Panel Room 1

Conifer 1

Get Tickets
Panel Room 1:
 FRIDAY: 4PM-11PM
SATURDAY: 10AM-2AM
SUNDAY: 10AM-6PM
Registration Table:
 Purchase all Photo Ops tickets at the Photo Ops table in the Hotel Lobby
FRIDAY: 2PM-8PM
SATURDAY: 9AM-6PM
SUNDAY: 9AM-3PM

Event Schedule

  • Day 01

    Sept 18, 2026

  • Day 02

    Sept 19, 2026

  • Day 03

    Sept 20, 2026

4PM-4:50PM

Mile High Horror

Here's Johnny! The Bad Dads of Horror

Horror is a genre about things that shouldn’t happen and things we shouldn’t do. A major traditional view of a father’s role is that he’s supposed to protect his family and raise his children well – and in horror, when those things don’t happen, all hell breaks loose. Come join us for a discussion of what horror movies have taught us about the pitfalls of fatherhood.

5PM-5:50PM

Christina Bergling & Candy Fantastic

Sandy Labo

Be Your Own Witch

The witch—an iconic figure often used to vilify feminine power, autonomy, and knowledge. Explore how the witch archetype is distorted in media and how those distortions shape real-world ideas about gender, power, and “otherness.” This panel will briefly examine some memorable witch figures in horror, asking what these stories reveal about fear, desire, and control. Reclamation time! What is a witch? Participate in a reflective exercise to identify your own symbolic or lived “witch” identity.

6PM-6:50PM

Madi Lyn

Harlequins, Harlots, and Hedonists: Exploring Feminine Eroticism in Horror

This panel explores the representation of female driven erotic horror from sexplotation to elevated horror, focusing on the iconography of clowns. It's informed by historic clown/harlequin roles in society and how that is translated as a language of fear in cinema.

7PM-7:50PM

Bryan Bonner & Bob Lewis

Do You Like Scary Movies?

Join us for a live edition of the Do You Like Scary Movies podcast, featuring spooky commentary, and a behind the scenes look at the world of horror. With more than 200 episodes under our belt, we’re just getting started exploring the movies, people, stories, and strange history that make horror so much fun.

8PM-8:50PM

Ethan Hull & Eric Paton

D Ryan Mowry

Something to Hold On To 2: Electric Boogaloo

Ryan from Horrifying Hot Sauce will host a small panel discussion about why physical media is important and the advantages of having your own collection over having a streaming service. We will talk about the joy of finding a new favorite movie at the video store, boutique releases of older films, hard to find titles, and movies we wish had been remastered and re-released, but are languishing in physical media hell still.

9PM-9:50PM

Intro to Indie Acting 101 w/ Kelsey Livengood a.k.a."Mischief the Clown"

Curious about breaking into the indie film scene but not sure where to start? Intro to Indie Acting 101 is designed to give aspiring actors the confidence, tools, and insider knowledge needed to step into the world of independent filmmaking. In this engaging and approachable session, we’ll cover essential topics such as: How to get started in the indie film industry Building your first acting resume and reel Finding auditions and networking within the indie community Understanding set etiquette and professionalism Essential tools and resources every indie actor should have Creating your personal brand as a performer Tips for working on low-budget sets and making standout impressions Navigating social media to grow your presence and opportunities Whether you’re completely new or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop will break things down in a way that’s real, practical, and immediately useful. We’ll wrap up with an open Q&A session to make sure all your questions are answered and no curiosity goes unmet.

10PM-10:50PM

Anja Jaegar

Campfire Ghost Stories

Spooky Story Time with Anja Jaeger (for real!) Gather 'round the fire for some good old-fashioned storytelling. Anja will bring the chills and do a reading of their latest spooky tale.

10AM-10:50AM

A.E Santana

Celina Thompson

Darkness & Desire

Why do some stories resonate so deeply that we never forget them, while others are forgotten as soon as we close the book? Certain things make a story unforgettable. These elements are especially present in horror and romance. But could they possibly have anything in common? Most people believe horror and romance fall on opposite sides of the reading spectrum. We will delve into why both horror and romance have enticed readers for ages. Learn what makes these stories not only stay with you, but also change your life. See your favorite genre in a new light and maybe even discover things about yourself along the way.

11AM-11:50AM

Dr. Catlyn Ladd

Horror and Mental Health

Why are horror stories so often filled with grief, madness, monsters, and the uncanny? In this engaging talk, Dr. Catlyn Ladd, a scholar of religion and culture, explores the fascinating relationship between horror and mental health. Drawing on research in religious studies, psychology, and popular culture, she examines how horror gives shape to our deepest fears, reflects experiences of psychological distress, and offers audiences a unique way to confront the unknown. Discover why the genre that terrifies us may also help us better understand ourselves.

