Peoria Hosted Its First Annual Horror Con

The Obsidian Society brought horror fans and vendors together for a local convention in Peoria.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Special Interest

Screen-print poster illustration of a vintage film projector and masks, evoking the atmosphere of a community horror convention. — The Obsidian Society launched Peoria’s first annual Horror Con this week, providing a dedicated space for regional fans to connect with vendors and celebrate horror cinema. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Obsidian Society held Peoria's inaugural Horror Con at the Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie. Hundreds of attendees gathered to explore vendor booths and celebrate the genre while dressed as iconic horror characters.

Why it matters

Organizers launched this event to establish a dedicated gathering space for horror enthusiasts in the local community. The convention serves as a new hub for fans to connect with each other and regional vendors.

The convention featured more than 40 vendors selling items ranging from books to tarantulas. This event represents the first time such a gathering has been hosted by The Obsidian Society in the city.

The players

The Obsidian Society

This is the organizing group responsible for planning and hosting the inaugural Peoria Horror Con.

The details

The event transformed a local hotel space into a marketplace for horror-themed goods and community interaction. Fans participated by dressing as well-known horror icons, highlighting the creative engagement of the local participants.

The first annual Peoria Horror Con occurred on October 3, 2026.
Organizers are scheduled to return for a second event in 2027.

Industry Dynamics

As niche conventions gain popularity, this local event follows a broader trend of decentralized fan gatherings outside of major coastal hubs. It positions Peoria as a new regional destination for hobbyists and horror-focused vendors.

Residents gained local access to specialized vendors and a community-driven environment without needing to travel to larger metropolitan conventions. The event provided a unique, centralized hub for horror enthusiasts to purchase themed goods and meet fellow fans.

The takeaway

The success of this first-year event indicates a strong local appetite for genre-focused programming in the Peoria area. Fans can look forward to future iterations as organizers seek to build upon the established community turnout.