By Michael Ahr | November 6, 2026 |
There are a lot of fan conventions out there, but they don’t all embrace the wonderfully weird side of pop culture the way Phantom Fest does. Only at this Houston-based gathering can you discover an unexpected international gem while simultaneously revisiting a beloved cult classic and celebrating alongside the performers and filmmakers who make genre entertainment so memorable. Such is the spirit behind Phantom Fest, which returns in January 2027 with an expanded lineup of horror, sci-fi, fantasy, action, and everything in between.
Running from January 14 to 17 at Houston’s historic River Oaks Theatre, the four-day showcase seeks to offer considerably more than a traditional film festival. Presented by Surprise Surprise Studio, Phantom Fest is going beyond the big screen to incorporate television, music, and live performance alongside its traditional (but unconventional) collections of premieres, cult favorites, and restorations. In the first wave of programming announcements, it’s clear that genre fans will have plenty of reasons to make the trip to Texas this winter.
One of the main attractions this year is the special 50th anniversary screening of Dario Argento’s horror classic, Suspiria. To give this celebration of the landmark 1977 film a special flair, a live score performance by Sergio Trevino will accompany the viewing. Fans of Argento’s distinctive brand of cinematic nightmares will appreciate what a little in-house music can do to accentuate the spookiness.
Phantom Fest also makes room for some offerings that are truly off the beaten path. Witness Angus Silver’s Insectasy, a psychosexual drama about a 20-something receptionist trapped by social isolation who escapes through lush daydreams and an all-consuming erotic fascination with insects. Also worth checking out is Zsazsa Zaturnnah, an adult animated superhero romantic comedy adapted from Carlo Vergara’s LGBTQIA cult-classic graphic novel about a shy, gay beautician who gains superhuman abilities and must face alien forces while learning to love again.
Another event at this year’s Phantom Fest is destined to be a popular highlight: Don’t Dream It, Be It: A Tribute to Tim Curry. This career retrospective honors the actor’s remarkable range and his most iconic roles ranging from scene-stealing villains to beloved cult favorites. Be prepared for a one-of-a-kind live shadow-cast performance of a Tim Curry classic!
Filmmaker and performer Andrew Bowser will also be on-hand as a guest host and moderator to offer a first look at Turmoil in the Toybox and lead a workshop on crowdfunding for film projects. This is in addition to the many other filmmaker and writer workshops, story panels, live podcast recordings, author readings, and talent signings, not to mention plenty of amazing cosplay.
Characterized by the guest activities in its special feature “Hallowinter,” a special January extension of spooky season, Phantom Fest has fun bringing its unique take to genre fan gatherings, and since this is only the first wave of announcements, expect to hear about more films, guests, and events in the coming weeks. For a festival that aims to bring filmmakers and fans together while celebrating the many weird corners of horror, science fiction, and more, there’s already plenty to get excited about!
Badges are on sale now with early-bird pricing through Monday, November 30.
