Spooky Empire Retro rolls into Orlando this weekend with haunting fun, horror celebs, epic parties

in Entertainment, Events, Movies, Television

Just yesterday, Spooky Empire excited fans of the freakier side of pop culture with the announcement of Spooky Days in the Parks, an event to be held at Walt Disney World this September. But those looking for some Spooky fun sooner than that don’t have to wait long, as Spooky Empire Retro is on the way in just a few days.

Twice a year Spooky Empire throws the ultimate horror themed party (to call it a convention would be inadequate).   Returning to the Wyndham Hotel on International Drive, Orlando, FL, Spooky Empire Retro is about to unleash another epic edition of horror guests, tattoo artists, pool parties and more.

lineup

The semi-annual, three day event is not your ordinary convention.  Spooky Empire is a family run event for fans, by fans.  It’s anything but your ordinary convention.  Two huge pool parties, a VIP reception (for those who’ve opted for the package), huge vendor’s room, tattoo artists, and host of horror celebrities all contribute to the experience.  What really makes Spooky an amazing experience, though, is the fans themselves. As someone who’s been attending this show twice a year for over a decade, the experience is more like a family of friends (something you won’t find at giant corporate conventions).

Kane

Petey and Gina, owners of Spooky Empire, produce two event filled shows a year:  One show in late October and another in the spring.  This year’s spring show comes with a “retro” theme, as the convention returns to its Orlando roots at the Wyndham hotel.hotel

The weekend kicks into gear with the Dia de los Muertos Opening Day Celebration and Processional.  From noon to 4pm make-up artists will be on hand for those who desire that perfect sugar skull look for the 4pm processional.  Entertainment and fine food from Uno Pizzeria & Grill (where the kick of party is held) set the stage for fiendishly fun fiesta.  The party comes to a creepy crescendo with the march to Wyndham to kick off the start of Spooky Empire Retro.

DoD

Friday, Saturday and Sunday big name guests will be on hand for autographs and panel sessions.  The lineup includes Noah Schnapp and Shannon Purser from “Stranger Things,” Malcom McDowell (“Clockwork Orange”), Joan Cusack (“Addams Family Values”), Ernie Hudson (“Ghostbusters”), Ralph Macchio (“the Outsiders”), C. Thomas Howell (“the Outsiders”), Zack Galligan (“Gremlins”), Taylor Mane (“Devil’s Rejects”), Kane Hodder (“Friday the 13th”), Dee Snyder (Twisted Sister) Lloyd Kaufman (Troma Films) and many more.  Check out Spooky Empire’s website for the full list (and schedule of panels).

Stranger ThingsAlong with great guests, a dealer’s room full of creepy collectables and make-up artists alongside a separate room of tattoo artists (with tattoo of the day awards) will be open all weekend.  Two pool parties round out the fun: Friday night features a tribute to Prince and Saturday’s party rocks out with Spooky’s own DJ Petey Punkineaty.

prince

Rocktail

The wicked weekend comes to a close on Sunday with spectacular Spooky Empire costume contest.  Over $1000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs.

costume
The Spooky Empire experience is one not to be missed and this weekend (April 21-23) is the perfect opportunity to find out what all the fun is about. Here’s a peek at last year’s freaky fun…

WATCH:

Spooky Empire Retro kicks off with the Day of the Dead Party at Uno’s Pizzeria and Grill (8250 International Drive, Orlando) from noon to 4pm.  The excitement continues at the Wyndham Orlando Resort (8001 International Drive Orlando FL) Friday, Saturday and Sunday (doors open Friday at 5 and Saturday and Sunday at 11; VIP ticket holders gain entry an hour earlier).

For full details see the Spooky Empire website.

in Entertainment, Events, Movies, Television

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