Monster-Mania turns 65, bringing an X-Files reunion and decades of horror fandom to Oaks

 

Photo courtesy of Monster-Mania Con

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App

OAKS, Pa. — Monster-Mania Convention marks its 65th show this weekend, rolling into the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center with a familiar chill that’s kept it a staple for horror devotees for more than two decades. 

The Oaks gathering, which runs from Nov. 21-Nov. 23, 2025, promises an extra shiver: an X-Files reunion anchoring a weekend packed with genre icons, monsters, and a heavy dose of nostalgia.

For founder Dave Hagan, the milestone weekend is the latest chapter in what began as a simple “what if” conversation more than 20 years ago. 

Hagan and his family were vendors on the Philadelphia/New Jersey convention circuit when a drive home from a Pittsburgh show with his oldest son sparked an idea to create a horror convention. They wanted it to feel different - more like a friends and family gathering, more welcoming, and lots of fun.

“We do the conventions in honor of my dad,” Hagan said. “My dad used to take me to horror movies all the time when I was a kid.”

The first Monster-Mania landed at the former Clarion Hotel in Cherry Hill, N.J., in 2003. The hotel offered a date that coincided with the weekend of his father’s birthday, so Hagan booked it. The event drew enough fans and energy to quickly outgrow the venue. 

For 22 of its 23 years, the convention has planted roots at Doubletree by Hilton Cherry Hill Philadelphia, while expanding to additional shows in Baltimore, Md., and Oaks.

“It is nonstop,” Hagan said of planning the conventions, which run four times a year. “It’s something that you have to love to do.” 

He said organizing Monster-Mania doesn’t end when he goes to bed. He even dreams of various aspects of its planning.

“I literally wake up from sleeping and have ideas,” he said.

One of Hagan’s goals has always been to recreate the experience of his own early movie fandom. He was the first among his friends to own a VHS player and would host weekend movie nights — the vibe he still wants the convention to capture, he said. 

“I wanted the convention to be like a larger house party,” he said. 

He also wanted the convention to appeal to guests with varying interests, including newer horror movies, retro monsters, and some pop culture. 

Monster-Mania’s guest lists have long reflected that mix. Hagan’s years as a vendor helped him connect with actors like Ben Chapman, who played the Creature in Creature From the Black Lagoon in land scenes and helped him recruit early celebrity guests. 

Chapman appeared at the first Monster-Mania alongside fellow Creature From the Black Lagoon actress Julie Adams, actresses from classic Hammer Films, as well as Doug Bradley, famed for playing Pinhead in Hellraiser. Bradley remains a frequent guest.

Robert Englund, most known for his role as horror icon Freddy Krueger, appeared at Monster-Mania’s second show, a booking that left the Hagans a bit starstruck. 

“Wow, we've got a guy that we went to the movies to see,” Hagan recalled. 

Englund also helped validate the young convention. Hagan recalled running into him near the end of the weekend, and he complimented the show.

“That, to me, meant the world,” Hagan said. 

The 65th edition continues the tradition of mixing marquee names with fan-favorite horror stars. The X-Files reunion will feature six cast members - Gillian Anderson, Robert Patrick, Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis, Annabeth Gish, and Laurie Holden.

Other guests include Jeremy Davies and Madeleine McGraw from The Black Phone films, Ralph Macchio and William Zabka from Cobra Kai, Juliette Lewis, C. Thomas Howell, Michael Rooker, Linda Blair, Jackie Earle Haley, and Vincent D'Onofrio.

This weekend’s Oaks show features roughly 400 booths and tables — about 100 more than the convention’s hotel-based events — offering everything from classic monster memorabilia to modern horror art and broader pop-culture collectibles.

Through it all, Hagan said the mission remains the same: create a place where fans feel at home. He described horror fans as loyal, knowledgeable about the genre they love, appreciative and respectful.

“Horror fans are a great group of people,” Hagan said. “I think they're unlike any kind of movie fan. We just want you to come out and have a good time. ” 

The full lineup of guests, schedules, and ticket and photo information may be found at https://monstermania.net/.

