(The Official Cover Art for COFOH 2024 ‘Friday the 13th’ / 📸 courtesy of The Colorado Festival of Horror)
Written by Mandie Stevens, Staff Writer
The Colorado Festival of Horror (COFOH) was a resounding, gore-ific success this year. The popular event took place at the Marriott Denver South in Lone Tree, CO, this past Friday the 13th, through Sunday, Sep. 15, 2024, this was the event’s 4th Annual Fest. Fittingly, this year’s theme was “Friday the 13th,” in honor of opening day, which was indeed a Friday, and also the 13th.
With opening day falling on such an iconic date, amped-up and already-excited attendees arrived in their finest horror gear and costumes. There was a hum of glee and exuberance permeating the atmosphere at COFOH 2024, and for many, it felt like a family reunion; for others experiencing it for the first time, they were welcomed openly. Everyone was there to honor the horror genre, and what an honor it was.
From the brilliant minds of Bret and Jeanni Smith, Daniel Crosier, and Daniel Sharner, ‘The Colorado Festival of Horror’ was established in 2021. Their motto, quoted from their website, is this: “COFOH was built on a mutual love of horror by its founders. Embracing the genre and all its different styles to share and celebrate with the fans and horror community over a fun event-filled weekend.” (Coloradofestivalofhorror.com)
Year number 4 did not disappoint.
The festival included celebrities, Q&As, panels, cosplay, costume contests, tattoo contests, and even showcased the youngest attendees in a special costume parade. Artists of every horror medium came to exhibit their wares.
There was even specialty beer from Outworld Brewing called “Killr (TM) Brew”; wine dubbed “Stabernet” from Dragon Meadery; and hot sauce from Horrifying Hot Sauce’ made specifically for the occasion. A comic book series has also been written about The Colorado Festival of Horror and comics #1 and #2 were debuted in a special release event. It was a blur of activity, and for any horror fan, it was heaven. (Or should one say Hell?)
Celebrities found along “Nightmare Alley” were Annabeth Gish, known for her roles in film and television like ‘House on Haunted Hill’, ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’, ‘Sons of Anarchy’, ‘The X-Files’ and more. Tom McLoughlin, director of ‘Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives’, was there; so was Adrienne King, the Final Girl from the first ‘Friday the 13th’. Amy Steel was in attendance, also a notorious figure in the ‘Friday the 13th’ films, as well as others such as ‘Tales of Poe’. Alexandra Essoe, known for ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ and ‘Midnight Mass’, joined the fun. Iconic ‘Jackie Brown’ star and Golden Globe nominee Pam Grier, whom Quentin Tatantino once called “cinema’s first female action star,” was there. Legendary Scream Queen Tiffany Shepis, known for her many iconic horror roles in both movie and television like ‘Sharknado’ and ‘Zombies! Zombies! Zombies!’ was in attendance. Thom Mathews, best known for playing Tommy Jarvis in ‘Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives’ and his ‘Never Hike Alone’ series; Vincente DiSanti, who is an award-winning director, writer and producer who created Womp Stomp Films in 2016 and also worked on the ‘Never Hike Alone’ series also could be found on Nightmare Alley. An impressive line-up, with most celebrities leading panels and answering Q&As, and photo opportunities were offered each day.
Panels offered during the 3-day lineup varied from very specific aspects of the horror genre, such as ‘Beyond the Tropes: The Rise of True Indigenous Horror,’ to ‘Ghost Hunting 101’. Professional cosplayers walked among the crowds, looking straight out of professional horror movies, mingling with guests who were also dressed for the occasion. Decorations were hauntingly placed for jump-scares and photo opportunities. A hive of activity – one to make Candyman proud.
There was so much happening at COFOH 2024. It was practically impossible to do it all. Along with panels and contests and photo ops, there were table readings, art contests, book premieres, and even a Godzilla-fest for the hardcore sci-fi fans, plus numerous other events to attend. A charity raffle benefited a local animal shelter. The exhibit room was a horror fanatic’s nightmare dream, with the coolest creative finds, all horror-themed. The Festival had it all and was a popular destination this year, making it the most successful COFOH yet.
COFOH 2025’s theme has already been announced: ‘Here there be Monsters.’ The date is set for September 12-14, 2025.
“Our Fourth year was a huge success. As the homegrown horror festival, we saw an increase in attendance thanks to the fans and a guest lineup that featured celebrities who had never been to a Denver convention. I am looking forward to coming back next year, September 12-14, as we focus on Monsters,” said Daniel Sharner, founding member of COFOH and director of Media (also known as renowned local personality, Smurf).
If year number 5 is anything like the previous 4 years at The Colorado Festival of Horror, it will be bigger, spookier, and it will be incredible. Are your calendars marked? If not, make sure to do that because you won’t want to miss COFOH 2025: Here There Be Monsters!
Hi, I’m Lynn, and I Make.
Props, Cosplay, Scale Models, Home Projects, and just about anything else that involves me Making.
Eldwenne’s Fantasy™ and Wire Wrapture Artistically Twisted ™
Jodi invites you to explore your well-being with designs from Wire Wrapture Artistically Twisted™ and to declare your favorite fandom proudly with designs from Eldwenne’s Fantasy™.
A riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a warm tortilla, served to you fresh using patented space-age technology. all games played on this channel are using original hardware and software whenever possible.
A positive podcast about video games. Chris and Ashley go over the video games we love.
*Bigs thanks to*
Chris and Lynn
Dustin Hatchett
If you like what you see, please consider joining our Patreon Family.
For as little as $1 a month, you can really help us out.