If you’re looking for a good scare and can’t wait till Halloween, then mark September 21st-23rd on your calendars. As the season changes from Summer to Fall, this year’s New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival invades the Showboat Hotel on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, bringing horror movies, celebrities, special events, cosplay, and more. The brainchild of filmmaker/producer Ryan Scott Weber and Comic Book Men producer/pop culturist Rob Bruce, NJ Horror Con and Film Festival is moving to their most ambitious location yet and bringing the tri-state area another killer con. Their massive guest list features over 30 celebrities from the worlds of horror, television, and rock and roll all signing autographs, and posing for photo ops. The film festival will showcase over 25 short and feature length horror films.

The guest list is highlighted by Elvira herself, Cassandra Peterson, who will have her famous red couch set available for special photos. Also appearing for special photo ops will be Mr. Feeney, Williams Daniels, who of course was also the voice of KITT the Trans-Am on Knight Rider. He’ll be taking photos with KITT! The NJ Horror Con is also featuring group photos such as an Ash vs Evil Dead reunion highlighted by Kelly Maxwell herself, Dana DeLorenzo, and a 6-person Friday the 13th reunion featuring cast members, directors, and the man behind the infamous Friday score, Harry Manfredini. Among the other guests are Oscar-nominated actress and The Exorcist star Linda Blair, Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, Lita Ford, Doyle from The Misfits, Terminator 2‘s Edward Furlong, Carrie and House‘s William Katt, pro-wrestling’s original NWO duo of Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, the legendary Ron Jeremy, and more.

Other guests will be there not only to meet and greet fans, but to host special weekend events. Saturday night at 8:00 PM, Dennis Haskins aka Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell will host a karaoke party and then at 9:00 PM Bryan Johnson of AMC’s Comic Book Men will be hosting an event featuring trivia and special guests. There’s also a cosplay contest going on Saturday as well giving out cash prizes to the winners.

What separates this convention from others is their film festival, sponsored this year by Wild Eye Releasing. I’ve attended horror cons and horror film festivals and this is the best of both worlds. Last year when I attended I saw some truly awesome flicks and met some amazing upcoming filmmakers. Films start 30 minutes after doors open Friday. That night’s first feature-length film is Triggered by director Chris Moore, a film I reviewed and really enjoyed. It goes on at 6:40 PM. You can read my full review here. The festival concludes with an award presentation hosted by horror scream queen Tiffany Shepis.

Doors open at the Showboat at 5:00 PM Friday, September 21st, and 10:00 AM both Saturday and Sunday, September 22nd and 23rd. Its $30 a day or $75 for a 3-day pass. Go to the convention website at newjerseyhorrorcon.com for everything you need including tickets, hotel reservations, pre-sale photo ops, full film festival schedules, and full guest lists. If you’re in the mood for scary great time, head to AC September 21st – 23rd. See you at Showboat!

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