Nightmare Weekend was a dream come true for horror fans

The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, became a very scary place for three terrorizing days thanks to Galaxycon. Nightmare Weekend descended onto the venue from May 2-4, 2025, with a wild array of activities for enthusiasts of the horror genre.

Keeping the theme focused worked wonders to prevent the horde of fans from raging out of control. It allowed longtime lovers of fright flicks to mingle with each other and spend quality time with some of their favorite performers without feeling overcrowded.

At times, though, long lines snaked around the autograph tables for many attendees, including Star Trekkie William Shatner and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Cassandra Peterson.

Queer identifying celebrities were also at work at the expo, such as Harvey Guillen from the FX series What We Do in the Shadows and Shazam! star Jack Dylan Grazer. Grazer had the It factor after appearing in two of Stephen King's clown films and said, “I love meeting people at these conventions.” For Pride, he plans on being in New York and they are grateful for their supportive LGBTQ+ fans after coming out as bisexual. Jack's new film is called Friendship and it debuts locally as part of the Chicago Critics Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre on May 4.

Right on the spot, cinephiles were treated to movie screenings and with an extra entrance fee, they could explore the Graveface Pop-up Museum.

A Signature package was offered in the tattoo area, where guests could purchase a signature on a body part from their favorite celeb and record footage of the experience.

Original Eddie Munster Butch Patrick said, “I have signed a few body parts over the years. The popularity has lasted over 60 years!” The 71 year old actor sold his book Eddie Munster Aka Butch Patrick: The Untold Story of His Early Hollywood-a, Could-a, Should-a Years and tons of Munsters merchandise at his table.

Comfortably Queer was just one of a rainbow of representation as a vendor selling goods and late night adult only shopping opportunities were held Friday and Saturday after 9 p.m. at the After Hours Market.

Other evening events had Buffy the Vampire Slayer star James Marsters performing a concert on the Fright Stage on Saturday night and sports fans screaming at live wrestling events sprinkled throughout the weekend.

Nighttime parties and cosplay contests had ghouls coming out in droves while competing for over $4,000 and special awards.

Long-distance visitors could attend virtually without even leaving their locations and participate in live chats.

Positioned at the entrance to the main floor was the massive general merchandise booth, shining a spotlight on group selfies, not actually self-taken photographs, but group shots with select artists sold for a reasonable price.

Nightmare Weekend was a dream for many to see their fantasies come to life and celebrate the darkness with light.

For last-minute tickets and the fright festival's future, creep over to galaxycon.com. Download the spooky app for convenient information on the go!