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The Indie Horror Film Festival is creeping back into the spotlight for 2026, and we’re bringing three days of independent horror to the perfectly cursed atmosphere of Needful Things Shop in Woodstock, IL.This festival has a long, proud (and occasionally undead) legacy. Originally launched in 2005 as a sister event to the Chicago Horror Film Festival, it was created to champion indie horror at a time when the genre had far fewer stages to scream on. After a brief hiatus, the fest was resurrected in 2010 under Breaking Fate Entertainment, continuing for years across different venues and building a community around fearless, independent horror cinema.
What to expect in 2026:
🕯️ A curated lineup of the best in independent horror, with terrifying, strange, and beautifully crafted films from indie creators
🎥 Horror films front and center, with a mix that can include supernatural, thriller, horror-comedy, and experimental nightmares
🏆 Festival awards celebrating standout work across filmmaking, including honors like Best Film, Director, Writing, Performances, Cinematography, Editing, Sound, Music, and Special FX
🧟 A community vibe built for horror fans and filmmakers alike, with opportunities for networking, film talk, and shared genre love
🎟️ More details coming soon: screening schedule, ticket info, and special happenings will be announced as they are finalized.
📣 Filmmakers: Film submissions will be opening soon on FilmFreeway. Keep an eye out for the official submission link and deadlines.
If you love indie horror that takes risks, gets weird, and actually surprises you, this weekend is for you. Bring your friends, bring your screams, and bring the kind of curiosity you probably shouldn’t admit to in polite company. 🦇🖤
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Event Venue
Needful Things Shop, 101 South Benton St ,Woodstock, Illinois, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
