Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention

Flashback Weekend

Chicago Horror Con

August 1-3, 2025

Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago
Rosemont, IL

Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLASHBACK WEEKEND 2025 - PLEASE READ

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Details on Robert Englund Autograph and Photo-Ops

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EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE WEEKEND!

Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention celebrates its 24th year with an extraordinary celebrity guest line-up including the legendary Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger), a series of themed reunions paying tribute to key horror films from the golden age of 80's, modern slasher film series, visionary horror directors, horror innovators, and Chicago born horror legends! Flashback Weekend will provide horror fans the opportunity to meet these horror legends,  get their autographs and take photos with them, hear them discuss their work in professionally moderated horror panels, shop for horror memorabilia in a huge vendors room, enjoy luxurious after-parties, and  major horror events, all in one of the largest and most beautiful and elegant convention hotels in the world!

REUNIONS OF CLASSIC 80's HORROR!

Flashback Weekend pays tribute to important films from the Golden Age of 80's Horror!

"A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET" series Reunion - With an ingenious story, and the concept of not hiding the slasher behind a mask and giving the villain a personality and aided by the brilliant performance of Freddy Krueger by Robert Englund, Wes Craven propelled the Golden Age of 80's horror to new heights! Series cast reunion featuring Robert Englund - Freddy Krueger, Ken Kirzinger - Jason - "FREDDY VS. JASON", Amanda Wyss - Tina Gray - “A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET" (1984), Tuesday Knight - Kristen Parker - "A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4", and Andras Jones - Rick Johnson - "A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4”.

"RE-ANIMATOR" (1985) Reunion - Director Stuart Gordon provided 80's Horror with a massive shot of adrenaline with his outrageous and brilliant 1985 classic "RE-ANIMATOR".  The "mad scientist" Herbert West (brought to life with a "for the ages" performance by Jeffrey Combs) is one of horror's greatest characters! Cast reunion featuring: Jeffrey Combs - Herbert West, Barbara Crampton -Megan Halsey. And Bruce Abbott - Dan Cain.

"THE HOWLING" (1981) Reunion - The werewolf genre was considered antiquated and old-fashioned when Director Joe Dante brought it back to life with his 1981 classic "THE HOWLING". "THE HOWLING" is a brilliant, influential horror film that is an exercise in pure cinema craftmanship, knowledge, and technique by Dante.  The innovative effects by Rob Bottin set a new standard for make-up effects! Reunion featuring: Joe Dante – Director, Dee Wallace - Karen White, andBelinda Balaski - Terry Fisher.

REUNIONS OF MODERN HORROR SLASHER ICONS

It is against all odds to create an iconic horror slasher and launch a horror film franchise, but our guests Directors Damien Leone ("Art the Clown" of the "TERRIFIER" series) and Adam Green ("Victor Crowley" of the "HATCHET" series) did just that! We are proud to pay tribute to these two new visionary Horror directors with reunions of their modern horror classics!

"TERRIFIER 3" Reunion” - Damien Leone is the creator of Art the Clown (portrayed by David Howard Thornton since 2016) and the “TERRIFIER” franchise, which includes “ALL HALLOWS EVE” and “TERRIFIER 1-3”. October 11-13, 2024 was a proud weekend for horror fans, as “TERRIFIER 3” premiered at number one at the box-office! “TERRIFIER 3” played uncensored at neighborhood theatres across the country, shattering the barrier that had once kept unrated horror from large mainstream theatrical releases. Horror legend George A. Romero, who fought many battles for his own unrated horror theatrical releases back in the 70’s and 80’s, would be proud of Damien Leone’s accomplishments!

Reunion featuring: Director Damien Leone, David Howard Thornton – Art the Clown, Lauren LaVera, Elliott Fullam, Antonella Rose, Samantha Scaffidi, Margaret Anne Florence, Krsy Fox, Alexa Blair Robertson, Mason Mecartea, and Amelie McLain.

