The Dark Art and Oddities Con returns this year with a larger-than-ever lineup of chilling experiences, set to take place November 16th and 17th at Northern Illinois University’s Castle, Altgeld Hall. Aimed at horror fans, paranormal enthusiasts, and fans of dark art, this unique convention offers a range of immersive workshops, spine-tingling entertainment, and a collection of one-of-a-kind vendors.

Entertainment Highlights:

This year’s convention features exclusive screenings, interactive performances, and a chance to meet some of the best talent in horror and dark arts:

• John Borowski, award-winning filmmaker, will present a chilling look at his documentaries, known for focusing on infamous historical killers such as H.H. Holmes.

• Whispers in the Dark Literature Reading Series: Hosted by Colin Gorman, this immersive series will feature live readings of horror classics including Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe, The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft, and more. These readings are performed by a talented group of actors who bring each tale to life.

• Nosferatu Screening with Live Accompaniment: The silent horror film Nosferatu will be shown with a haunting live organ performance by Jay Warren, adding a vintage horror touch that blends classic cinema with gothic ambiance.

Workshops and Hands-On Experiences:

The Dark Art and Oddities Con offers a range of workshops designed for hands-on learning and skill-building for those with a taste for the eerie and mystical:

• Ghost Hunting Techniques Workshop: Led by Dale Kaczmarek from the Ghost Research Society, this workshop introduces ghost-hunting techniques, equipment, and real evidence gathered by Kaczmarek over his 40-year career.

• Anti-Anxiety Satchel Workshop: Serenity Rayne guides attendees in crafting their own anti-anxiety satchel, including an introduction to calming herbs and techniques for grounding and balance.

• Insect Pinning Workshop: Hosted by AJ’s Arthropods, this workshop teaches participants to pin and frame insects, providing a unique chance to create a beautiful specimen to take home.

• Witches Protection Bottle Workshop: Learn the art of crafting protective bottles with Serenity Rayne. Attendees will make a personal protection bottle using spellwork techniques and traditional ingredients for grounding.

Each workshop has limited availability, with add-on tickets available through the event website.

Official After Hours Event: Macabre Minds Trivia Night

The thrills continue after hours on Saturday, November 16th, with Macabre Minds: The Ultimate Dark Trivia Challenge hosted at Fatty’s Pub & Grille in Dekalb. Trivia begins at 8 PM, with dark and eerie questions for fans of horror, paranormal, and true crime. Heather Harlow will host the event, and prizes are up for grabs. Fatty’s also offers a selection of delicious food and drinks available for purchase, making it a perfect spot to continue the fun after hours.

Indie Horror Film Festival

The Indie Horror Film Festival at the Dark Art and Oddities Con will showcase an array of horror films, including The Beast of Gévaudan, Bay for Blood, Lumberjack, and Jolt, with each film selected for its unique contribution to indie horror. Attendees can meet and network with filmmakers and other creatives at the Filmmaker Social Hour on Sunday, November 17th at 1 PM.

Vendor Spotlight

Unique vendors at this year’s convention offer a wide variety of dark and spooky items:

• Bethany Madison Designs: Featuring horror-inspired art and handcrafted dolls.

• Rotting Cherry Jewelry: Gothic jewelry, including bone and crystal pieces with chainmail.

• Adorably Kowai: Creepy-cute art and accessories perfect for horror fans with a whimsical side.

• Scary Lair of Doom: A mother-daughter team crafting macabre items like beaded spiders, painted skulls, and more.

Sponsored by the Weird Darkness Podcast

This year, the Weird Darkness Podcast, hosted by Darren Marlar, is the official sponsor, adding its own dark touch to the convention. Known for delving into the paranormal, true crime, and mysteries, Weird Darkness is a fitting partner for an event that embraces the eerie and unexplained.

Event Details

Dates: Saturday, November 16th & Sunday, November 17th
Location: Altgeld Hall, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL
Admission: General admission tickets are available online, with some workshops and after-hours events requiring additional ticket purchases.

For tickets, the full schedule, and more information on special guests, visit www.darkartandodditiescon.com or follow us on social media for updates.