Salem Horror Fest

Salem Horror Fest

About Salem Horror Fest

Salem Horror Fest is an award-winning, multi-day horror film festival held in Salem, Massachusetts. Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the best genre festivals in the world, the festival has celebrated bold, boundary-pushing horror filmmaking since 2016. Original programming, filmmaker mentorships, panels, and celebrity guests bring horror fans together from around the globe.

Our Experience

Salem Horror Fest is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and lifelong horror fans, led by its co-directors. Furthermore, the festival partners with the George A. Romero Foundation on the Romero Fellowship, a mentorship program that helps emerging filmmakers develop, fund, and share their work. Year after year, the festival has built a reputation for spotlighting diverse voices and innovative storytelling within the horror genre.

Core Offerings

• Feature film and short film screenings across multiple venues
• Filmmaker panels, Q&As, and live podcast tapings
• The Romero Fellowship for emerging filmmakers
• Author readings and book talks with horror fiction writers
• Celebrity signings and meet-and-greets
• Vendor market featuring horror artists and small businesses

Film Screenings & Premieres

The festival showcases feature films and short film blocks from filmmakers around the world.

• World, US, and regional premieres each year
• International selections spanning multiple languages and countries
• Post-screening Q&As and live podcast discussions

Panels & Filmmaker Programs

Beyond the screen, the festival gives filmmakers room to learn, connect, and grow.

• Panels on the craft of horror screenwriting and filmmaking
• The Romero Fellowship, a mentorship program for emerging filmmakers
• Author readings and book talks with dark fiction writers

Guests & Community Events

The festival’s community events are just as central to the experience as the films themselves.

• Celebrity signings, meet-and-greets, and Q&As
• Themed community events, including a drag show and trivia night
• A vendor market featuring horror artists and small businesses

What Makes Salem Horror Fest Special

Salem Horror Fest stands out for pairing world-class programming with an intimate, community-driven atmosphere. Consequently, filmmakers and guests alike walk away feeling seen, challenged, and inspired rather than like another face in the crowd. In addition, the festival’s commitment to diverse voices and provocative storytelling has earned it recognition as one of the best genre festivals in the world.

Contact

Salem Horror Fest
Salem, Massachusetts

Phone: 978-210-1139
Email: horrorartscollective@gmail.com
Website: salemhorror.com
Instagram: @salemhorror
Facebook: Salem Horror Fest

We are here, we are queer, and we aim to horrify you.