) – As of 11/23, the site still says they are taking submissions and no ticket info is listed.
- New York City Horror Film Festival (12/2-12/9) – Tickets are now on sale and it appears that there will be 10 feature-length programs, 4 short blocks, as well as panels.
- Ho Ho Horrible Imaginings (12/16-12/20) – As of 11/23, the tickets for the virtual festival have not gone on sale. I will update this when that changes.
- Sundance Film Festival (1/20-1/30) – I attended Sundance last year and absolutely had a blast. Tickets are not yet up for sale but will be open to the general public in December. While the ticket cost is fairly expensive, it does give folks who would otherwise NEVER be able to go to Sundance in person, an option to do so virtually.
I hope everyone enjoys this list and hopefully, I’ll find more festivals to add to it! I have tickets already for Nightstream and Salem Horror Fest so with any luck I’ll see some of you there! Stay tuned, because as I attend, I will have reviews and “best-of” lists and you won’t want to miss them!