"HATCHET" series Reunion - Adam Green is the creator of the “HATCHET” horror film series and the slasher icon Victor Crowley. At the time that Adam Green was pitching "HATCHET", clueless studio executives often rejected Adam's concept of an original horror slasher on the basis that it was "not a remake, not a sequel, and not based on a Japanese one".  But Adam persevered with his concept of an original slasher, and Victor Crowley and the enormously successful "HATCHET" franchise was born. Reunion featuring: Kane Hodder - VICTOR CROWLEY, Danielle Harris - Marybeth Dunston, Director Adam Green - "HATCHET" series, "FROZEN", "HOLLISTON" TV series, Robert Pendergraft - Make-up artist "HATCHET" series, "JEEPERS CREEPERS", and Robert Englund - Sampson Duston- "HATCHET" (2007).

HORROR INNOVATORS

ACTOR DEVON SAWA - Devon Sawa is one of the most versatile and fascinating actors working today. From making his mark as a terrific child performer in movies like "Little Giants" and "Casper," to starring in generational teen classics like "SLC Punk," " Idle Hands" and, of course, "Final Destination," Devon has impressed with his talent, star power and charisma. He has now successfully transitioned to scene-stealing character actor, with his memorable work in "Gasoline Alley" (in which he co-starred with Bruce Willis and Luke Wilson), this year's slasher classic "Heart Eyes," and, most impressively, as multiple characters on the wildly entertaining TV series "Chucky" based on the "Child's Play" films. He is clearly on a roll, and there's no end in sight for this truly gifted actor.

ICE NINE KILLS! - Spencer Charnas - Lead Singer "ICE NINE KILLS" - Spencer Charnas, is a true innovator.  The visionary albums and the cinematic music videos of ICE NINE KILLS are influenced by classic horror films. ICE NINE KILLS recently starred in the official epic “TERRIFIER 3” music video/short film “A WORK OF ART” which also stars David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown!

"DEAD MEAT" and "THE KILL COUNT" - James A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca - James A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca have innovated the world of YouTube horror channels with their amazing style which combines their own likeable sense of humor with genuinely intelligent and insightful horror analysis.   Dead Meat is the biggest horror movie channel on YouTube, amassing more than 6 million subscribers since its launch in 2017. James A. Janisse runs the flagship series "THE KILL COUNT" while Chelsea Rebecca runs the highly successful "DEAD MEAT PODCAST". Both Janisse and Rebecca can also be seen in the hit horror film “SCREAM 5”, as well as the breath-taking indie horror thriller "LITTLE BITES".

CHICAGO BORN HORROR LEGENDS

As Flashback Weekend is a home-grown Horror Convention, founded and staffed by all Chicago natives, we are honoring Chicago Born and Bred Chicago Horror Legends!

BILLY ZANE AND LISA ZANE - We are proud to welcome the acclaimed (and Chicago natives), brother and sister actors to Flashback Weekend. Billy Zane has a distinguished career including amazing performances in "TALES FROM THE CRYPT: DEMON KNIGHT", "TITANIC", "TWIN PEAKS: SEASON 2", "TOMBSTONE", "CRITTERS", "THE PHANTOM", and many more! Lisa Zane stars as counselor Maggie Burroughs in "FREDDY'S DEAD: THE FINAL NIGHTMARE".  While investigating the horrific murders of Freddy Krueger, Maggie discovers that she is also the daughter of Freddy Krueger! 

THE LEGENDARY SVENGOOLIE (RICH KOZ) - Svengoolie (Rich Koz) joins Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention for his annual appearance! Svengoolie will be hosting the 19th Annual Sinister Visions Costume Contest, signing autographs and taking selfies with fans (Sat.), and hosing a horror-themed talk show FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHTS LIVE with celebrity guests including Robert, Englund, Joe Dante, Barbara Crampton, and more!

MEET THE SLASHERS! IN COSTUME AND MAKE-UP CELEB PHOTO-OPS

Celeb Photo-Ops for our Flashback Weekend celebrity guests are now on sale including solo and group reunion ops!      

