Flashback Weekend 2026 Schedule
Parking
Parking is available in the attached garage at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago.
Staying at the Hyatt
The rate is $25.00 overnight per day for Flashback Weekend guests staying at the Hyatt. Just request that the Hyatt add this parking charge to your room bill. You receive in and out privileges with this rate! Hyatt parking is subject to availability.
Not staying at the Hyatt
If you are not staying at the Hyatt, the validated rate is $25.00 for the day for Flashback attendees (but no in and out privileges). Bring your parking ticket with you to Flashback registration. Validate your ticket at the validation machine at the Flashback Registration desk for the discount parking rate (for those not staying at the Hyatt). Hyatt parking is subject to availability.
Additional Parking
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Parking*
Additional parking lot directly across from the Hyatt on Bryn Mawr is the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Parking. That rate has been running similar to the Hyatt. No validation from Flashback needed for the across the street parking rate, however there are no in and out privileges at the Convention Center Parking Garage. (Parking rates subject to change).
Parkway Bank Park Parking Garage*
Additional parking at the Parkway Bank Park Parking Garage, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont, IL (across from the AMC Rosemont Theatres). Parking is FREE with validation from any of the Parkway Bank Park venues. Without validation, parking is $20 per 24 hour period.
*All parking rates subject to change.
Photo Ops
Celeb Photo Ops may be purchased in advance on-line at https://celebphotoops.com/event/flashback or at the convention at the entrance to the Rosemont Ballroom C-D (street level).
The Rosemont Ballroom is to the left of the escalators as you enter through the revolving doors of the Hyatt – it is at street level.
Purchasing photo op tickets at the event - If you would like to purchase any photo op tickets at the event, the sales desk is cash only. If you would like to use a credit card, you may do so on your mobile device using the ticket purchase page. Please ensure you verify the op you are purchasing online during an event has not already passed by viewing the schedule.
Celeb Photo-Ops Information Desk and Photo-Ops Booth located at the Rosemond Ballroom CD - Street level
Photo-Ops schedule will be posted closer to the event
Friday July 31, 2026
12:00PM -12:30PM | Registration – Early ULTIMATE pick-up
12:30PM - 2:00PM | Registration Booth - Early pick-up for all advance ticket purchases
2:00PM – 8:30PM | Registration Booth Open for on-site sales and advance ticket pick-ups
3:00PM - 9:00PM | Dealers room & Celebrity signings
TBA | Q & A schedule
TBA | Celeb Photo-Op schedule*
*You must have a convention admission ticket to participate in Photo-Ops
8:00PM | SVENGOOLIE LIVE*
The Live Horror Talk Show! Join Svengoolie (Rich Koz) & Friends! Many Celebrity Guests & Surprises.
*SPECIAL EVENT TICKET REQUIRED
9:00 PM | ELEGANT AFTER PARTY AT VENTANAS. The elegant bar on the top floor of the Hyatt with a panoramic view of Chicago’s skyline & O’Hare. Party in Class & Style! All Flashback Weekend ticket holders welcome. One (1) drink purchase minimum from the bar upstairs.
*Attendance limited to capacity*
Saturday August 1, 2026
9:30AM - 5:00PM | Registration Booth Open
10:00AM - 7:00PM | Dealer room open
10:00AM - 6:00PM | Celebrity signings
TBA | Svengoolie Autograph & Selfies (Svengoolie line limited to capacity)
TBA | 20th Annual Sinister Visions Costume Contest hosted by Svengoolie
- All you need to enter is your Flashback Weekend wristband and a costume
- Limited to capacity
- Pre-Register to enter the Costume Contest. See info below.
TBA | Q & A schedule
TBA | Celeb Photo-Op schedule*
*You must have a convention admission ticket to participate in Photo-Ops
8:15PM | ALAN HOWARTH IN CONCERT*
Performing the score live to a screening of “HALLOWEEN II” (1981)
*SPECIAL EVENT TICKET REQUIRED
10:00PM | WOODSBORO DANCE PARTY – UNDER THE DOME! Conference Center – Hotel registration desk level. Party and Dance to the Music of SCREAM!
All Flashback Weekend ticket holders welcome. One (1) drink purchase minimum from the party bar
*Attendance limited to capacity*
Sunday August 2, 2026
9:30AM - 3:00PM | Registration Booth Open
10:00AM - 4:00PM | Dealers room and Celebrity signings
12:00PM - 4:00PM | Q & A’s – Schedule TBA
TBA | Celeb Photo-Op schedule*
*You must have a convention admission ticket to participate in Photo-Ops
A detailed schedule will be posted closer to the event.
Times and Events Subject to Change
Svengoolie LIVE
The Legendary SVENGOOLIE (Rich Koz) will take the stage for “SVENGOOLIE LIVE”, the live Horror talk show on Friday July 31, 2026. Featuring Svengoolie live on stage with celebrity guests and surprises, all in the classic Svengoolie style that we love! This will be the Horror Event of the Year!
SPECIAL EVENT – TICKET REQUIRED
VIP seating for SVENGOOLIE LIVE is included with ULTIMATE TICKETS. General seating SVENGOOLIE LIVE tickets are available for purchase by Weekend and Friday Single Day Ticket holders based on availability. Convention and SVENGOOLIE LIVE ticket required to attend the event.
The 2025 Costume Contest Winners with Svengoolie
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the overwhelming response/turnout in the last couple of years, we're going to have to limit the number of contestants for the costume contest:
- KIDS CONTEST: 10 Entrants
- ADULTS CONTEST: 20 Entrants
- YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE THIS YEAR. Fill out THIS FORM to secure your spot - first-come, first-served. Contestants will be listed here and notified via email prior to the show.
We appreciate your understanding and support - there is only so much time and space for this event!
Join us on Saturday August 1st at (TIME TBA) in the International Ballroom in your favorite ghoulish costume for our 20th Annual Sinister Visions Costume Contest! The contest will be hosted by Chicago Television legend SVENGOOLIE! All ages welcome!
Prizes are awarded for First, Second and Third Place, and there's a Kids Category for ages 12 & under. Winners are determined by audience applause, and will receive a 12" x 8" metal award plaque courtesy of CU Scared:
Registered contestants should arrive 15 minutes prior to the contest to check in with FBW staff.
Composer Alan Howarth will perform his classic score to “HALLOWEEN II" (1981) live to a screening of the film at Flashback Weekend on Sat. Aug. 1, 2026! This all-immersive audio and visual film screening experience is not to be missed!
SPECIAL EVENT – TICKET REQUIRED
VIP seating for this special concert event is included with ULTIMATE TICKETS. General seating ALAN HOWARTH CONCERT tickets are available for purchase by Weekend and Single Day Ticket holders based on availability. Convention and concert ticket required to attend the concert.
A FANGORIA Collector's Edition for FLASHBACK WEEKEND CHICAGO HORROR CONVENTION
For 45 years, FANGORIA has been the magazine of horror - the one fans hunt down at conventions, the one they get signed, the one that ends up framed on the wall. Now FANGORIA is making one specifically for FLASHBACK WEEKEND CHICAGO HORROR CONVENTION.
This is a one-time printing. Custom editorial, articles, and photos based on the 2026 Celebrity guests, the legends, the events, and the moments that define Flashback Weekend. Signable front and back covers. A must have keepsake from a Flashback Weekend you won't forget.
You can pre-order this special edition collectible in advance at a discount price on the ticket sales page. The price at the convention will be $15.00 while supplies last.
