Central Illinois Horror Con,

About the event

Central Illinois Horror Con is a one-day celebration of all things horror, bringing together fans, creators, artists, collectors, and special guests for a spooky and unforgettable experience.

Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie in Peoria, Illinois, for a full day of horror-themed fun. Meet celebrity guests Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp, Terrifier 2, Scary Movie 6) and Dave Sheridan (Scary Movie, The Devil's Rejects, Victor Crowley, Scary Movie 6), shop from a curated selection of horror vendors and artists, participate in interactive panels, test your knowledge during Horror Movie Trivia hosted by Slash Sisters, and enjoy our cosplay contest with prizes for both kids and adults.

Whether you're a lifelong horror fan, a collector, a cosplayer, or simply looking for a unique event, Central Illinois Horror Con offers something for everyone. Created by horror fans and vendors, our mission is to build a welcoming community where fans can connect, discover new creators, and celebrate the genre we love.

For additional event information, vendor applications, and sponsorship opportunities,visit: www.centralillinoishorrorcon.com

Why should you sponsor?

Why Sponsor Central Illinois Horror Con?

Central Illinois Horror Con is a growing community event that brings together horror fans, collectors, artists, creators, and small businesses from throughout Central Illinois and beyond. This year, we're expecting 500+ attendees and will feature approximately 45 vendors, creating a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with a highly engaged audience.

By sponsoring Central Illinois Horror Con, you'll receive visibility before, during, and after the event through website recognition, social media promotion, event signage, and direct engagement with attendees. Unlike traditional advertising, sponsorship allows your business to become part of an experience that attendees will remember.

Our attendees are passionate supporters of local businesses, artists, entertainment, and community events. Whether you're looking to increase brand awareness, drive new customers, promote a product or service, or simply support a growing local event, sponsorship provides meaningful exposure to a targeted audience.

Your sponsorship directly helps us create an unforgettable experience by supporting celebrity guests, cosplay contests, interactive panels, trivia, prizes, and other programming throughout the day.

Most importantly, you'll be helping build a convention that is focused on community, creativity, and bringing horror fans together. As a growing event, our sponsors play a vital role in shaping the future of Central Illinois Horror Con and are recognized as valued partners in our success.

Join us in making Central Illinois Horror Con a premier horror event for our region while showcasing your business to hundreds of dedicated fans and consumers.

Amy Roberts

Every great horror story begins with a gathering… and ours began when a group of creators, organizers, and horror devotees came together in 2024 to help plan and execute a local horror convention in Peoria. 

What we uncovered during that process was something powerful: Central Illinois was hungry for a horror event that was thoughtfully organized, community-driven, and built to last.

From long nights of planning, behind-the-scenes problem-solving, and a shared obsession with the genre, a new vision started to take shape. When our paths diverged, that vision didn’t fade—it evolved.

From the shadows, Central Illinois Horror Con was born.

This convention is built on intention, not shortcuts. On atmosphere, not chaos. On respect for artists, vendors, guests, and fans who keep the horror community alive. We believe a great horror con should feel immersive, welcoming, and unforgettable—without growing so fast it loses its soul.

Central Illinois Horror Con is proudly backed by the minds and mischief of our core sponsors:

• Slash Sisters
• Spook Hollow
• Funko Mafia of Central Illinois
• Blue Orchid Event Planning
• Curious Baubles
• Anthony's Collectibles

Together, we formed a committee of similarly minded folks called The Obsidian Society, and we bring experience from haunted attractions, film, collectibles, and professional event planning—ensuring that every detail is handled with care, from the first scream to final teardown.

This is more than a convention.

It’s a gathering of the strange, the spooky, and the passionate.
A place where horror fans feel at home.

Welcome to Central Illinois Horror Con.
We’ve been expecting you.

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