Flashback Weekend, Festival of the Dead, and the Second Annual Vampire Ball

With infinite time and money vampire fans could attend every event taking place this October. As it is, most of us have to pick and choose, so here are three more options to choose from:

Although it's a general horror convention, there are still a few vampire-specific diversions at Flashback Weekend; including a screening of Near Dark (introduced by Lance Henriksen, Jenette Goldstein, and Tim Thomerson), a screening of Live Evil (introduced by Tim Thomerson), and Near Dark Reunion Q & A. Special guests include Lance Henriksen, Jenette Goldstein, Tim Thomerson, Mercedes McNab ("Harmony" on Buffy and Angel), and artist Chad Savage (Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club, Poppy Z. Brite...)

Ticket, pass and package info here. Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention, 23-25 October 2009, at the Wyndham O'Hare (6810 N. Mannheim Rd), Rosemont, IL.


The Festival of the Dead in Salem is more about witches and ghosts than vampires, but it does also include the Vampires' Masquerade Ball. Presided over by Empress Akima, attendees are invited to "Indulge in an evening of immortal sin and morbid lusts." The evening's entertainment includes "gothic" music by dj addambombb, a seductive harem of succubi, The Black Cat Burlesque, "Magician of the Macabre" Vlad, the Empress Akima's Dance of Blood, and a gothic fashion show. There will also be contests, gifts, and a chance to kneel before the Empress and receive her unholy communion. Needless to say this isn't a family friendly event. More info here. The Vampires' Masquerade Ball, 23 October 2009, at The Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, MA.

For something a little different, you might want to check out the 2nd Annual Vampire Ball, to benefit the Flint Farmers' Market. There will be live music (Voltaire with special guest Hellblinki, and Bellamorte with special guests Ego Likeness and Versailles), dancing, The Gothic Belly Dancers, psychic readings, photo ops, and a cash bar serving vamp-appropriate beverages. More info here (scroll down). The Second Annual Vampire Ball, 24 October 2009, at the Masonic Temple (755 S. Saginaw), Flint, MI.

Endless Night Festival 2009/True Blood & Gold Ball

October is fast approaching, and along with it everyone's favourite dark and twisted holiday (no, not Canadian Thanksgiving). Besides all the usual opportunities for indulging our monstrous proclivities, vampire fans have a few more options this year. Choices, choices...

The Endless Night Festival extends Hallowe'en into a three-day, adults-only* orgy (probably not literally) of all manner of vampiric and paranormal diversions. Confirmed events already include the Carnaval de Macabre (Paranormal Investigation, Ghost Speakers Session, Day of the Dead Ritual), Haunted History tours, Devil's Night Fetish Party, Dark Bazaar, as well as a meet and greet, panel discussion, and a Day of the Dead Art auction. Prices, times, and locations vary, so for more information, click here. There's also a dress code and it will be enforced.

"A Night in Versailles," aka The Vampire Ball of New Orleans is Endless Night's main event. This one is tempting indeed, and well worth the $30 ticket cost ($40 at the door) with performances by Libertina Dance Company, Jeniviva's Mystical Hips Belly Dance, SimpleComplexity, DJ Fangz, and DJ Aengel. This year also sees the introduction of the 1st Annual Endless Night Costume Contest, with categories including "Period," "Fetish," "Horror," and "Crowd Pleaser" (surprisingly not the same as 'Fetish'). VIP tickets ($65 each or $99 after October 15) get you early admission (10 pm vs midnight) to the ball, access to the Anne Rice After-Party and the Vampire Ball After-Party, access to the Devil's Night Fetish Party, access to the VIP Balcony Lounge, a t-shirt, discounts, and extra raffle tickets. The Vampire Ball takes place on Saturday, 31 October 2009 at the House of Blues (225 Decatur St., New Orleans). For more info and to buy tickets, click here.

*Sorry kids, your tickets are only valid if you're over 18, but you can still always go to a Twilight Convention near you, although apparently not for Hallowe'en.

On Friday, 30 October, you can also attend Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club's True Blood & Gold Ball. This one's listed under the weekend agenda of Endless Night, but it doesn't seem to actually be part of the Festival (note: it overlaps with the Devil's Night Fetish Party, so those of you hoping to attend both might be out of luck).

Another 18+ only event, there will be performances by the Kinky Tuscaderos, Saints of Ruin, and Marc Gunn. The main draw, however, will likely be the special appearance (and chance to meet) Charlaine Harris (of Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood fame) and Gabrielle Faust (author of the Eternal Vigilance saga). Tickets are $20 for Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club members, and $30 for non-members (for more info and to purchase tickets, click here). True Blood & Gold Ball, 30 October 2009 at Republic New Orleans (828 South Peters St., New Orleans).

The Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club is also hosting a wine and absinthe tasting and True Blood & Gold meet and greet on Thursday, 29 October 2009. Ticket prices range from $35 to $70 dollars, depending on whether you're a member, what you want to taste, and whether you purchase your tickets in advance or at the door. All proceeds are going to Habitat for Humanity. Your True Blood & Gold Ball ticket will not get you in to the tasting. Also, and hopefully needless to say, you need to be of legal drinking age for this one. For more info and to buy tickets, click here.