Los Angeles, CA - Southern California’s largest “Halfway-to-Halloween” celebration expands to three days this year when Spooky Swap Meet returns to Heritage Square Museum from Friday evening, April 26 through Sunday the 28th. 

Featuring 60+ vendors selling a mix of used Halloween decor and props and new merchandise, Spooky Swap Meet has sold out each day of the event since its start in 2021.

“The added Friday evening allows for an even spookier shopping experience, and for us to allow more people to enjoy Spooky Swap Meet,” said the show’s co-founder and producer Sarah Cooke.

In addition to shopping, guests of all ages are encouraged to trick-or-treat at Heritage Square's seven Victorian era manors, whose exteriors have been decorated and “spooked up” for the weekend by a curated selection of professional and amateur haunted attraction designers including LA Haunted Hayride, A Mr. He Slasher, Art’s Sideshow and more.

Guests are also invited to participate in an immersive ghost hunting experience created by AdamJess FX. 

Vendors include leading Halloween brands Trick or Treat Studios, Foxblood, and Strangecvlt, as well as convention and online favorites Velvet Apparition, Discount Cemetery, and Black Magic Cakery selling selections of new and gently used items including gothic furnishings, Halloween inspired decor, baked goods, apparel, props, and more. Fortune telling and food will also be available for purchase.

Horror celebrities and influencers participating include Nikk Alcarez (@practicalparticularities), LeeAnna Vamp with Vamp & the Fiends (@vamp), and Vanessa Decker (@horror.vixen).

Additional mayhem and interruptions provided by LVCRFT and The Monster Kid Club (featuring Psychic Buster and Barry Under Your Bed).

Tickets on sale Friday February 2, 2024 at spookyswapmeet.com. Spooky Swap Meet will be open Friday, April 26, 5pm-10pm; Saturday, April 27, 11am-8pm; and Sunday, April 28, 10am-5pm.

General admission starts at $19 for timed entries throughout the weekend, with a VIP ticket allowing exclusive access the first hour on Friday for $29, when ticket buyers will be the first to have access to the one of a kind items brought in by vendors. 

The event entrance is located at 3515 Pasadena Ave (the "back" entry to the museum), with free parking across the street at Metro Gold Lot, Heritage Square Station. Parking at Metro lot is first come, first served and limited. Neighborhood street parking is also available.There will also be a few VIP parking spots for pre-purchase only ($25). There will be no entry or parking from the Homer Street side except for ADA with placards.
 
For more info visit SpookySwapMeet.com and on Instagram and Facebook at @spookyswapmeet.

About Spooky Swap Meet: Spooky Swap Meet is created/produced by Scarlett Creative, Inc, owner Claire Dunlap (co-creator/Producer of Midsummer Scream, Season's Screamings) and Instagram influencer Sarah Cooke (@the_pumpkin_queen and owner/creator of GOREnaments). Production Assistance by David Markland (Executive Director, Midsummer Scream) and Jon Cooke (Owner of Plague Productions and Savannah Scenic Services, and haunt designer for Knott's Scary Farm, Queen Mary's Dark Harbor and 13th Floor Entertainment).

Pasadena Comic Con is the premier comic convention in Pasadena. Featuring over 60 AMAZING guests and over 100 exhibitors offering a wide variety of vintage comic books, toys, memorabilia, and more! 
When: Sunday, January 28th from 10am to 5pm (with early bird admission at 9am) 
Where: Pasadena Convention Center, 300 Green Street, Pasadena CA 91101 
Meet special guests including Sam Jones (Flash Gordon), Gigi Edgley (Farscape), Austin St. John and Walter Jones (Power Rangers), The Honky Tonk Man, Greg Valentine, and Rikishi (WWE), Jeremy Miller (TV’s Growing Pains) and a Bleach Reunion including Johnny Yong Bosch, Michael Sorich, and many more!!  
The event will feature a wide variety of comic book artists, voice actors, Disney actors, animators and more. 
 
Admission:  
10 am General Admission $15.00 advance tickets online , $20.00 at the door  
9 am Early Bird $25.00 advance tickets online, $30.00 at the door 
9 am VIP Early Bird $100.00 advance tickets only online. 
 