Photo courtesy of Monster-Mania Con

Halloween lives on: John 5 brings tricks, treats, and guitar firepower to The Sherman Theater

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App

STROUDSBURG, Pa. — John 5 ignited The Sherman Theater Friday night by mixing blistering guitar work with Halloween swagger and transforming the packed venue into a fog-shrouded haunt.

The stop in the Poconos was part of a co-headling tour with guitarist and singer Richie Kotzen. 

John 5 played some new songs and fan-favorite cuts from across his catalog, ending with a Motley Crue medley that had the crowd singing along. Accompanied by Alejandro Mercado on drums, John 5's playing was sharp, theatrical, and fun rock and roll.

The Motley Crue guitarist engaged with fans throughout the night, throwing out guitar picks and even teasing the crowd about his song, “Que Pasa,” which features Megadeth's Dave Mustaine. 

“I always joke and say, ‘Oh, Dave Mustaine's here,’ and everyone cheers, and I say, ‘I'm just kidding,’” he said. “But tonight, it's true! It's true!” 

“Please welcome to the stage, Mr. Dave Mustaine from Megadeth, come on,” John 5 said with a grin and to cheers from the crowd. “No, he's not here.”

Before joining Motley Crue, John 5 was the lead guitarist for Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie. 

True to his spooky-season persona, he cycled through several masks during the night, slipping into each one like he was switching characters in a midnight horror flick. The stage was decorated with large jack-o-lanterns that glowed red to add to the Halloween flair. 

Even the crew got in on the fun: his guitar tech walked the stage throwing Halloween candy to the crowd as John 5 played, keeping the trick-or-treat energy alive. 

“We're going to pass out some candy to you guys, because I'm not letting go of Halloween,” John 5 said. “I love Halloween so much. We're all parents, and we don't get candy, so we're going to play some passing-out-candy-to-you music. Happy Halloween, fuckers.”

John 5's setlist included “Season of the Witch,” “Crank It,” “The Ghost,” “I Am John 5,” “Que Pasa,” and the new track, “Deviant.” 

His new album, “Ghost,” dropped in October. For more information on the album and remaining tour dates and meet and greets, visit john-5.com. 

“Thank you guys for having me,” John 5 told the Stroudsburg crowd. “You guys are awesome. I love coming here. I love coming to your town and walking around.” 

Bill & Phil Rise Again: Moseley and Anselmo to team up in 2026

 

Bill Moseley discusses new project with Phil Anselmo at Creature Feature Weekend 

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App 

SCRANTON, Pa. – Horror and metal icons Bill Moseley and Phil Anselmo plan to team up on another music project in early 2026, Moseley said Sunday during a panel at Creature Feature Weekend in Scranton, Pa.

Moseley and the Pantera lead singer released the 6-track EP, Songs of Darkness And Despair, under the name Bill & Phil in 2017.

“And we're going to do something else, I think, probably in Jan. or Feb,” Moseley said during the panel. “We were supposed to do a Bill & Phil 2, but then last year in the spring, I got hit by a bicyclist on a nature trail.” 

The incident in Raleigh, N.C., left Moseley, who was a pedestrian, lying on the trail with four broken ribs and four broken pelvic bones. The bicyclist appeared to be uninjured, and he climbed back on his bike and rode away, he said.

“They left me with four broken ribs and four broken pelvic bones,” Moseley said. “I didn't even know I was hurt. I had never broken a bone before." 

Moseley further explained, “My first reaction was to stand up and step on the spokes of his fuckin’ bike. And then I was, like, ‘Oh, shit. I'm hurt.’ And he got up, and his bike was OK, and off he rode.” 

The accident and injuries resulted in the delay of Bill + Phil 2.

“So, we were going to do that last year, but, you know, now we're going to do it next year,” Moseley said. 

The actor's numerous roles include Chop Top in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” and Otis B. Driftwood in Rob Zombie's “House of 1000 Corpses” and “The Devil's Rejects.”

Watch Moseley's discussion here:

The Electric City gets a jolt of horror with Creature Feature Weekend

 

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App

SCRANTON, Pa. – Creature Feature Weekend is creeping into the Electric City this weekend, inviting monsters, movie buffs, and horror fans of all ages to attend. 

The convention debuts in downtown Scranton on Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center.