  • Kane Hodder - "HATCHET" - "VICTOR CROWLEY" make-up & costume (make-up applied by Robert Pendergraft) - Sat. Aug. 2, 2025 – Adam Green personally supervising the make-up and costume!
  • Damien Leone will provide the make-up for a "Art the Clown" Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) make-up and Santa costume-op Sat. Aug. 2, 2025 - Last "Santa Art" op in 2025,
  • The Little Pale Girl (Amelie McClain) make-up and costume photo-op Sat. Aug. 2, 2025 - Last time in 2025.
  • Danielle Harris special "Jamie Clown" and "Bloody" photo-ops
  • Spencer Charnas "Hip to be Scared" costume photo-op
  • Robert Englund and Svengoolie - Friday Aug. 1 only
  • Ken Kirzinger "JASON" costume op - Sat. Aug. 2, 2025
  • Robert Englund (with glove) vs. Jason (Ken Kirzinger in costume) - Sat. Aug. 2, 2025
  • Spencer Charnas - “HIP TO BE SCARED” based on the iconic Christian Bale costume from “AMERICAN PSYCHO”

Celeb photo-ops now on sale at https://celebphotoops.com/event/flashback

SPECIAL EVENTS!

FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHTS LIVE - Robert Englund and Svengoolie Live on Stage! - Separate ticket required -
Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention presents “FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHTS LIVE”, the live horror talk show on Friday Aug. 1, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago. Featuring the horror legends Robert Englund and Svengoolie live on stage, with other celebrity guests and surprises, all in the classic talk show format and Svengoolie style that we love! Join Robert Englund and Svengoolie (Rich Koz) for an intimate one-on-one conversation as they discuss their legendary careers, their friendship, the impact their characters have had on film culture, and much more! This will be the Horror Event of the Year!

 "INSIDE THE KILLS OF TERRIFIER 3" with James A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca - James A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca of "The Kill Count" and "Dead Meat" live on stage presenting "INSIDE THE KILLS OF TERRIFIER 3". You will not want to miss James and Chelsea as they interview the victims of "TERRIFIER 3"; Margaret Anne Florence, Krsy Fox, Alexa Blair Robertson, and Mason Mecartea, as only James and Chelsea can!

Charles Band - AN EVENING WITH FULL MOON ENTERTAINMENT Kegger Party - FREE BEER! - Full Moon Entertainment founder Charles Band joins Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Con Aug. 1-3, 2025.  Meet the man behind such classic genre films as TRANCERS, PUPPET MASTER, EVIL BONG and hundreds more! Sat. Aug. 2 at 8:15PM, Full Moon's Kegger party with Charles Band! Charles is buying a couple of kegs for the crowd to kick off the party Saturday night! Come hang out with Charles Band as he previews the exciting year ahead in the Full Moon universe! Hear wild stories, watch crazy clips, preview maniacal new merch and movies and have a FREE BEER on Charlie (must be +21 to be served)! First come, first served, while the supplies last!

Andras Jones ("A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4") in Concert - Actor and musician Andras Jones will take to the stage for a very special concert performance on Saturday August 2, 2025.  Don't miss it!

RON FITZGERALD HORROR ILUSIONS & DARK ARTS SHOW - Flashback Weekend After-Party presents a special event featuring illusionist Ron Fitzgerald.  Ron Fitzgerald's Gothic Illusion performances are an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience full of dark mystery, stunning visuals and wicked fun, all uniquely presented with Fitzgerald's wicked humor and devilish charm. Master Fitzgerald has singularly taken the Art of Illusion where others fear to tread with his sinister style and provocative persona. 

"THE CONJURING: LAST RITES" EXPERIENCE - Screen-used props from the upcoming new horror film "THE CONJURING: LAST RITES" will be on display at Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention!  These props are from the Warner Bros. studio archive in Hollywood, where they were stored after filming. You will be able to see them, just be careful about touching them or getting too close.  These items are from the CONJURING UNIVERSE, and they are evil! "THE CONJURING: LAST RITES" delivers another thrilling chapter of the iconic Conjuring cinematic universe, based on real events. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return as Lorraine and Ed Warren in a powerful and spine-chilling addition to the global box office-breaking franchise. The film opens Sept. 5, 2025, but you will get a first glimpse into the film at Flashback Weekend Horror Convention!

THE HYATT REGENCY O’HARE CHICAGO – THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE!
Our venue, the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago is one of the largest convention hotels in the world! The Hyatt is luxurious and elegant and will provide you with the extravagant and lavish weekend that you deserve!

Check out our schedule at  http://www.flashbackweekend.com/schedule.html.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE! Buy your convention and Celeb Photo-Ops tickets