Events — Salem Horror Fest

A Conversation with Michael Berryman & Victoria Price

Moderated by Rue Morgue’s Andrea Subissati

Step into a powerful and deeply personal conversation celebrating legacy, resilience, and life in the both the shadows and spotlight of horror history. Iconic actor Michael Berryman author and daughter of a legend, Victoria Price, in an intimate discussion centered on their autobiographical works and lived experiences.

This special event offers a rare glimpse into the personal journeys behind two unforgettable figures. From Berryman’s singular path through cult cinema to Price’s reflections on preserving and honoring the legacy of her father, Vincent Price, this conversation explores identity, storytelling, and the meaning of carving out one’s place in a world shaped by fame, art, and expectation.

This event runs Saturday May 2, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM in the Salem Access TV studio, and is followed by a book signing and fan meet-up from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the Salem Access TV lobby.

Saturday, May 2
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Salem Access Television

Price’s book will be available for sale; please purchase Berryman’s book ahead of time if you wish him to sign it. Signed glossies and photo opps will be available.

Fearless & Untamed: Women Shaping Modern Horror

Spotlighting the women pushing horror into thrilling new territory.

This dynamic panel, moderated by Salem Horror Fest co-director Leslie Adams, features writer, director and actress Toby Poser; horror media personality Xero Gravity; Founder of Salem Horror Fest Kay Lynch; Salem Horror Fest Production Manager Luisa Cornish; writer, director and producer Rachel S. Thomas-Medwid; and multifaceted film, TV and commercial creative Miriam Olken. They’ll explore what it means to work in horror as women by bringing distinct perspectives, challenging expectations, and helping shape the genre both on and off screen.

Sunday, May 3
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Hawthorne Hotel Library

Free admission. Open to the public. Donations requested for Women In Film & Video New England

Co-Presented With

From Page to Scream: The Craft of Horror Screenwriting

Featuring Clay McLeod Chapman, Matthew Leslie, Owen Egerton, Emily Bennett and Justin Brooks presented by Boston Horror Society

Malevolent spirits. Cursed objects. Sadistic slashers. No matter what the subgenre, your favorite horror films would never happen without there first being a script. Join us for an afternoon of insight, craft, and behind-the-scenes storytelling as a panel of screenwriters sit down with Jason LeBlanc, head of Boston Horror Society, to explore the art of writing horror screenplays.

Panelists include Clay McLeod Chapman (The Restoration of Grayson Manor), Matthew Leslie (Summer of 84), Owen Egerton (Whistle), and Emily Bennett & Justin Brooks (Blood Shine).

Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter or simply curious about the process of how a script makes its way to being produced for the big screen, this is a rare opportunity to hear directly from successful screenwriters in the intimate and iconic setting of the Hawthorne Hotel's Library.

Saturday, May 2
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Hawthorne Hotel Library

Free admission. Open to the public.

Girl, That’s Scary - Live Podcast

A post-screening discussion of Cat People (1982)

Saturday, May 2
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Peabody Essex Museum

12:00 PM • Doors Open
12:15 PM • Cat People (1982)
2:35 PM • Live Podcast

Because the museum is open to the public, you must wear your SHF9 Festival Pass for admittance. If you did not already do so, pick it up Saturday morning at Salem Access TV.

The Hills Have Eyes - Vinyl Listening Party

Featuring Dee Wallace, Michael Berryman

Join us for a night of cult horror nostalgia at Residency Records for a The Hills Have Eyes Listening Party.

Experience the film’s chilling soundtrack played in full, with a limited number of vinyl copies available for purchase while supplies last. Horror legends Dee Wallace and Michael Berryman will be in attendance, signing autographs and taking photos with fans throughout the evening.

Open to the public, this is a unique opportunity to celebrate a landmark in horror history alongside two of its most unforgettable faces.

Friday, May 1
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Residency Records

Free admission. Open to the public.