Creature Feature Weekend, which has operated in Gettysburg, Pa., since 2019, branched out to Scranton after event founders Craig and Sandy Yastrzemski realized that northeastern Pennsylvania lacked a horror convention.

The warm welcome they received from area residents upon visiting helped solidify the decision to expand to Scranton. 

“It's just such a friendly town,” Sandy Yastrzemski said. “Everything felt right.”

The three-day event will include celebrities from horror movies and television, trick or treating for children, a costume contest, panels with celebrities, horror trivia, movies with commentary at Scranton Art Haus, vendors, and karaoke. 

“There’s always something to do,” Yastrzemski said. “You could be at the movies with live commentary at the Scranton Art House or enjoying horror trivia at 8 p.m. with karaoke to follow at the (Hilton Scranton) hotel bar.”

Guests will be able to meet and take photos with a number of horror actors, including Bill Moseley, whose roles include Chop Top in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” and Otis B. Driftwood in Rob Zombie's “House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil's Rejects;” Lee Waddell, stuntman and original Ghostface in “Scream” and “Scream 2;” and Clint Howard, whose many roles include Gregory Tudor in “Ice Cream Man.”

The full list of celebrities, ticket information, schedules, and vendors can be found at the Creature Feature Weekend website, Instagram page, or Facebook page.

Several celebrities will be in costume for photo ops, including Moseley, Waddell, and Howard.

“You think Halloween's over?” Moseley posted on his Instagram page. “See you Saturday in Scranton, PA at @creature.feature.weekend for my in-costume, in-MAKEUP Choptop photo opp with [Edwin Neal].”

Neal played the hitchhiker in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and was referred to as Nubbins Sawyer in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2,” twin brother of Chop Top.

Photo courtesy of Creature Feature Weekend 

Yastrzemski said Creature Feature Weekend tries to make photo ops special experiences for fans, which is why several of the guests will be in-costume for pictures.

“That's something that Craig really asks (celebrities) about - ‘would you be willing?’” Yastrzemski said. 

Many of the celebrities are willing to dress up and include props in the pictures. Howard's in-costume photo op, for example, will include the ice cream cone prop from the “Ice Cream Man” movie, she said.

The convention aims to blend old-school chills with a bit of modern pop culture so that families, regardless of age, can take an interest in some aspect of the event.

“We try to curate every show so that it appeals to everybody in the family,” Yastrzemski said.

While some businesses will be traveling from out of the area to set up shop at the event, others won't have far to drive. 

Haunt Coffee in Wilkes-Barre Township, Pa., will be giving presentations on Saturday and Sunday on Local Legends and Ghosts of Lackawanna County, Yastrzemski said. 

A local toy store also will be among the vendors at the event.

“Monstarz does shows all across America,” Paul of Monstarz Toys in Scranton, said. “It's fantastic to finally have an event like Creature Feature in our backyard.”

Paul, who preferred that only his first name be used in the story, said Monstarz specializes in hard-to-find horror toys, such as action figures and collectibles from classic horror films including “Day of the Dead,” “Creepshow,” and “Humanoids from the Deep.” 

“Also, we carry a tremendous selection of all the classics like Universal Monsters, Freddy, Jason, ‘Halloween,’ ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,’ ‘Scream,’ ‘Terrifier,’ and more,” he said. 

In business for more than 30 years, horror fans can check out the selection at amoktime.com or visit the store at 729 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Scranton. 

About 60 vendors were scheduled for Creature Feature Weekend as of Tuesday, according to the event’s website. 

Full details about Creature Feature Weekend are online at https://creaturefeatureweekend.com/.

Piggy D. reveals role in Peter Criss’ upcoming record

Marilyn Manson Bassist Piggy D. announced on Halloween that he has contributed some art, video, and bass on Peter Criss’ new rock album, which is scheduled for a December release. 

The announcement came the same day Criss, a founding member of KISS, released details on social media of his new self-titled album. 

The 11-track album is set to drop December 19, 2025, and also includes John 5, Paul Shaffer, and Billy Sheehan. It was co-produced by Barry Pointer, who has worked with a number of musical artists, including Ozzy Osborne, Motley Crue, and John 5. 

