Two-Day Horror Extravaganza to Take Over Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center, October 10–11
(Raleigh, NC and Ft. Lauderdale, FL) – September 28, 2026 – Raleigh is about to get delightfully spooky when GalaxyCon Presents Nightmare Weekend Raleigh takes over the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center on October 10-11, 2026.
Produced by GalaxyCon, the largest independently owned consumer and fan engagement company, Nightmare Weekend is a continuation of the company’s expansion into celebrating niche aspects of genre culture with dedicated, fan-first events.
Nightmare Weekend is a celebration of all things horror: from iconic slasher classics and dark fantasy to spine-chilling anime, comics, and monster lore. Attendees can meet horror legends, celebrity guests, voice actors, and creators, and take part in a series of unforgettable events, including Q&As, video and tabletop gaming, panels, costume contests, and late-night After Dark programming.
“Nightmare Weekend brings a uniquely thrilling energy as thousands of fans come together to celebrate their shared love of horror, dark pop culture, and cosplay,” says Mike Broder, founder and president of GalaxyCon. “We are thrilled to bring this fan-favorite experience to Raleigh for a full weekend of frights, fun, and community.”
Of course, one of the biggest draws for fans is the opportunity to meet and talk with the stars and creators behind some of their favorite films, shows, comics, and games.
Featured Guests and Creators include:
- Elvira: Mistress of the Dark Reunion
- Cassandra Peterson – Elvira, Mistress of the Dark in Elvira’s Movie Macabre, and the feature film Elvira: Mistress of the Dark.
- Kurt Fuller – Zachariah in Supernatural, Hardemeyer in Ghostbusters II, Russell in Wayne’s World, Woody the Coroner in Psych, Karl Gray in Midnight in Paris.
- Ira Heiden – Will Stanton in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, Mark in Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, Aaron in Father of the Bride.
- Kris Kamm – Randy Bodine in A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Ross Loring in In the Heat of the Night, Bill Campbell in Coach.
- Daniel Greene – Paco in Hands of Steel, Arnie in Me, Myself & Irene, Dickie Kilgore in Shallow Hal, Bodyguard in Dumb and Dumber To.
- Susan Kellermann – Patty in Beetlejuice, Mark’s Mom in The Secret of My Success, Rose in Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, Mrs. Kilgore in Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
- Cabin Fever Reunion
- Eli Roth – director, producer, writer, and actor, best known for his work on horror hits like Cabin Fever, Hostel, The Green Inferno, and Thanksgiving, as well as his role as Donny in Inglourious Basterds.
- Damien Leone – Writer, director, producer, special effects artist, and creator of Art the Clown behind the Terrifier franchise.
- Rider Strong – Shawn Hunter in Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World, Paul in Cabin Fever, Tom Lucitor in Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Brick Flagg in Kim Possible.
- Cerina Vincent – Maya / Yellow Galaxy Ranger in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy, Marcy in Cabin Fever, Areola in Not Another Teen Movie, Suzy Diaz in Stuck in the Middle.
- James DeBello – Bert in Cabin Fever, Trip Verudie in Detroit Rock City, Tommy in Scary Movie 2, Cliff Richards in Dorm Daze, Christopher Dante in Swimfan, Rod in 100 Girls.
- Joey Kern – Jeff in Cabin Fever, Sweet Lou in Grind, College Boy #2 in Super Troopers, Milo Dinsdale in Lovewrecked, Rob McDaniels in Good Behavior, Shirts Jokum in The Sasquatch Gang, Tim in Bloodsucking Bastards.
- Jordan Ladd – Karen in Cabin Fever, Shanna in Death Proof, Gibby in Never Been Kissed, Penelope in Club Dread, Terri in Hostel: Part II, Madeline Matheson in Grace.
- Terrifier Reunion
- David Howard Thornton – Art the Clown in the Terrifier franchise, Screamboat Willie in Screamboat.