Horror Movie Trivia

Hosted by Mike Merrigan aka Filmjitsu

Saturday, May 2
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
BitBar

Into the Depths of Dark Fiction

Featuring Clay McLeod Chapman, Erica Waters, Kristin Dearborn, Mae Murray, and Douglas Wynne presented by Boston Horror Society and Copper Dog Books

Descend the steps of The Library at the historic Hawthorne Hotel for the Salem Horror Fest Book Talks. Five authors of dark fiction, including Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Award nominated writer Clay McLeod Chapman, will be reading their stories, discussing the art of writing, and signing books for attendees. The event will be hosted by Boston Horror Society's Jason LeBlanc, and books will be provided by Copper Dog Books of Beverly, MA.

Saturday, May 2
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Hawthorne Hotel Library

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM • Author Readings

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM • Author Q&A

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM • Author Signings

Free admission. Open to the public.

Lattes & Lagers with Linnea Quigley

Salem Horror Fest is thrilled to welcome back our favorite scream queen, Linnea Quigley, for a casual, fan-friendly gathering that’s all about good vibes, great drinks, and even better company.

Sip on one of Couch Dog’s craft beers or specialty coffees while enjoying delicious bites from Not Ya Mama’s Vegan Cafe. Linnea will be hanging out, chatting with fans, signing autographs and taking photos throughout the event. And in true Couch Dog fashion, dogs are more than welcome! SHF and Linnea encourage you to bring your four-legged friends along for the fun.

Saturday, May 2
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Couch Dog Brewery

Movie Jawn - Live Podcast

A post-screening discussion of Pet Sematary (1989)

Friday, May 1
4:30 PM - 7:45 PM
Salem Access Television

4:30 PM • Pet Sematary
6:30 PM • Live Podcast

Opening Night

Featuring Dee Wallace, Victoria Price

Salem Horror Fest returns for its ninth season of screenings, events, and special guests kicking off with a special opening night ceremony featuring cult legend Dee Wallace! Program includes keynote address from Victoria Price, a Q&A between Andrea Subissati and Dee Wallace, presentation of the Jury Award–winning short film, and a screening of Cujo. Hosted by Xero Gravity.

Thursday, April 30
5:15 PM - 10:30 PM
Peabody Essex Museum

5:15 PM • VIP Pass Pickup
5:30 PM • VIP Meet & Greet with Dee Wallace
6:15 PM • General Admission Doors Open
6:30 PM • Opening Night Ceremony

Opening Night VIP Experience ticket or Opening Night General Admissions tickets required – SHF9 Festival Pass does not include Thursday April 30 programming.

Salem Horror Drag Show

Hosted by Wretched Lydia

Join Salem’s most nefarious horror hostess LYDIA and special guest: scream queen Linnea Quigley for the Salem Horror Fest Drag Show at Bitbar, Saturday May 2nd. Featuring legendary local performers: GEYA JENDA, DICK KAYIN, SYBIL DISOBEDIENCE, PEE WEE VERMIN, AND MISS MICHAEL you will be treated to some spooky drag with a smattering of Salem weirdness. Raffle winner for a tarot reading session with Linnea Quigley will be drawn during the show.

Come join the fun and watch us slay (Maybe even literally…)!

See you there, if you dare…

Saturday, May 2
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
BitBar

Horror Fest passholders get in for free, but the event is open to the public with a $25 entry fee at the door. Doors at 8:30pm and show at 9:00pm.

Co-Presented with

Signing with Dee Wallace

Friday, May 1
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Notch Brewery

Signing with Linnea Quigley

Friday, May 1
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Notch Brewery

Signing with Michael Berryman

Saturday, May 2
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Notch Brewery

Sorority Babes at the Slime Ball Bowl-o-Rama • Live Commentary

Featuring Linnea Quigley, Wretched Lydia, Dick Kayin

Friday, May 1
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Salem Access Television

Tarot Reading with Linnea Quigley

Fate is calling. Will you answer?

Raffle tickets will be available for a one of a kind tarot reading from legendary scream queen Linnea Quigley. Tickets can be purchased Friday and Saturday at the Salem Horror Fest merch table, as well as during Linnea’s signings Friday at Notch and SATV, and Saturday at Couch Dog Brewing during Lattes & Lagers with Linnea.

The winner will be drawn live by Linnea on Saturday night at BitBar during the drag show. The reading with the reading taking place Sunday, May 3rd at the Hawthorne Hotel following the Of Decks & Divination talk.

Sunday, May 3
4:00 PM
Hawthorne Hotel Library