‘Staggering’ Lineup For 2023 Flashback Horror Con

Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Con is set to exceed its reputation as the area’s largest and longest-running scary movie convention with a staggering lineup of guests and programs running August 4-6 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.

Highlights will include a Scream reunion featuring celebrities Skeet Ulrich, Rose McGowan, Jamie Kennedy and Lee Waddell. But that’s just the beginning. The schedule also boasts a 40^th anniversary celebration of John Carpenter’s Christine — the horror classic based on the novel by Stephen King — with cast members William Ostrander, Malcom Danare and Steven Tash. 

On Saturday night, legendary composer Alan Howarth will energize an “all-immersive audio and visual experience” by performing music he created for films like Christine, Escape from New York, They Live and Halloween 2-6.

Several cast members from Terrifier 1 and 2 will also be on hand for a reunion of the franchise, including David Howard Thornton, Jenna Kannell, Lauren Lavera, Elliot Fulham, Amelie McLain and Leah Voysey appearing in costume for photo ops.

SVENGOOLIE IN THE HOUSE
There are too many additional guests to name, except for one: Chicago television legend Svengoolie, played by Rich Koz, who hosts the Chicago Flashback costume contest every year. 

A massive horror memorabilia room and a number of panel discussions with celebrity guests will complete the festivities.

FLASHBACK BABIES
Mike and Mia Kerz created Flashback Weekend in 2002 as a “Convention by Day – Horror Film Fest by Night.” The concept that has since proven to be a win-win for celebrities as well as attendees. 

“Flashback Weekend provided a place and time for the Chicago horror community to unite and grow,” say the founders. “Now, fans plan their yearly vacations around Flashback Weekend and many travel from across the globe to attend. Fans have established friendships at Flashback and met their significant others — now, there are…Flashback babies!”

ALL-STAR HOSTS
Bringing it all together will be Flashback Weekend Master of Ceremonies (and Chicago Daily Herald Film Critic) Dann Gire. An all-star lineup of film veterans will co-host, including critics Nick Digilio and Steve Prokopy, filmmaker / journalist Jason Paul Collum, producer John LaFlamboy, filmmaker John Borowski, artistic sensation James Azrael, author John Kitley, actor Ron Fitzgerald and dark artist Chad Savage. 

MISSION TO SAVE THE DRIVE-IN
All net proceeds from the event will go to the preservation and operation of the Midway Drive-In, located in Dixon, IL, as part of Flashback Weekend’s mission to preserve of the American drive-in and 35mm film preservation. 

Flashback Weekend is staged collaboratively with and sponsored in part by: The Midway Drive In, Sinister Visions inc., Zombie Army Productions and Dark Chicago.

For tickets and additional information, click here. The founders also encourage fans to send thoughts and comments to help@flashbackweekend.com.