NOON-12:50PM

Heather Hein

Mommy Darkest

As if birth wasn’t gory and terrifying enough, Mommy horror exposes the psychological relationship between children and mothers in delightfully twisted ways going far beyond Rosemary’s Baby and Psycho. Join our panelists as they shine the light on what happens when that maternal/infant glow turns sinister in movies like Momma, The Babadook, and, of course, Stephen King’s classic, Carrie, as well as authors such as Adam Nevill, Lindy Ryan, and Zoje Stage. You’ll never look at your mom the same way!

1PM-1:50PM

Madi Lyn

Wicked Woman: A Look At Myth Evolution in Witchcraft

Given the evolution of the zombie myth overtime, this panel would examine how different representations of witchcraft shape how the world views women in life and media.

2PM-2:50PM

L.S. Strange

The Strange Hour - Normal Thoughts From A Strange Mind

Ever thought about writing a book/screenplay, producing a film with a zero budget, or designing swag? Then look no more. In this session learn how to avoid scams, protect your work and have fun creating. Discover the steps to take an idea to the next level without losing thousands of dollars while safeguarding your original compositions. L.S. Strange covers these topics highlighting the traps to avoid so that you can celebrate your creative work.

3PM-3:50PM

Lorin Dearing, Elizabeth Copps, Christina Bergling, Marissa Yarrow, Amanda Shafer, Rachel Dempsey & Lindsay King-Miller

KJ Brantley

Women in Horror: How Women are Unapologetically Rewriting Horror

Join the Women in Horror Arts & Media Association for a powerhouse panel where industry insiders, authors, and influencers look at how women are rewriting old horror clichés. Our speakers will discuss how characters survive by using the smart safety instincts women use every day, using horror to expose real-world anxieties surrounding body autonomy, aging, and trauma, and even embracing monstrosity to claim their power back. Dive into a sharp conversation on books and film to see how women are taking control of their own stories, turning helpless victims into complex villains, and shaping the future of horror.

4PM-4:50PM

Stephen Graham Jones

Jason Larkin, Rafael Bad-Hand & Kristina Bad-Hand

Monsters that Endure

Join us for a panel on Indigenous horror, where creators share Indigenous horror recommendations that draw from land, memory, and ancestral power. Together, panelists explore the unbeatable monster as a force that endures to protect boundaries older than human interference. This conversation invites attendees to respect the unseen and engage with the enduring cosmologies that shape Indigenous storytelling.

5PM-5:50PM

Catlyn Ladd, Celina Thompson, Christina Bergling, Kayla Woods, Heather Hein, Shannon Lawerence & Virginia Scarre

A.E. Santana

Feminism in Horror

Join horror authors as they discuss feminism in horror from books to movies. We'll delve into sub genres like trad wife horror, pink horror, motherhood horror, and others. Feminism is for everyone, so bring a friend.

6PM-6:50PM

Bart Butler & Michael Edwards

Terror in the Corn

The Future of Scaring

Fear has evolved—and so has the art of creating it. Join professionals from different corners of the horror industry as they explore where horror is headed next. Hear from haunted attraction creators who scare thousands of guests each season, a horror film director who crafts cinematic nightmares, and a horror author who terrifies through the written word. Topics include changing audience expectations, emerging technology, immersive storytelling, AI's impact on horror, practical versus digital effects, and what it will take to genuinely frighten audiences in the years ahead. Whether you're a horror fan, filmmaker, writer, actor, or haunted attraction enthusiast, this discussion offers a unique look at how the future of fear is being shaped today.

7PM-7:50PM

Terror in the Corn

Scream Contest

Do you have the ultimate scream? Whether it's a blood-curdling shriek, a horrifying death scream, or the desperate cry of someone fleeing the unimaginable, this is your chance to prove you've got the lungs to survive horror. Contestants will take the stage and deliver their best scream while a panel of judges scores each performance on volume, intensity, originality, control, and overall impact. Audience reaction may even help separate the good from the unforgettable. Think you have what it takes to be horror's next scream queen... or scream king? Step up to the microphone and let it rip. Space is limited to just 50 contestants, so register early. Sign up at the Terror in the Corn Booth.

8PM-8:50PM

Mile High Horrors

Chris Rocco

Silent Hill fever: Is “Silent Hill f” really a “Silent Hill” Game?

What sets Silent Hill apart from similar survival horror games, and what’s so different about Silent Hill f that has led some fans to declare that it’s not a Silent Hill game? This panel will tear into the flesh of the Silent Hill games to find out what makes them the rusted, foggy nightmare realms they are, and whether or not Silent Hill f is worthy of the title - and how we can evaluate other games like it!

9PM-9:50PM

Thomas Trujillo & Silver Vincenzetti

Making Magical Black Salt for Cleansing, Protection and Banishing Spell Work

Discover the mysteries and magic of Black Salt in this fascinating COFOH panel! We’ll explore what Black Salt is, uncover its spiritual significance, and discuss how its unique properties have been harnessed in witchcraft and other spiritual practices. Whether you’re curious about its history, symbolism, or practical uses, this panel offers an intriguing look at one of the more mysterious tools found in modern witchcraft.

10PM-10:50PM

Bryan Bonner & Bob Lewis

Rocky Mountain Paranormal Presents: Ghosts of Colorado

Case Files of the Rocky Mountain Paranormal offers a fascinating look at more than 27 years of investigating paranormal phenomena. Explore some of our most memorable cases as we examine the evidence, separate fact from fiction, and uncover the stories behind some of the most bizarre paranormal claims.

11PM-11:50PM

Tie Torres

Puppets in 80s Horror

Join The People's Puppets from Denver for a discussion of puppetry and practical effects in 80s horror movies! Our panelists will discuss the mechanisms of specific horror effects in Alien(s), The Thing, Gremlins, and Critters. Q&A and paper xenomorph finger puppet giveaways at the end.

MIDNIGHT - 1:50AM

Bryan Bonner & Bob Lewis

Chris Rocco

Midnight Ghost Stories

Bryan Bonner and Bob Lewis of Rocky Mountain Paranormal, in what’s become a COFOH tradition, host a late night of campfire ghost stories and adult beverages. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own ghost stories to share with the group, whether true or fictional.

10AM-10:50AM

Ray White

The World of Drag/Burlesque

Ever wonder what drag is? Well, join Raider as they bring you not only performances, immerse you in the passion and creativity that goes into drag/burlesque.

11AM-11:50AM

Mile High Horror

Do We Still Bury Our Gays?

This panel explores the controversial “Bury Your Gays” trope, examining its history in horror film, television, and comics, where LGBTQ+ characters are disproportionately killed off or denied happy endings at the service of straight characters. Featuring media from Nightmare on Elm Street 2 to Weapons to Chuck Tingle’s horror writings, this panel will unpack how this pattern emerged, if it still persists, and the impact it has on seeking authentic representation in horror. Panelists will explore the difference between meaningful storytelling and harmful clichés, highlight recent examples that subvert the trope, and celebrate LGBTQ+ horror creators and properties that have come out over the years.

NOON-12:50PM

Madi Lyn

Magical Autonomy: Character Development Through Witchcraft

Initially conceived in the feminist lens, this panel would look at the power, agency, and corruption brought about with the onset of magical abilities/witchcraft.

1PM-1:50PM

Sandy Labo, Christina Bergling & Candy Fantastic

Clowns: The Grin of the Id

Step right up, it’s time to unmask! What’s beneath the clown’s greasy face paint? What happens when anonymity erases accountability? We’ll explore how masks (literal and symbolic) can fracture the self, loosen boundaries, and invite all manner of transformation. Where is the line between performance and personhood? If no one would know, how far would you go? And more unsettling—would you still recognize yourself afterward? Come for the clowns. Stay for the unraveling.

2PM-2:50PM

Heather Hein

So Scary It's Funny

Humor and Horror go together like peanut butter and jelly, like cake and ice cream, like Tucker and Dale. Explore the interesting world of dark humor and horror comedy in film and on the page. Our panelists will probvie their insights into those who have managed this strange marriage with fantastic results to find out why it works.

3PM-3:50PM

Mario Acevedo & Jon Bassoff

James Sams

Rules. Who needs ’em?

Do rules (silver kills werewolves, stakes kill vampires) help or hurt the horror? Is it okay to make up new ones, or do I have to have my vampires sparkle?

Get Your Ticket

The Colorado Festival of Horror (COFOH) is brought to you by COFOH Entertainment and will be a highlight for the horror genre and all that it bleeds. COFOH is a platform for the community to unite over the love of horror and everything that creeps in the night!

Where & When?

September 18 - 20, 2026
Denver Marriott Tech Center
info@cofestivalofhorror.com