FearLit 2026

FearLit is coming to the Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center on Saturday, October 31, from 12 PM to 4 PM. It's the inaugural Halloween literary convention from Thrillerdelphia, the organization that puts on Philadelphia's annual horror-film festival, and it's built as a concentrated four-hour celebration of the writers, books and ideas shaping horror right now.

Throughout the afternoon, more than 25 authors and special guests gather for welcome and awards, author panels and special programming, and a final hour of signings. The convention covers horror, thrillers, dark fiction, mystery, comics and cult genre storytelling. Among the confirmed names are Jason Rekulak, Keith Rosson, Alma Katsu, Philip Fracassi, Adam Cesare, Jo Piazza, Hailey Piper, James Kaine, Jared Michael Delaney, Mathilda Zeller, Kevin J. Redzinski, Padraic Maroney and Mauve Perle Tahat.

When the convention wraps at 4 PM, the afternoon continues nearby at Thrillerdelphia with further signings and Halloween events, so you can keep the day going. The whole thing is for ages 21 and over, and paid parking is required. Doors open at 11:15 AM at Venice Island, 7 Lock Street in Manayunk, and tickets run from $40 to $108.