The countdown is on—CreepyCon is just days away!

If you’ve never been, this Knoxville-based convention is a celebration of all things spooky, geeky, and downright weird in the best way possible. From haunted house creators and horror authors to panels, vendors, and immersive experiences, it’s a weekend of pure fun. But let’s be honest—half the excitement of CreepyCon is the costumes. Whether you’re dressing as your favorite horror movie slasher, an over-the-top video game villain, or even a totally random non-horror character, CreepyCon is your time to shine. And here’s the best part: it doesn’t matter how much you spend, how polished your look is, or even if people “get” your costume. The goal is to be creative, have fun, and be part of the community.

What Should You Be? The Options Are Endless.
Your CreepyCon costume doesn’t have to stick to one category—you can go in almost any direction:

Classic Horror Icons: Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, Ghostface, Chucky, or any number of creepy legends are always a hit.
Video Game Characters: Think Silent Hill nurses, Resident Evil survivors, or even something lighthearted like Mario or Zelda—it doesn’t all have to be scary!
Original Creations: Your own twisted monster, a creepy doll, or even a “what if?” version of a familiar character. (Zombie Disney Princess? Yes, please.)
Non-Horror Characters for Fun: Plenty of people show up as superheroes, anime characters, or even random pop culture icons just because—it all adds to the fun vibe. Let’s not forget about the annual THOT Patrol guys walking around the show in their tactical gear.

Buying vs. Making Your Costume: Both Work!
There’s no “right” way to show up at CreepyCon. Some people pour months into building elaborate costumes, while others grab something online the week before—and both are equally welcome.

Buy It:
If you’re short on time or crafting isn’t your thing, there’s nothing wrong with ordering a costume. Amazon, Spirit Halloween, Etsy, or even local thrift stores can provide amazing looks. Bonus tip: add a few personal touches (extra fake blood, props, or accessories) to make an off-the-shelf costume feel unique.
Make It:
If you love crafting—or just want a creative challenge—DIYing your costume can be just as rewarding. Grab fabric, old clothes, or random items from a thrift store and piece it together. Hot glue, duct tape, and some imagination can go a long way. Don’t stress about perfection—half the fun is seeing the quirky, clever, and “held together by hope and safety pins” costumes walking around the con.

Need inspiration on what to make? Below is a video of Mallory Bertrand creating one of many costumes you’ll see at the show this year!

Why the Costume Matters (Even If It’s Imperfect)
Here’s the truth: CreepyCon isn’t about competition. It’s about connection. Whether your costume is a detailed, screen-accurate replica or something you threw together the night before, you’ll still have people asking for photos, giving compliments, and swapping stories about their own creations.

The beauty of CreepyCon is that it’s a place where everyone celebrates creativity, not just perfection.

Final Tips Before You Suit Up

Be Comfortable: You’ll be walking, sitting, and taking pictures all day. Make sure your costume isn’t impossible to move in.
Bring a Bag or Backpack: For snacks, water, and storing any cool merch you buy.
Don’t Stress: CreepyCon is about fun. Even if your fake blood drips or your wig goes crooked, people will still love your effort.
Have a Backup Plan: Sometimes an accessory breaks or a shoe hurts—bring some tape, pins, or an extra pair of shoes, just in case.

Tickets & Event Info
CreepyCon 2025 runs August 1–3, 2025, at the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley Street, Knoxville, Tennessee. The convention includes panels, live demos, workshops, haunted games, and immersive attractions, with most of the programming included in your admission
Ticket Types & Pricing (via Knoxville Convention Center/ASM Global):
• 1 Day Pass: $30 early bird / $35 regular
• 3 Day Pass: $50 early bird / $55 regular
• VIP Pass (limited to ~125): $150 early bird / $175 regular
• Kids General Admission: $10 (good for one or all three days)

Photo Ops

The event will feature 15 different photo opportunities with the cast members from tv shows and movies like Supernatural, The Haunting of Hill House, Paranormal Nightmare, Wrong Turn, and more, featuring guests like DJ Qualls, Julian Richings, ty Olson, Fredor Steel and more.

Check out the CreepyCon Website for details on the weekend and purchase tickets

Photo ops and extras can be purchased here!

Need inspiration for your costume? Check out the 2024 recap of everything at CreepyCon