For more information, please visit the website at http://pasadenacomiccon.com/ or contact us at “thepasadenacomiccon@gmail.com”. We appreciate your help in spreading the word about the Pasadena Comic & Toy Show. 
Tickets: https://www.tixr.com/groups/pcc/events/pasadenacomiccon-pasadena-comic-con-2024-83077 
Official Website: http://pasadenacomiccon.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pasadenacomiccon/ 
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/5425885850862397 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pasadenacomiccon/ 
 
Scott Zillner  
Promoter 
(818) 395-2652 
Steve Wyatt 
Manager 
(661) 829-2962 
Pasadena Comic Con is back. Pasadena's premier pop culture event is January 28th 2024. Halls A and B at the Pasadena Convention Center. 


http://www.pasadenacomiccon.com

We moved the date on Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest  to February 25th 2024. This years themed event will be YuGiOh with a cast reunion never seen before. 


https://simivalleytoyandcomicfest.com

The Official Power Rangers Convention is August 23rd-25th 2024. Advance tickets are on sale now .
Memberships Link 

niversal Studios Hollywood’s World-Famous Behind-the-Scenes Studio Tour Attraction, Which has Entertained More Than 200 Million Guests Worldwide, Celebrates a Milestone 60 Years
with Exciting Entertainment Planned for Spring and Summer
 
The Iconic Attraction was the Genesis of Universal Studios Hollywood
and Set the Stage for the Development of
Universal Destinations & Experiences Global Theme Parks

Universal City, California, January 23, 2024 – In 1964, Universal Studios Hollywood, originally referred to as Universal City Studios, rolled out its fleet of Glamor Trams, inviting tourists to “see film rushes of current productions, both feature and television, being made at Universal City,” according to the attraction’s original press release issued on July 4, 1964.

It was a novel concept to invite the public to be a fly on the wall of movie and television production. After all, no one else had ever conceived of the idea. The iconic red and white Glamor Trams, with their ruffled awnings, were staged five times a day, each lasting just over two hours, Monday through Friday.

2024 celebrates the Studio Tour’s milestone 60 years, the more than 200 million guests who have experienced this attraction and, ultimately, Universal Studios Hollywood’s storied history. More information will be shared soon highlighting the exciting program planned for spring and summer in support of the Studio Tour’s 60th anniversary.

During its inaugural year, behind-the-scenes special effects featured a brief make-up demonstration, a display of costumes by renowned costume designer Edith Head, an energetic two-man stunt performance and a tour of picturesque outdoor film sets. The following year, Universal expanded its scope of entertainment to feature a series of live entertainment that included a stunt show, animal show and screen test comedy theatre—all a precursor to what would eventually lead to the development of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.

The point of entry for visiting guests at that time was at The Tourist Center, located at the Universal Commissary Building, where make-up artist demonstrations, trick photography and special props were on display.

That was 60 years ago, and while much has transpired in six decades, the Studio Tour has remained true to its roots of immersing guests in the awe-inspiring world of movie-making magic and providing remarkable access to production sets on a real studio lot. The once celebrated Glamor Trams are long gone and have been replaced with a contemporary 60-minute experience, infused with advanced technology that enlightens and entertains millions of film buffs, theme park fans and tourists alike visiting from across the globe. With its sights on the future, the Studio Tour is in the midst of converting its fleet of 21 diesel-hydraulic engines to electric trams to help reduce carbon emissions and improve the guest experience by reducing noise associated with the diesel-hydraulic engine.

And yet, aspects of the Glamor Tram have remained constant over this astonishing six decade span. 

Studio Tour Guides were central to the operations of the Glamor Tram tours then and remain vital to the success of the Studio Tour today. Numerous times a day, professionally trained Studio Tour Guides interact with guests, educating them on the inner workings of the movie and television lot, armed with insider information and first-hand accounts, and entertain them with tours in both English and Spanish.

The role of a Studio Tour Guide has become a highly sought-after position in recent years with candidates auditioning from around the globe for a coveted spot – and for good reason. Studio Tour Guides have evolved over time into a Hollywood “apprenticeship.” Future filmmakers, budding actors and executives in-the-making are empowered to take advantage of a variety of opportunities and Hollywood-insider perks, that may include intimate group symposiums with prestigious industry professionals, free acting classes, participation in an actor’s showcase with top industry casting directors and chances for job placement positions within the company.

Dozens of producers, directors, performers, movie and TV professionals as well as industry executives began their careers as Studio Tour Guides, and to this day, rank among the leaders shepherding the Studio Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood into the future.

The Studio Tour of today continues to build on its rich history and like many great blockbuster films, creates a foundation for the next big sequel…and therein lies the origins of Universal Studios Hollywood.

From ushering guests past iconic sets from the renowned film Psycho directed by Alfred Hitchcock – one of the very first film sets accessible for visitors to see up close and personal in 1964 – to the evolution of Universal Studios Hollywood, immersing guests in innovative, groundbreaking rides and attractions themed to compelling film and television properties, Studio Tour was “act one” in the development of the notable Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) portfolio of global theme parks.

