About

Horror Fiesta was born out of the desire to have a horror convention in the Midwest after the unfortunate cancelation of Midwest Monster Fest in 2023.  So, James Strevels, set out to bring a horror convention to Peoria Illinois in 2024.

The inaugural year of Horror Fiesta was set forth with a huge backing by local non-for-profit haunted house Spook Hollow. With both James and Spook Hollow backing the finances of the convention in place, it was time to book vendors and celebrities for year one. We had Justin Rose, Terri Partyka both of the film Haunt, and Candice Rose best known for her role in Halloween Ends as the celebrities and multiple vendors for 2024. 

With all of this in place it was time to get the word out about Peoria's first ever horror convention! Local news outlet, WMBD News 31 interviewed James to help spread the word, and with the help contributed by the YouTube channel Slash Sisters with a guest spot from Mike Mathias from Spook Hollow, the word was spreading!

On the day of the convention everyone showed up and put in the work and effort to make it memorable. There was even a cosplay contest that Mike Mathias and the Slash Sisters judged and gave out prizes to the top 3 winners in both age groups!

After the success of year one, a committee was formed to help build upon what was established in 2024 and grow to bigger things. Spook Hollow is back as the biggest sponsor again for 2025, but we are always looking for other sponsors as well. See Sponsors Page for more info.

So, Horror Fiesta is coming back for year two and will still be at the Exposition Gardens in Peoria Illinois again but changing buildings. Last year we were in the Opera House, for 2025 we are taking over the Youth Building!

The Youth Building is twice as big which means we have more space for more vendors and more activities! We are still having a cosplay contest, and we are shooting to try and have a video game contest as well and perhaps Horror Trivia hosted by the Slash Sisters!

We also have 3 amazing celebrities booked for 2025! The First Jason, Ari Lehman, the Lost Leatherface, Brett Wagner and back for a second year Candice Rose!

We will announce more things in the coming months leading up to September 13th, 2025, for the second annual Horror Fiesta!