Flashback Weekend is Chicago’s largest and longest-running horror convention. Every year I attend the event featuring celebrities, creators, vendors and more.

An attendee since its debut in 2002, I have met many great celebrities over the years including Robert Englund, Meatloaf, Neve Campbell and Dana DeLorenzo. The stars always seem very engaging at Flashback Weekend. As much fun as that always is, I really enjoy meeting authors, artists and other such creators.

Robert Englund

As co-owner of Horror and SciFi Prop Preservation Association, James Azrael always has cool movie pieces on display. A man of many creative hats, Azrael produced It’s Just a Game, a 2018 thriller destined to be a cult classic. One of the most popular booths, Azrael’s is filled with so many cool movie pieces.

James Azrael

Focusing on horror and the supernatural, author John Everson has 13 novels, among other writing, on his résumé. A Chicago-area native, Everson is always happy to discuss anything horror-related.

John Everson and Michael West

I reconnect with many friends at Flashback Weekend. While we might have different interests at the convention, we enjoy meeting and recapping our days. Although I didn’t see him this year, Indiana-based author Michael West is usually among the thousands of attendees. A big fan of his books, I look forward to getting updates from him.

More than all of that, Flashback Weekend is really a success story of its organizers. Operated masterfully and passionately by Mike and Mia Kerz, Flashback Weekend has grown into a Chicago and horror institution. Unlike most conventions, the couple accomplishes this with a small staff of their two daughters and a few others. The hands-on personal approach and attention to detail would seem the work of many more staffers.

Mia and Mike Kerz

In addition to Flashback Weekend, the couple runs Midway Drive-In, one of the last remaining drive-in theaters. Opened in 1950, Midway has a classic, retro feel while being modern. Its spacious lot holds 500 cars, all with great views of the giant 90-foot screen. About a two-hour drive west of Chicago, Midway Drive-In is an easy and fun trip.

Between Flashback and Midway, the Kerzes provide a wide range of entertainment. Whenever I go to either, I know I will experience a well-run event and have a load of fun.

— John Wroblewski, online writer