Tips for Enjoying the Monsterpalooza Convention This Weekend

The horror convention known as Monsterpalooza is kicking off this Friday in Burbank, California, and I for one am raring to go! Since I’ve attended Monsterpalooza in the past, I can attest to the fact that it’s an awesome weekend with a stellar vibe in terms of community and creativity. Also, you can benefit from my experience by reviewing my Tips for Enjoying Monsterpalooza below. Enjoy!

Monsterpalooza is an annual convention that celebrates “The Art of the Monster”. In addition to hosting celebrity guests, numerous vendors, and screenings, Monsterpalooza offers genre fans rare opportunities to “peek behind the curtain” of industry costume and makeup FX through a number of free exhibitions and presentations.

For Hotel Reservations, call 818-843-6000. You can visit the official website for Monsterpalooza HERE and their Facebook Page HERE.

• Get There Early: Between the celebs, vendors, screenings, and events, absorbing everything Monsterpalooza has to offer can be overwhelming. Give yourself plenty of time to experience it all by arriving early and pacing yourself. The crowds on Saturday and Sunday are particularly intense; Friday is a great time to talk to celebrity guests before they get swamped.
• Bring Cash: There is an ATM in the Burbank Marriott lobby, but it will most certainly run out of money by mid-day Saturday; come prepared.
• Have a Drink: There is a bar in the restaurant located on the first floor of the Burbank Marriott (The Daily Grill), but the best place to have a drink is at the Media Center Bar in the lobby; they have comfortable, plush chairs and it’s the perfect place for people-watching! You can also take your drink to the outside patio between the Hotel and the Convention Center; they have some nice seats set up around fire pits that are lit at night.
• Bring Your Swimsuit: There are two pools at the Marriott; one is hidden away in the back and includes a hot tub, but the other it situated beside the walk-way between the Hotel and the Convention Center. It’s a great place to relax and watch people as they walk past.
• Please Support Celebrity Guests: If this is your first convention, you might be wondering if you have to pay for celebrity autographs. The answer is “Yes”, even if you bring your own item for them to sign. Remember, these actors are people just like you and me, trying to make a living. The average cost of an autograph is $20, so budget accordingly. You can see a complete list of celebrity guests: HERE.
• Check Out Some Events: Even if you’re an Industry outsider who doesn’t work in makeup or practical FX, the events are Monsterpalooza are what really sets it apart from other conventions. Attending these events will give you an understanding and appreciation of the work it takes to create some of your favorite genre films and TV shows. You can see a complete schedule of events: HERE.
• Respect the Event and Hotel Staff: The folks at the Burbank Marriott are all friendly and accommodating—even when their establishment is overrun with crazy monster fans! Remember that you are a guest and treat the Hotel and event staff with the respect they deserve.
• Have Fun: If you can’t enjoy yourself at Monsterpalooza, then you probably don’t belong there! That being said, remember to give yourself plenty of time to explore—and pace yourself.
• Say “Hi” If You See Me: I’ll be wearing my one-of-a-kind The Blood-Shed Hoodie, so come over and say “Hello” if you see me there!

See you guys in Burbank on Friday!

Will you be attending Monsterpalooza this weekend? Sound off in the Comments section!

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