Reflecting on Nightmare Weekend Chicago’s debut, I’m left with mixed emotions—an initial buzz of excitement that gradually faded into something more subdued – kinda like the Cinematic Conjuring universe. There were moments of promise: seeing William Shatner in such an intimate setting was surreal, even if the sparse crowd dulled the energy. And The fact that he actually commented on how empty it was. His own acknowledgment of the turnout stung a little, a reminder that the room wasn’t as full as his legacy deserved.

Walking the vendor floor felt familiar but hollow. While I was thrilled to see both returning names and newcomers with unique wares—classic monster toys, anime gear, vintage oddities—there was a sense that many were just trying to survive the weekend. Conversations with vendors revealed frustrations, particularly from artists, some of whom allegedly packed up early due to low sales and poor foot traffic. Whether the $750 table price was accurate or not, the sentiment was clear: expectations weren’t met.

Taking my daughter on Sunday was a bright spot. The gaming area was well-run and gave her a real sense of enjoyment. It showed me what this convention could be with more thoughtfully curated spaces like that. But beyond the games, we found ourselves circling the same attractions, unsure what else to do. The 18+ area was closed off, the tattoo zone had its niche appeal, and the prop exhibit for Thanksgiving—though well done—didn’t have the magnetic pull it should have, especially with Eli Roth and cast on site.

And that’s the thing. Having Eli Roth, a pivotal figure from the 2000s horror renaissance, at your event should’ve been a major hook. There was no buzz, no big stage moment, no celebration of his legacy. A red carpet experience or dedicated retrospective could’ve been the spine of the weekend. It felt like a missed opportunity to honor a filmmaker who helped define a whole era of blood-soaked cinema.

The lack of consistent energy on the floor also didn’t help. No music, no MC calling out upcoming panels, no haunted attraction—nothing anchoring the weekend in that immersive horror vibe. Even something as simple as a DIY haunted ride (a la House of 1000 Corpses) could’ve added much-needed ambiance. And where were the panels on horror writing? Horror fans don’t just consume—they create. A horror literature panel would have been a perfect way to engage that community.

Ultimately, Nightmare Weekend offered a good day—not a good weekend. For a debut, it wasn’t a disaster, but it was undercooked. What was there felt stretched thin, leaving too much space between the highlights. I sincerely hope the organizers listen to feedback, because this event has real potential. The horror community in Chicago is massive and loyal—but it needs to be properly courted with substance, style, and a better sense of direction.

If they do that? I’ll be the first in line next year.