As the landmark Studio Tour turns a milestone 60, the juxtaposition of then and now shines a spotlight on its evolution to the theme park of today.
Beginning with the modern day, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™--touted as a revolutionary addition to Universal Studios Hollywood when it expanded its scope of movie and television themed attractions to include the popular Super Mario™ video game property—celebrates its one-year anniversary.
This collaboration with Nintendo was a placemaking endeavor for the global entertainment destination when it debuted the first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in the United States. From the moment guests pass through the signature giant green pipe, they are transported into the Mushroom Kingdom to become a part of its exhilarating universe.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is a visually spectacular land, filled with vibrancy of colors and architectural ingenuity and where guests can gather to experience the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge.” This technologically advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart™ video game series, seamlessly fuses cutting-edge augmented reality with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track. With its broad cross generational appeal, SUPER NINTENO WORLD envelops guests in its unique world complete with interactive activities, Toadstool Cafe™ signature restaurant, 1-UP Factory™ store and walk-about characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad.

In partnership with Universal Creative, the visionary design and development division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, Universal Studios Hollywood has crafted an ambitious blueprint for its future. The historic journey is nothing short of remarkable and the evolution of breakthrough, next-generation thrill rides has continued to revolutionize Universal Studios Hollywood, renowned for its innovative collaborations with influential Hollywood filmmakers and creatives, including Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Michael Bay, Chris Meledandri, Jordan Peele and Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo’s creative team, whose credibility reinforce Universal Studios Hollywood’s authenticity.

Over the past 60 years, many rides have opened, and others were bid a fond farewell. For a walk down memory lane, here’s look back at some of the many milestone rides and attractions that have helped to shape the destination:

Bygone, nostalgic Studio Tour attractions included the Parting of the Red Sea (1973), which demonstrated an early special effect technique, and the spinning Ice Tunnel (1975) which demonstrated the effects of a severe snowstorm and forced perspective, as well as a dynamic hillside rockslide of tumbling faux boulders and a near miss collision with the infamous Runaway Train.
In 1971, Flash Flood showered guests with a unique behind-the-scenes look at movie weather effects. All these years later, the popular attraction continues to be a staple on the Studio Tour.

“Jaws Lake” took a bite out of the studio backlot in 1976, a year after Academy Award® winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s movie debuted, which has withstood the test of time as one of today’s premier Studio Tour attractions.

In 1989, “Earthquake” had guests clinging for their lives with its fabricated but eerily realistic 8.3 magnitude quake. All these years later, Earthquake, which continues to shake things up on the Studio Tour, will debut anew with updated and contemporary technology and aesthetics.

The progressive additions to the Studio Tour took a future forward leap in 1991 towards what was to come at Universal Studios Hollywood. It was a gradual process that began with the debut of the “Animal Actors’ Stage” in 1970, an attraction that remained until recently when the space was reimagined for the theme park’s upcoming Fast & Furious themed roller coaster.

In 1991, “The E.T Adventure” paved the way for the arrival of such iconic rides as “Back to the Future—The Ride” in 1993 and “Jurassic Park—The Ride” in 1996, which was singularly revered as a game changer for the fledgling theme park.

In 2005, an original movie set from Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster, War of the Worlds landed onto the backlot as a sprawling addition to the Studio Tour, in which trams traverse a key scene depicting a small town devastated by an elaborately choreographed 747 jetliner crash and surrounded by wreckage and debris.

When the 1986 King Kong attraction was destroyed in the 2008 backlot fire, the behemoth primate reemerged in 2010 as “King Kong 360-3D,” a signature attraction on the Studio Tour, inspired by filmmaker Peter Jackson’s Oscar®-winning film.

“TRANSFORMERS: The Ride—3D,” under license by leading toy and game company Hasbro, set the stage for the theme park’s epic transformation that began in 2012, raising the bar for immersive, technologically advanced entertainment. Inspired by the franchise’s signature theme of action and adventure, the attraction infused an adrenalized multi-level ride-track and visceral special effects with one of the most elaborate flight simulation ride systems ever created. 

In 2014, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” brought Universal Pictures and Illumination’s Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award-nominated film franchise to life with the same sweet and subversive humor and beloved characters that catapulted the franchise to international blockbuster fame.

2015 saw the introduction of two major theme park additions. This included “Springfield, U.S.A,” a vibrant land surrounding “The Simpsons Ride™,” which opened in 2008, to create an immersive portal into the exciting and colorful world made famous with “The Simpsons” incredible 35 seasons, and “Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” a gripping, high speed, 3D-HD thrill ride inspired by Universal Pictures’ most successful film franchise of all time and featuring the films’ cast members.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” was transformative for Universal Studios Hollywood when the elaborately themed land opened in 2016, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. Pictures films, and is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts™ Castle. Cobblestones pave the way along Hogsmeade™ Village welcoming guests to the land’s signature thrill ride “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™" outdoor coaster.

In 2019, “Jurassic World—The Ride” replaced “Jurassic Park—The Ride,” bringing to life Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s JURASSIC WORLD blockbuster films with the addition of technologically advanced mechanical and special effects dinosaurs from the movie, including the colossal Indominus rex and the magnificent aquatic Mosasaurus.

