Monsterpalooza 2025, the premier convention celebrating monster-making and practical effects in cinema, returns to the Pasadena Convention Center from May 30 to June 1, 2025. The event showcases the artistry behind horror and sci-fi genres while providing a platform for often-uncredited special effects artists whose work has defined iconic films.
“Monsterpalooza highlights the value of practical effects, showcasing live demos where artists use foam latex, silicone, and animatronics to create monsters in real time,” according to research citing NPR. “These analog techniques preserve the physicality and craft of old-school filmmaking, offering audiences something increasingly rare in today’s CGI-saturated media.”
The convention’s featured attractions include the Monster Museum with its collection of famous film props and live makeup demonstrations that provide groundbreaking perspectives on practical effects. Award-winning artists responsible for creatures from films like “The Thing,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” and “Hellboy” will be in attendance, giving fans rare access to the often-uncredited minds behind legendary movie monsters.
Founded by Eliot Brodsky and supported by acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro, Monsterpalooza has become a significant cultural event for Pasadena. The convention “fosters multigenerational fan engagement, creating a space where genre appreciation becomes tradition,” according to Visit Pasadena sources. Through cosplay opportunities, interactive panels, and photo ops, attendees actively participate in sustaining the legacy of horror and sci-fi while creating new memories.
Beyond entertainment value, the event serves an important economic function for the city. “By hosting Monsterpalooza, Pasadena bolsters its identity as a regional arts capital. Thousands of visitors boost the local economy by staying in hotels, dining out, and shopping,” notes Visit Pasadena.
The convention’s exploration of creature design ties to broader cultural movements in cinematic history, with interactive workshops stimulating audience engagement that bridges niche subcultures with broader pop culture discourse. The event also offers educational opportunities for students and aspiring artists looking to enter the field of special effects.
Monsterpalooza 2025, Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101. (626) 795-9311. https://www.