"Peter Criss" represents Catman's return to form, and his most rock driven solo album ever …” according to Criss' Bandcamp page. 

Piggy D., whose real name is Matt Montgomery and is also known as Count D., said in the Halloween Instagram post, “I was very honored to have contributed some art, video, and bass on a fun rock and roll track you'll hear later. Have a great holiday everyone…THE CATMAN IS BACK!”

The album is available to pre-order in different formats on Bandcamp - 12” black, silver, or white vinyl records with matching sleeve colors; black, silver, or white CDs, or a digital album. 

According to the Bandcamp page, the digital download and CDs include the bonus track, “Hard Rock Knockers.” The vinyl editions will include a download card for the bonus track. 

All pre-orders include an instant download of the song, “Creepy Crawlers,” featuring John 5, on iTunes. The song can be played now on Criss’ Bandcamp page. 

Track Listing

1. Rock, Rockin', Rock & Roll
2. In The Dark
3. For The Money
4. Murder
5. Walking On Water
6. Creepy Crawlers
7. Justice
8. Cheaper To Keep Her
9. Sugar
10. Rubberneckin'
11. Hard Rock Knockers (Bonus Track)

Criss is the original drummer of KISS, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and soon-to-be Kennedy Center honoree. The four original members of KISS, including the late Ace Frehley, will receive the Kennedy Center Honors from President Donald J. Trump on December 7, 2025.

“Kiss, one of the most successful Gold Record Award–winning groups in American history, has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Rising from New York’s rock scene to the pinnacle of rock royalty, they’ve earned countless awards, including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Formed in 1973 by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley, the group became global icons with hits like ‘Rock and Roll All Nite,’ ‘Beth,’ and ‘Detroit Rock City,’” according to a Kennedy Center press release. 

The pre-order information for Criss' new album can be found here. 

--Tara Adams, Haunt Hunters App 

From Horror-Thon to fan phenomenon: Chiller Theatre turns 35

 

Photo: Chiller Theatre 

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App 

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Monsters, misfits, music fans and movie buffs are gathering in New Jersey once again this weekend. And this time, they'll be wearing party hats. 

Chiller Theatre Expo in Parsippany is celebrating 35 years in business, a convention that's transformed a love of horror, sci-fi, and pop culture into a fan institution. The event runs from Oct. 24-26, 2025,at Hilton Parsippany.

Chiller owner Kevin Clement started the event in 1990 as a way for fans to celebrate nostalgia and connect with the celebrities they grew up watching, Eddie Mika, associate producer and guest coordinator, said. 

“We kind of recognized that they were longing for something,” Mika said.

The first Chiller convention, called Horror-thon ‘90, was held in an old movie theater in Rutherford, N.J. Mika said it featured 20 vendors and four celebrities:

• Zacherle, known as “The Cool Ghoul” 
• Johnathan Harris, who played Dr. Smith in “Lost in Space” 
• Dyanne Thorne, star of the “Ilsa” movie series 
• Tom Savini, an actor and special effects artist

That first convention also had a visit from Metallica Lead Guitarist Kirk Hammett, who filmed a segment of the documentary, "A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica," at the event. Hammett also wore an original Chiller Theatre promo t-shirt in the "Last Caress" video in the documentary, according to Chiller Theatre's website. 

"Our first convention tee shirt can be seen worn by Kirk in some Metallica promos and live videos and photos from the "Black" album sessions and tour," the website states.

Kirk Hammett of Metallica wearing a Chiller Theatre t-shirt. Photo: Chiller Theatre

Since 1990, the expo has expanded to two shows a year with approximately 100 celebrities and 200 vendors, Mika said. 

“I think we were one of the pioneers of the mixed venue,” Mika said, noting that Chiller Theatre features guests spanning all entertainment genres. “Kevin (Clement) always says, 'Chiller Theatre doesn't imitate, we innovate.’” 

Among this weekend's celebrity guests are Singer/Songwriter Huey Lewis, Randy Quaid, James Tolkan, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Reginald VelJohnson, Steven Weber, Steve Guttenburg, Ace Von Johnson of Faster Pussycat and L.A. Guns, Life of Agony bassist Alan Robert, and a Night of the Living Dead reunion, featuring nine cast members from the classic horror film.

