If you’ve spent any time in the Midwest horror scene, you know the name. It’s gritty. It’s loud. Chicago Days of the Dead isn’t your typical sanitized corporate convention where you pay $80 for a "professional" photo op and get ushered out by a bored volunteer in a neon vest within thirty seconds. It’s a different beast entirely. Honestly, if you walk into the Crowne Plaza Chicago OHare in Rosemont during one of these weekends, you’re basically stepping into a three-day fever dream of practical effects, scream queens, and the kind of after-parties that would make a regular hotel guest call security immediately.
People get confused. They hear "Days of the Dead" and think about sugar skulls or the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. While the name borrows that imagery, this is a pure, unadulterated horror movie fan convention. It’s about the art of the scare.
What Actually Happens at Chicago Days of the Dead?
Most conventions are just vendors and panels. This one is an experience. You’ve got the celebrity guests, sure—people like Kane Hodder, who played Jason Voorhees, or the cast of The Terrifier—but the vibe is what keeps people coming back. It’s the "counter-culture" of horror.
The show floor is a claustrophobic, beautiful mess. You’ll find indie filmmakers trying to sell you a DVD of a movie they shot in their backyard alongside high-end artists like The Scary Closet, who make those hyper-realistic screen-accurate puppets. It’s not just about buying stuff. It’s about the community. You might be standing in line for a coffee and find yourself talking to a guy covered in prosthetic burns about the best way to apply spirit gum. That’s just a Saturday morning in Rosemont.
The Myth of the "Easy" Autograph
A lot of newbies think they can just stroll in and meet everyone. Nope. If a big name like Neve Campbell or a rare guest like Malcolm McDowell is on the roster, you need a plan. The lines at Chicago Days of the Dead can get gnarly. Because the show focuses so heavily on the "party" atmosphere, the daytime can feel like a survival horror game of its own.
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- Pre-order your tickets. Seriously. The "VIP" or "EVP" passes usually sell out months in advance.
- Cash is still king. Even in 2026, hotel Wi-Fi is notoriously flaky, and when the card readers go down, the guy with the $20 bills gets the signed 8x10 first.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’re on your feet for ten hours.
Why This Show Stays Local and Weird
There’s a reason this specific show feels different from the massive "conglomerate" cons that hit the United Center or McCormick Place. Adolfo Dorta and the crew behind Days of the Dead have kept it localized to the hotel circuit. By keeping it in a hotel like the Crowne Plaza, they create a "closed-loop" environment. You live there. You eat there. You party there.
The 48-Hour Film Festival is a huge part of the Chicago identity. Local filmmakers are given a set of requirements and two days to make a horror short. Seeing these screened on a Sunday morning to a room full of hungover fans and industry pros is peak Chicago horror. It’s raw. Sometimes the movies are terrible, but they’re always passionate. That’s the point.
The Infamous After-Parties
Let’s be real. Half the people attending aren’t there for the 10:00 AM panels. They’re there for the nightlife. The "Scary-oke" (horror-themed karaoke) is legendary. It’s the one place where you can see a 7-foot tall Michael Myers cosplayer belt out "Total Eclipse of the Heart" while a bunch of people dressed as Cenobites do shots of cheap whiskey at the hotel bar.
It gets loud. It gets crowded. It’s definitely not for everyone. If you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly weekend, you might want to head to a different suburb. But if you want to see the horror community with its hair down, this is it.
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Surviving the Crowds: Logistics and Tips
Parking in Rosemont is a nightmare. Period. If you aren't staying at the host hotel, you’re going to pay through the nose for the parking garage or spend forty minutes circling the block. Honestly, just take an Uber or the Blue Line. It’s cheaper than the ticket you’ll get for parking in a "permit only" zone nearby.
Food and Survival
The hotel food is expensive. You know this. But Rosemont is actually a decent hub for food if you’re willing to walk five minutes. There’s a Giordano's nearby because you can't come to Chicago and not eat a pizza that weighs five pounds.
- The Pro Move: Bring a backpack with water and granola bars.
- The Rookie Mistake: Relying on the hotel snack bar. You'll spend $9 on a bag of chips.
- The Insider Tip: Hit the nearby convenience stores before you check in.
The Ethical Side of Horror Fandom
There’s a lot of debate lately about the "convention circuit" and whether it’s exploiting fans. Prices for autographs have skyrocketed over the last decade. Some guests at Chicago Days of the Dead might charge $60, $80, or even $100 for a signature. Is it worth it?
That’s up to you. But the organizers generally do a good job of bringing in "rare" guests—people who don't do the big corporate shows. This creates a sense of urgency. You might never see certain cult film actors again. It’s a niche market, and the prices reflect that scarcity.
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Making the Most of Your Weekend
If you want to actually enjoy Chicago Days of the Dead, don't try to do everything. Pick three "must-see" guests and two panels. Everything else should be "bonus" time. The people-watching alone is worth the price of admission. You’ll see some of the best SFX makeup in the country walking through the lobby.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit:
- Follow the Official Socials: They announce guest cancellations or additions in real-time. If a guest's flight is delayed, they'll post it on X (Twitter) or Facebook first.
- Check the Layout: The Crowne Plaza can be a maze. Figure out where the "Ballroom" vs. the "Seminar Rooms" are before you’re rushing to a 2:00 PM Q&A.
- Budget for "The Pit": The vendor room is often called "The Pit" for a reason. You will see things you didn't know you needed, like a screen-used machete or a custom-painted My Little Pony that looks like a zombie. Set a spending limit before you walk in.
- Engage with the Indies: Spend five minutes talking to the authors and filmmakers at the smaller tables. They have the best stories, and they’re the future of the genre.
Chicago Days of the Dead isn't just a convention; it's a subculture gathering. It’s messy, it’s expensive, and it’s loud. But for three days in the suburbs of Chicago, it's the most honest place on earth for people who love the macabre. Pack your bags, bring your sharpies, and don't expect to get much sleep.