For anyone intrigued by the business behind America’s obsession with Halloween, this year’s Midsummer Scream offers an opportunity to hear from one of the people who helped build the modern haunt industry from the ground up.
As the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention celebrates its 10th anniversary in Long Beach this weekend, industry pioneer David Bertolino will headline a special conversation on Saturday, Aug. 8, exploring how haunted attractions evolved into a multibillion-dollar entertainment business.
Also see: Don’t miss these 10 things at Midsummer Scream’s 10-year anniversary in Long Beach
Best known as the founder of Spookyworld, Bertolino is widely regarded as one of the architects of the modern haunted attraction industry.
Long before immersive, high-concept horror experiences and elaborate seasonal events became staples of the Halloween calendar, Bertolino was pioneering large-scale haunted attractions while helping establish an industry that had little organization or reputation.
A character actor poses in this July 2024 file photo at Midsummer Scream. The event returns to the Long Beach Convention Center on Aug. 7-9 for its 10th anniversary. (File photo by Drew A. Kelley, Staff Photographer/The Press-Telegram)
A character actor poses in this July 2022 file photo at Midsummer Scream. The event returns to the Long Beach Convention Center on Aug. 7-9 for its 10th anniversary. (File photo by Drew A. Kelley, Staff Photographer/The Press-Telegram)
A character actor poses in this July 2023 file photo at Midsummer Scream. The event returns to the Long Beach Convention Center on Aug. 7-9 for its 10th anniversary. (File photo by Drew A. Kelley, Staff Photographer/The Press-Telegram)
A character actor poses in this July 2023 file photo at Midsummer Scream. The event returns to the Long Beach Convention Center on Aug. 7-9 for its 10th anniversary. (File photo by Drew A. Kelley, Staff Photographer/The Press-Telegram)
Midsummer Scream returns to the Long Beach Convention Center from Aug. 7-9.
(File photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
Show Caption
1 of 5
A character actor poses in this July 2024 file photo at Midsummer Scream. The event returns to the Long Beach Convention Center on Aug. 7-9 for its 10th anniversary. (File photo by Drew A. Kelley, Staff Photographer/The Press-Telegram)
Bertolino will join horror entertainment expert Ted Dougherty for a special Q&A on Saturday exploring the history of Spookyworld, the evolution of haunted attractions, and behind-the-scenes stories from a career that has shaped Halloween entertainment for more than three decades.
Convention organizers, in a recent press release, described the event as “a rare opportunity for fans, historians, attraction owners, and Halloween enthusiasts to hear directly from one of the most influential figures in horror entertainment.”
“David Bertolino didn’t simply build a haunted attraction,” the release said. “He helped create an entire industry.”
Indeed, Bertolino’s influence reaches far beyond a single attraction. In 1991, he founded the Haunt Attraction Association, the first national organization dedicated to haunted attractions.
What began as an effort to give the growing industry a unified voice has expanded into an organization representing more than 4,000 members across North America, helping professionalize an entertainment sector that continues to grow each Halloween season.
Bertolino’s story is chronicled in the documentary “Spooktacular!,” which follows Spookyworld’s rise from a regional attraction to a national phenomenon.
Over the years, Bertolino has also helped develop horror-themed amusement attractions, immersive experiences, Halloween events and themed restaurants. He even served as an expert witness in federal court on Halloween-related matters.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can also meet Bertolino during signings for his new book, “Behind the Screams at Spookyworld,” an insider’s account of building one of the industry’s most influential attractions.
After you meet Bertolino, be sure to explore the rest of Midsummer Scream, which will take place from Friday to Sunday, Aug. 7-9, at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.
For more information, go to midsummerscream.org.
‘Conscience’
History takes the stage later this month as International City Theatre presents the Los Angeles premiere of “Conscience,” a new drama by two-time Tony Award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro.
The production, which will run from Aug 28 to Sept 13, revisits one of the defining moments of 20th century American political history through the story of Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, whose decision to publicly challenge Sen. Joseph McCarthy in 1950 remains a powerful example of moral courage.
Set during the height of the Red Scare, “Conscience” centers around Smith’s famous “Declaration of Conscience” speech, in which the Republican senator from Maine became the first member of her party to openly criticize McCarthy’s tactics.
At a time when few elected officials were willing to speak out, Smith’s speech became a landmark moment in American political history.
DiPietro’s fast-paced drama explores the deeply personal decisions behind Smith’s stand, examining the tension between political loyalty and individual conviction.
These themes continue reverberating in American political life in 2026 — courage, accountability and speaking truth in difficult moments.
In International City Theatre’s production, Sharon Gardner stars as Smith opposite Jon Root as McCarthy, with Dylan Wittrock portraying Smith’s longtime aide William Lewis Jr. and Hollis Dohr as Jean Kerr, McCarthy’s devoted assistant who would later become his wife.
Directed and produced by caryn desai, the production brings together a creative team that includes scenic designer Brittany Bodley, lighting designer Donny Jackson, costume designer Kim DeShazo, sound designer Hunter Moody, and prop designer Patty Briles.
DiPietro, whose Broadway credits include “Memphis,” “Nice Work if You Can Get it” and “All Shook Up,” has built a strong career crafting works that blend compelling storytelling with emotionally rich characters.
“Conscience” will run at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 13, with preview performances on Aug. 26 and 27.
For more information, go to ictlongbeach.org/conscience.
Long Beach Museum of Art
One of our signature summer traditions will return on Aug. 20 with “Sunsets at LBMA,” a celebration of local music, contemporary art and coastal ambiance.
Transforming the Long Beach Museum of Art’s ocean campus into an after-hours cultural gathering, the event offers free gallery admission, live performances, vinyl DJ sets, exhibition tours, art-making activities, and food and drinks.
Essentially, it’s an opportunity to experience LBMA Ocean as a community hub rather than simply a place to view works of art.
This evening of the “Sunsets at LBMA” series begins at 5 p.m. and will shine a spotlight on Southern California’s independent music scene through a women-centered lineup assembled by Good Luck Vinyl Club.
The night will open with Trankis of Chulita Vinyl Club, whose vinyl selections will set the tone before singer-songwriter Oralia brings her blend of jazz, bossa nova and global musical influences to the museum’s oceanfront setting.
Headlining the event are Long Beach’s favorite trio The Aquadolls, whose self-described “Mermaid Rock” has made them one of the city’s most recognizable indie bands.The evening will close with a vinyl set from Stoned Jett — Oralia’s lead singer — bringing the night’s musical journey home.
By pairing acclaimed local musicians with contemporary art in a scenic venue, “Sunsets at LBMA” hopes to highlight the creative energy that defines Long Beach while celebrating women artists.
For more information, go to lbma.org/events/sunsets-at-lbma-2.