The expo also features additional events such as live bands, Q&A panels, cosplay, and in October, a costume contest for adults and children. 

Mika believes a reason Chiller Theatre has been successful for so many years is because it's fan-focused.

“We try to focus on creating a good experience for the fans, rather than catering to our own interests,” Mika said. 

Chiller attendees range from new fans to those who have been going every year since the early days. 

"I remember going to Chiller in 2005, when it was in a parking lot with tents," Robert Mound of Lyndhurst, N.J., said. "I remember seeing a bat in a cage with a red light at the start, then the tables set up with all of the actors I grew up on, like Adam West from the original Batman - also the original Louis Lane from Superman, who was in her mid-80s at the time.”

Mika said Chiller Theatre gives fans an opportunity to revel in nostalgia, spend some time with their favorite celebrities, and enjoy time away from every day life. 

“Everybody knows that Chiller Theatre is the biggest show on the East Coast,” Mika said. “It gives people a chance to get away and escape for a few hours.” 

For more information about admission, guests, and photo ops, visit Chiller Theatre at http://www.chillertheatre.com.

Chiller Theatre's first program 
Photo: Chiller Theatre 

Rock Icon Gene Simmons Helps Kick Off New Jersey’s New Pop Culture Convention

 

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App 

A new pop culture convention blending modern flair and retro vibes will kick off Friday in New Jersey, bringing with it star power from music, television, movies, sports, and pro-wrestling. 

Chill Out Expo is set for October 24-25, 2025, at Hanover Marriott in Whippany, N.J. Admission tickets are $10 online at chilloutnj.com through midnight Tuesday and $20 at the door.

The convention took shape after New York-based Promoter Tom Unger, who has more than 30 years experience in the business, wanted to create a pop culture expo with guests and vendors covering all genres and eras, said Eric Nyenhuis, whom Unger hired as marketing director. 

The lengthy celebrity lineup includes Gene Simmons of KISS, Alec Baldwin, William Shatner, Ann Margret, Ice-T and Coco, Kane, a CHiPs reunion, and Dennis Rodman. Many other celebrity guests and more than 100 vendors are scheduled for the weekend. 

Chill Out Expo aims to create an upbeat atmosphere where nostalgia is celebrated, its impact on pop culture is recognized, and all are welcome to be themselves, he said.

“I would like people to know that this is a safe space for everybody to be themselves,” he said. “Where else can I dress up like The Flash and not be made fun of?”

Whether patrons want to cosplay, shop for unique toys and merchandise from vendors, or meet their favorite celebrities, Nyenhuis is encouraging people to stop by the event. 

Not only has the event attracted big names, it's also generating buzz online. 

The convention's website reached more than 30,000 hits in a month, and its Instagram page has generated more than 80,000 views in 28 days, Nyenhuis said.

He credits a low admission cost, a celebrity lineup that appeals to a wide range of fans, and a positive marketing campaign as reasons for the interest in the expo.

“Tell me where there's anything else this cool to do in New Jersey for ten bucks,” Nyenhuis said. “Even if I could just walk by Gene Simmons and see him for ten dollars, I would do it.”

There are additional costs for autographs and photographs with celebrities. Prices are set by the stars, not the convention. 

Fans of KISS, one of the most recognizable and influential rock bands in history, will be able to meet Simmons, founding member of the band. 

The fire-breathing, blood-spitting, tongue wagging bassist, also known as the Demon, will be on hand both days of the convention for autographs and pictures.

Simmons is also offering his Dinner With The Demon event, in which 20 fans will attend an intimate VIP party with the God of Thunder on Saturday night. 

The dinner includes food and drinks for the ticketholder and a guest, three personalized autographs, photos and videos, and a metallic 11x14 limited edition print, according to the Chill Out Expo website. 

Chill Out Expo is sponsored by Progresso, The Big Event promotions, and Cafe Grumpy, which also sponsors organizations such as The Felix Organization, Starlight Children's Foundation, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

For the full guest lineup, tickets, photo op tickets, schedules and updates, visit chilloutnj.com.