In 2021, Illumination’s global blockbuster film franchise, The Secret Life of Pets, came to life in the groundbreaking ride, “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash.” The state-of-the-art ride combined sophisticated facial recognition with enhanced gesture tracking, helping to identify each guest as a unique stray puppy on the ultimate quest to find their forever homes.

The original Jupiter’s Claim set from Jordan Peele’s expansive horror epic, NOPE, became the latest addition to the Studio Tour in 2022. The elaborate set was carefully disassembled post-production and transported to Universal Studios Hollywood where it was meticulously reconstructed on site, complete with original props and details from the film for Studio Tour fans to enjoy.

These just touch on the spectrum of adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood as the entertainment options are inclusive of daily theme park operations and acclaimed seasonal and special events.  From its engaging character interactions, popular Halloween Horror Nights and Grinchmas™ celebrations to the VIP Experience, a premium off-shoot of the iconic Studio Tour with enhanced behind-the-scenes access, there is so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood…with much more on the way.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

Universal City, California, January 16, 2024 – Renowned for creating innovative, groundbreaking rides and attractions, Universal Studios Hollywood is also committed to philanthropy through its Discover A Star Foundation, which raised in excess of $1M in 2023 to benefit nonprofit groups within Los Angeles County that empower individuals and families to lead more fulfilling lives.

For 29 years, Discover A Star (DAS) has been at the forefront of providing grants to select Los Angeles nonprofit organizations working to alleviate homelessness and poverty as well as critical children issues.

“Giving back to our community and making a difference in people’s lives is as important to us as creating exceptional rides and attractions for our guests,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manger, Universal Studios Hollywood and President of the Discover A Star Foundation. “I believe it is our responsibility to lead by example and I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and the invaluable impact we consistently make year over year within our community. As Discover A Star marks its 30th year of giving in 2024, we look forward to making an even greater impact in the years to come.”

In 2023, the $1M+ was raised to benefit 38 notable nonprofit groups with the remarkable ability to affect the lives of more than one million Los Angelenos.

Below follows a partial list of the Discover A Star 2023 nonprofit beneficiaries:

• Covenant House California:  $75,000 to support expansion of Hollywood site and rapid rehousing programs for homeless youth.
• Downtown Women’s Center:  $75,000 to support programs for women experiencing homelessness including bridge, permanent supportive housing and Whole Women’s Saturday enrichment program.
• My Friend’s Place: $75,000 to support expansion of services supporting homeless youth and transitional age young adults.
• Homeboy Industries: $50,000 to support comprehensive 18-month Re-Entry and Healing Program focusing on education, employment readiness and mental health support for formerly incarcerated/gang involved individuals.
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: $50,000 to support operation which provides fresh and shelf stable food to over 600 partner agencies across Los Angeles County, reaching 900,000 people monthly.
• School on Wheels: $50,000 to support programs aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for homeless children from Kindergarten through twelfth grade.
• A Window Between Worlds: $25,000 to provide scholarships for art facilitator training at L.A. County based human services organizations that focus on youth and underserved families.
• Assistance League of Los Angeles: $25,000 to support the Operation School Bell program which provides clothing and school supplies to LAUSD students in need.
• Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration: $25,000 to support the Together We Are Able classroom program that promotes inclusion, respect and diversity to unite children of all abilities.
• Junior Achievement Southern California: $25,000 to support mission of teaching young people how to make smart financial decisions, plan for their futures, and inspire them to believe in themselves.
• Los Angeles LGBT Center: $25,000 to support Culinary Arts Program that provides the foundation of required culinary skills for students to secure jobs and pursue meaningful careers throughout the Los Angeles restaurant and hospitality sectors.
• Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles: $25,000 to fulfill the wishes of children between the ages of 2½ and 18 who confront critical illness.
• Piece by Piece: $25,000 to support program that teaches individuals who have experienced homelessness or economic insecurity the art of mosaic making enabling them to build confidence, earn supplementary income and an improve their quality of life.
• Project Angel Food: $25,000 to support home delivered medically tailored meals and nutritional counseling program for individuals living with critical illness in Los Angeles County.
• Valley Family Center: $25,000 to support Children's Psychoeducational Services Program, providing Counseling and services for children who are dealing with the effects of poverty and exposure to violence, abuse or neglect.

 
Since its inception, Discover A Star has raised over $12M. Funds are raised annually through a variety of programs and opportunities supported by Universal Studios Hollywood that include the Discover A Star Charity Classic Golf Tournament, Discover A Scare Halloween Horror Nights event, and the Round Up for Charity program across the theme park and select venues at Universal CityWalk, among other outreach approaches.

For more information about Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.