ObscuraCon

ObscuraCon brings horror culture to Eureka Springs on July 24-25, 2026, transforming the atmospheric town into a two-day convention for fans of the macabre, the mysterious, and the cinematic. This event includes film screenings, special guests from the horror industry, panel discussions, vendor halls, and immersive experiences that play off Eureka Springs’ reputation for haunted hotels and Victorian-era legends. Ticket prices vary by package (day passes, weekend passes, VIP access), with most attendees opting for the full two-day experience to catch keynote speakers and late-night screenings. The convention draws genre enthusiasts, filmmakers, authors, and travelers who appreciate the overlap between horror fandom and the town’s naturally eerie beauty. Expect discussions on indie horror, practical effects, storytelling craft, and the history of supernatural cinema, along with opportunities to meet creators and purchase signed work.

Who Should Go

Horror fans who enjoy conventions and genre communities will find this event worth a summer trip to the Ozarks. Filmmakers and writers working in horror, thriller, or speculative fiction benefit from networking and panel insights, while couples who share an interest in the macabre can build a gothic weekend getaway around the event. Solo travelers comfortable in fan convention settings also fit the scene. This is not a family event—content skews mature, and the late-night screening schedule assumes an adult audience.

Logistics and Timing

The convention runs both days, typically from 10 AM to midnight, with key panels and screenings scheduled throughout. Purchase tickets in advance (available on the ObscuraCon website by early June) to secure weekend access and reserve spots for popular panels. The event location varies by year, so confirm the venue when registering—past conventions have used the Eureka Springs Auditorium and local hotel ballrooms. Parking downtown gets tight during summer weekends, so walk from your lodging or arrive before 9 AM to claim street parking. July weather in the Ozarks typically runs hot and humid, with temperatures in the mid-80s to low 90s—bring layers for air-conditioned screening rooms and plan for outdoor walking between venues. If specific panels fill up, the convention usually offers overflow screenings or livestream options for ticketed attendees. Plan B for crowded sessions includes exploring the town’s already-atmospheric attractions, like the 1886 Crescent Hotel’s ghost tours or the haunted history walking tours that run nightly.

Where to Stay and What Else to Do

Book lodging in downtown Eureka Springs to walk to the convention and lean into the town’s haunted reputation. The Crescent Hotel (established 1886) and Basin Park Hotel (founded 1905) both offer ghost tours and Victorian-era charm, while Lake.com lists properties near Beaver Lake if you want a morning swim or paddle before the convention starts. Spend non-convention hours hiking the Leatherwood Wilderness Trail, touring Thorncrown Chapel, or browsing the town’s galleries. Meals at Ermilio’s Wood Fired Pizza (established 2012) or The Grand Taverne (founded 1997) keep you fueled between panels. After dark, the town’s gas-lit streets and shadowy alleyways enhance the horror convention atmosphere—many attendees schedule late-night walks between screenings to soak up the ambient spookiness. If the convention gets overwhelming, Beaver Lake’s shoreline trails and quiet coves offer a daylight reset before diving back into the darkness.