If you like to be scared, but the thought of impending deadlines and exams isn’t quite the thrill you had in mind, don’t panic just yet. Days of the Dead is coming back around to bring Atlanta a full weekend of horror.
Days of the Dead, a fan-run and fan-oriented horror convention that started up in Indianapolis, is aimed at reviving classic genre conventions. According to the official website, the founders wanted to make a convention experience that feels like “a welcoming communal gathering of like minded friends and fans and not just another ‘pay-and-go’ autograph show.” Despite their bold mission statement, the con is still offering photo opportunities with a pretty impressive guest list.
Some of the most notable names include Tobin Bell, who starred as Jigsaw in the “Saw” series and Dr. Mitchell Allen in the “Boogeyman” series, and Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.
The convention also has something for science fiction fans, with several cast members of the original Star Wars trilogy making an appearance. Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian, and Jeremy Bulloch, who played Boba Fett, will both be doing photo-ops on Saturday Feb. 6 and Sunday Feb. 7. The man behind Admiral Ackbar and the infamous “It’s a trap,” line, Tim Rose, will also be hanging out at the convention, but isn’t doing photos.
While the photo-ops themselves aren’t free, the convention is hosting a number of other events that come free with any admission ticket. Panels start on Friday Feb. 5 at 7 p.m., kicking off with Indie Horror and Women in Horror panels. After a full day of paneling, the guests can take a break for Celebrity “Scaryee-okee,” which is sure to be a scream.
Saturday starts up again with panels at noon, but runs in a different direction for convention contests. The first, an FX makeup competition, starts at 4:30 p.m. and is followed by a horror-themed tattoo contest. The night wraps with an exclusive VIP party at 8:45, followed by a free-for-all dance party with DJ Tre at 11 p.m. Thankfully, Sunday is just a panel day, so if you partied too hard the night before, you’re in for an easy day.
The convention is also hosting a 48 hour film festival. Unfortunately, the film’s are being shown at the same time as photo-ops and panels, so make sure to check out the schedule before you go. Short films will be showcased on Friday, while feature length films will start up on Saturday. “Circus of the Dead” is the movie to catch if you don’t mind missing the end of the tattoo contest. The creepy clown flick has its own pre-release party and a clown costume contest (yikes!).
Days of the Dead is the horror convention with it all: celebrity appearances, karaoke, and a room full of terrifying clowns. If that thought doesn’t send you running for the hills, you can pick up tickets at the door each day or in advance on the Days of the Dead website.
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Show Hours:
Friday, Feb. 5: 5-11 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 6: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 7: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Place:
Atlanta Sheraton
165 Courtland St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
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Door Ticket Prices:
Friday: $30
Saturday: $35
Sunday: $30
Weekend: $75
Military and Kids under 10: Free
Discounted pre-sale tickets are available at daysofthedead.net/atlanta/tickets.
Photo-ops are priced individually and can be purchased through the same link.
For a full list of event times, go to daysofthedead.net/atlanta
