(Photos courtesy of COFOH)
By Colleen Bement, Editor
Horror comes alive every year at the Colorado Festival of Horror (COFOH). This year’s theme is Clowns vs Witches and it promises to be filled with horror, thrills, and unforgettable experiences. This is its sixth year and it has outgrown every hotel they’ve used. This time, COFOH takes over the Denver Marriott Tech Center in DTC Sept. 18-20, 2026. No stranger to conventions, this venue boasts beautiful hotel rooms as well as plenty of space to roam. Fans of the festival know that it is three days of celebrity guests, independent creators, artists, authors, vendors, film screenings, contests, panels, live entertainment, and plenty of scares.
The celebration includes some amazing celebrity guests who will travel to Denver to meet their fans. Among the guests appearing are David Howard Thornton (Terrifier 1–3, The Mean One); Veronica Cartwright (Alien, The Witches of Eastwick, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Birds); Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, Suitable Flesh, Jakob’s Wife); Tiffany Shepis (Victor Crowley, The Hazing, Star Trek: Picard); horror director Adam Green (Hatchet, Holliston, Frozen); The Chiodo Brothers (Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Team America: World Police); Amelie McLain (Terrifier 2, General Hospital); Samantha Scaffidi (Terrifier 1–3, Demon Hole); Joshua Leonard (The Blair Witch Project, Hatchet); Parry Shen (Hatchet 1–3, Victor Crowley); Michael C. Williams (The Blair Witch Project, Altered); performing clown and aerialist Mischief (Clown Motel 2, The Dead Place); human marvel The Enigma (The X-Files, Firecracker); author Stephen Graham Jones (The Only Good Indians, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter); and many more.
The cosplay is always impressive. No doubt the final stitching, gluing, and painting is underway to be ready for the best weekend of the year. Fans can unleash their creativity during the annual Gore Galore Costume Extravaganza cosplay contest. Along with the cosplay sight seeing will be celebrity Q&As, panels, workshops, interactive programming, photo opportunities, film screenings, and special events. Here are just a few examples of the fun.
The Death Dealers Room is a must-visit destination at COFOH. It is packed with horror artists, vendors, authors, and other creators from across the genre. From original artwork and collectibles to books, comics, and one-of-a-kind merchandise, fans can shop, discover new talent, and meet the creators who make the horror community so wonderfully twisted.
Another can’t-miss opportunity is a photo op with actor David Howard Thornton, who will be appearing in full Art the Clown costume and makeup! There will be featured screenings including horror favorites such as The Blair Witch Project, Killer Klowns from Outer Space and Terrifier 2, along with independent films The Dead Place, The Demonatrix, Frogman Returns, and Squatch and other films featuring COFOH guests.
Back for its second year will be the COFOH Presents: Reel Horrors Film Fest with an expanded three-day program celebrating short-form terror from local and international filmmakers. Curated by Jack Hanley, Shay Wescott, Bryan Bonner, and Art Zamarripa, Reel Horrors will showcase an eclectic lineup of original independent horror shorts, along with filmmaker introductions, talkbacks, panel discussions, live podcasts, special programming, and events throughout the weekend. The festival will culminate with an awards ceremony celebrating the filmmakers and films, with even more surprises in store.
After dark enthusiasts, be sure to make the time to stay for the horror events including Think You Know Scary Movies? Trivia Contest, Let the Ghoul Times Roll Karaoke, Witches vs. Clowns Lip Sync Battle, and Drawn In Blood Drawing Competition 6, featuring the appropriately twisted theme “Greasepaint Tasty Hexes or The Murder Weapon Was a Sharpie.” All competitions are open to attendees.
A favorite event of many is the Monstrous Tattoo Competition, hosted by The Enigma. The competition celebrates horror-inspired tattoos, piercings and body art.
TICKETS & EVENT INFORMATION
VIP Weekend passes are SOLD OUT. Three-Day Weekend and Single-Day passes remain available through Eventbrite or at the door. Children 10 and under are FREE with a paid adult.
Online tickets can be presented as either a digital or printed copy for scanning at the door. Tickets will be available at the door, too.
Death Dealers Room Hours:
- Friday, September 18: 4:00–8:00 p.m. General Admission
VIP admission begins at 3:00 p.m. - Saturday, September 19: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. General Admission
VIP admission begins at 10:00 a.m. - Sunday, September 20: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. General Admission
Colorado Festival of Horror: Clowns vs. Witches
September 18–20, 2026
Denver Marriott Tech Center
4900 S. Syracuse St., Denver, Colorado
Website: www.cofestivalofhorror.com
Tickets: Available through Eventbrite
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