- Elliott Fullam – Jonathan Shaw in Terrifier 2 and Terrifier 3
- Lauren LaVera – Sienna Shaw in Terrifier 2 and Terrifier 3, Young Carmen in The Christmas Letter, Ciara in Iron Fist.
- Samantha Scaffidi – Victoria Heyes in Terrifier, Terrifier 2, and Terrifier 3, Director of short films and commercial projects.
- Amelie McLain – Little Pale Girl in Terrifier 2 and Terrifier 3, Sadie in Transference.
- Antonella Rose – Young Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, Tracy Otto in Fear the Walking Dead, Gabbie in Terrifier 3, Penny in Candy Cane Lane.
- Roger L. Jackson – Iconic voice of Ghostface in the Scream film franchise and TV series, Mojo Jojo and Butch in The Powerpuff Girls, Cheshire Cat in Alice: Madness Returns.
- Derek Mears – Title character in Swamp Thing, Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th (2009), Classic Predator in Predators, Edward in Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, Master-at-Arms in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Tyler Hawes in Hatchet III, Renzo in Twin Peaks: The Return.
- C.J. Graham – Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, Sgt. Bedlam/HellCop Highway to Hell.
- Shannyn Sossamon – Courtney Collins in Sinister 2, Beth Raymond in One Missed Call, Pandora in Sleepy Hollow, Lady Jocelyn in A Knight’s Tale.
- The Chiodo Brothers – Creators, writers, and directors of Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Special effects/stop-motion artists for Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Team America: World Police, Elf, and The Simpsons.
- Alex Vincent – Andy Barclay in Child’s Play, Child’s Play 2, Curse of Chucky, Cult of Chucky, and Chucky.
- Darcy DeMoss – Nikki in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, Janie in Can’t Buy Me Love, Karen in Hardbodies, Patty in Return to Horror High.
- David Naughton – David Kessler in An American Werewolf in London, Adam in Midnight Madness, Dr. Dan in Horrible Bosses 2, Dr. David Grey in Syfy’s Lake Placid vs. Anaconda.
- The Soska Sisters – Directors, writers, and producers of American Mary, Dead Hooker in a Trunk, Rabid (2019), and See No Evil 2.
- Danielle Harris – Jamie Lloyd in Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, Annie Brackett in Rob Zombie’s Halloween and Halloween II, Marybeth Dunston in Hatchet II and Hatchet III, Voice of Debbie Thornberry in The Wild Thornberrys.
- H.R. – Frontman and lead vocalist for the legendary hardcore punk band Bad Brains.
- Lars Frederiksen – Vocalist and guitarist for the iconic punk rock band Rancid, member of Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards, and The Old Firm Casuals.
- Brad Loree – Michael Myers in Halloween: Resurrection, Stunt performer/coordinator in X2: X-Men United, Watchmen, and The Cabin in the Woods.
- Brett Wagner – Leatherface (The Leatherface / Old Monty scene) in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), Lunk in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Host of Monster Garage.
- Robert Kurtzman – Legendary special makeup effects creator and co-founder of KNB EFX Group, Creator/story writer for From Dusk Till Dawn, Director of Wishmaster and The Rage.
- Darin Toonder – Richard Morgan in Rings, Harry in Obsession, Dr. Mark in The Invisible Man (2020), Donald in June, Appears in Star Trek: Picard and NCIS.
- Cullen Bunn – New York Times bestselling comic book writer known for The Sixth Gun, Harrow County, Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, Venom, and Uncanny X-Men.
- C.W. Anderson – Professional wrestler best known for his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) as a member of The Dangerous Alliance, as well as appearances in ROH and NWA.
- James Mitchell – Professional wrestling manager best known as “The Sinister Minister” in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), James Mitchell in TNA / Impact Wrestling, and Father James Mitchell in NWA and AEW.
The full guest list is available and regularly updated at: Nightmare Weekend Galaxy Con.
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