Dive Into Darkness: A Guide To Kentucky’s Upcoming Public Paranormal Conventions and Events

Paranormal and horror fans alike, it is nearly our season to shine! Let's be honest here, as soon as the clock hits midnight on July 5th, it's officially spooky season. We are just weeks away from September, and the countdown is on! Speaking of countdowns, here are some events you spooks may enjoy as the night starts to creep in earlier and earlier.

 Kentucky Horror-Fest, September 21st

Taking place at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Frankfort and features special guests such as Tony Moran (Halloween), James Stokes (Vorhees Night of The Beast), and Tom McLaughlin (director of Friday the 13th part VI), to name a few! There will be cosplay contests, a horror movie room, vendors, ghost stories, and maybe even a séances or two. Adult admission is $20 and kids 11 and under are free with an adult.

ScareFest Weekend 16, October 18th -20th

ScareFest is back, and celebrating its sweet and spooky 16th year of "The Sinister Side of Comic-Con" But don't procrastinate purchasing your passes to this event as they are quickly selling out. Stars taking place in the event include Devon Sawa, Charles Band, Joe Dante, and Jeff Daniel Phillips. There will be various vendor booths set up, and guest speakers, included in the weekend's events are the ScareFest Tattoo Expo, Film Festival, and Mystical Market.

Cryptid Con, November 23rd & 24th

Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Cryptid Con in Lexington! Schedules for the event have not yet been posted online, so keep your eyes peeled for any future updates. The guest list this year is crazy long with members of your favorite cryptid and paranormal TV shows! The list includes Giorgio Tsouhalos from Ancient Aliens and members of popular shows like A&E Ghost Hunters, Skinwalker Ranch, and Expedition Bigfoot. The location will be the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Lexington.

Haunted Objects Live! October 2nd, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Revisit the stories of mystery and the macabre with the married duo, Greg and Dana Newkirk. This one-night event is at the Norton Centers For The Arts in Danville. The Newkirks are known for their work on their podcast, The Haunted Objects, on shows such as Hellier (Amazon Prime) and, Kindred Spirits (Discovery+). Greg and Dana are some of the only full-time paranormal investigators in the world, devoting their time to collecting items from troubled spaces. Items that may have spiritual or demonic attachments can cause a stir in homes and businesses until they have been properly removed from the premises.

The modern-day Ed and Lorraine Warren duo have their fair share of stories to share with you, purchase tickets now for this event as they are selling out fast. Greg and Dana will launch you into the spirit dimension with their hair-raising recounts of historic horrors, folk tales of old, and plenty of their very own case files. Discover the true story of the Amityville Horror House, The Dybbuk Box, and the breaking of the Catskill Crone's Curse.

Cumberland Con 2024

Cumberland Con taking place in Somerset, Kentucky is a combination of a paranormal con and comic book con. The Con will take place on Saturday, October 5th starting at 11 am at the Somerset High School with a kickoff party the day before. On the day of the con enjoy many different vendors, panels with special guest speakers, costume contests for adults and children, and free entry to The International Paranormal Museum!

The kickoff party (October 4th, 6:30 pm at the Markers Mill) will have paranormal and comic trivia, live music, and a sketch art contest benefiting a local charity.

Haunted Graves Para-con

This paranormal event is being conjured up at the Mayfield- Graves Fairgrounds on  Saturday, October 12th from 9 am to 7 pm in Mayfield, Kentucky! The spooky expo is sure to give its attendees goosebumps in aptly named, Graves County. Haunted Graves Para Con has been structured for all paranormal enthusiasts, and those looking for a ghoulishly good time!  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance.