Eerie Horror Fest

Eerie Horror Fest Eerie Horror Fest features new, classic & indie cinema, industry professionals, filmmaker education & vendors

Programming will include short and feature length film screenings, celebrity guests, competitions, workshops, panels, networking opportunities, video game demonstrations and more.

To celebrate becoming our own independent 501 (c) (3), we’re hosting our inaugural fundraiserOctober 10th. Join us with ...
08/14/2026

To celebrate becoming our own independent 501 (c) (3), we’re hosting our inaugural fundraiser

October 10th. Join us with the Erie Playhouse for a special screening of William Castle’s classic: House on Haunted Hill.

SWIPE -> to learn more 👻

For those unfamiliar, golden age horror director, William Castle, never did things in standard fashion. With a background in theater work and scene building Castle created what he referred to as “Emergo”. An immersive technique meant to bring the film into our world by breaking the fourth wall.

Famous Emergo techniques included placing small motors underneath theater seats to shake the seat during certain points during a film. Or having an on site paramedic to administer first aid to any in the audience too frightened to continue watching the feature presentation.

We have proudly teamed up with the Erie Playhouse to recreate some of William Castle’s most infamous Emergo techniques. As well as our own.

Image: Baseline Drive-In advertisement, May 13, 1959, via Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Before the film, we will be hosting a pre-show social hour. So join us for food trucks, themed cocktails, and communal spooky fun. Alongside the film presentation, hear exclusive announcements regarding Eerie Horror Fest’s next ventures.

We at the 💀 EERIE HORROR FEST 💀 and the Erie Playhouse believe in making art as accessible as possible. So this event will be priced on a sliding scale.

With tickets starting at $20, the first tier is sufficient for both orgs to cover the event’s base costs.

Then it tiers to $30, with the middle tier being the recommended ticket price.

Our final tier is $40 for folks who want to help not only us as nonprofits but also help us offer lower-cost tickets to those who need them.

All ticket proceeds go directly to staff, organizations, and future programming. Tickets, along with details about food trucks, will be posted soon. So keep your eyes peeled.

We cannot wait to welcome you back to the Eerie Horror Fest. We’ve just been dying to see you all again.

- The Eerie Horror Fest and Erie Playhouse teams

IT’S ALIVE! The Eerie Horror Fest is proud to announce that we are now operating under our own 501(c)(3) nonprofit statu...
08/11/2026

IT’S ALIVE! The Eerie Horror Fest is proud to announce that we are now operating under our own 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. As we continue to build a thrilling 2027 fest, this status will allow us to continue to uplift the horror genre and film industry, but also serve our community.

However, today is not just about us. It is about giving back to those who put the “Erie” in Eerie Horror Fest. Our staff are your neighbors, educators, and even your technical support. The best way to get to know some of them is through the local nonprofits they have chosen to highlight for Erie Gives. Below, you’ll find each staff member’s pick. As you swipe, you’ll learn a little more about each organization and why we value the work they do.

If you’d like to support the Eerie Horror Fest, we are not currently registered to receive Erie Gives donations. You can still stay connected by following our socials and visiting our website to sign up for our newsletter, where you’ll be the first to hear about upcoming programming.

We wish we could have listed every organization participating in Erie Gives today. If there’s a cause you’d like to support but don’t see represented here, visit the Erie Gives website to learn more and find an organization that speaks to you.

And, of course, keep an eye on the We Haunt Eerie Days calendar to find out what we have in store for you this fall!

Please note: this episode contains spoilers for the feature films Obsession (2026) Backrooms (2026) and Shelby Oaks (202...
07/02/2026

Please note: this episode contains spoilers for the feature films Obsession (2026) Backrooms (2026) and Shelby Oaks (2026).

A new wave of filmmaking is bubbling up from the digital underground—and it's reshaping what horror and indie cinema can be. Forget what you thought you knew—these creators are proving that small budgets and internet followers can catapult stories to global prominence, rivaling Hollywood giants.

The question is: are we witnessing a rebellion, or just raw talent breaking free?

This episode dives deep into the explosive rise of YouTube-born filmmakers like Curry Barker, Kane Parsons, and Markiplier—artists who harness the power of digital platforms, grassroots marketing, and sheer audacity to beat box office giants. In this episode, Eerie Horror Fest's Aaron "Madman" Mook and David Bostaph join us to talk about:

• How independent films like "Obsession" and "Backrooms" are setting new box office standards, outpacing even star-studded IP.
• The secret sauce behind creators like Markiplier leveraging their online audiences for direct-to-fan distribution, bypassing traditional Hollywood bottlenecks.
• Why analog horror, found footage, and internet lore are transforming horror's aesthetic and narrative rhythms—some even hinting at the next film movement.
• The rising phenomenon of crowdfunded and self-released films, championed by creators like Chris Stuckman, reshaping what it means to debut in the modern era.
• The cultural implications: are we entering a renaissance where horror's raw, experimental edge can thrive amid mainstream's formulaic sameness?

This isn’t just about movies—it’s about a seismic shift in who creates, how they create, and how audiences connect with stories in the age of TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube. If you care about the future of horror, or want to see how independent voices are fighting back against blockbuster fatigue, this episode is your front-row seat.

Published on July 2, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LyonsDenProductions

Recorded at Centennial Hall Erie Lavery Brewing Company

We have an exciting update to share with our Eerie Horror Fest community.As we peer into the future of the Fest, we’ve m...
05/04/2026

We have an exciting update to share with our Eerie Horror Fest community.

As we peer into the future of the Fest, we’ve made the decision to let 2026 be a dedicated planning year, giving us the time and space to conjure a more thrilling (and sustainable) Eerie Horror Fest in 2027.

We know this news may be a bit of a scare, especially for those who have made the festival part of their yearly tradition. But behind the scenes, we're brewing up a number of changes designed to improve the Fest experience for years to come.

While there won’t be a full-scale Fest in 2026, the spirit of Eerie Horror Fest is far from resting. We’re looking forward to staying connected through smaller programming and fundraising events throughout the year, including Eerie Horror Fest Presents... and other TBA film events.

Thank you as always for your continued support, enthusiasm, and love for all things eerie. We couldn’t do this without our beloved attendees.

Stay spooky - we’re not done yet.

All the best,
Your Friends at the Fest

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811 State St
Erie, PA
16501

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+18145806608

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