Creep It Real OC Announces Full Schedule for Nostalgic Halloween Event

Celebrating the spooky in pop culture that you grew up with, "CREEP IT REAL NOSTALGIC,” a Halloween-focused event that pays tribute to the 80s and 90s, is scheduled to kick off the spookiest season as the event returns for its 5th year.

“Creep It Real OC” began in 2019, celebrating Halloween in Orange County with shopping, live entertainment, food, drinks and fun. With emphasis placed on an annual theme, come prepared for a look back in time through vendor participation, interactive characters, games, and a walk-through museum, “Halloweens of Yesteryear.” This admission-included experience will take you through your childhood with displays of props, costumes, and items of significant creep value from movies, television, and more. 

This year, Event Producers are thrilled to announce the chance for guests to meet with stars of one of the defining films of a generation. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Voice Actors Chris Sarandon (Jack Skellington) and Ken Page (Oogie Boogie) will welcome guests both days for photos and autographs. On Sunday, hear about the early days of the film as well as reflect on its lasting impact over 30 years at, “THIS Is Halloween: A Nostalgic Look at ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’,” a moderated discussion with the talent from the 1993 phenomenon.

On Saturday only, a celebration will take place of the Nickelodeon series "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" and the iconic episode, "The Tale of the Midnight Madness”. Meet Series Co-Creator and episode Director, D.J. MacHale, episode star Eddie Robinson as well as original Midnight Society Member, Frank, and Storyteller of the landmark episode, Jason Alisharan. The special guest trio will take part in meet & greet, photo op and autograph opportunities as well as a special panel “WERE You Afraid of the Dark? - Series Talent Looks Back at Nickelodeon’s Iconic Gateway Horror Show.”

Throughout the two day festival, guests will find licensed merchandise as well as original designs and spooky creations from local artisans and craftspeople representing over 120 shops. The air will be filled with live music from bands “Kitty Antix” and “The Radioactive Chicken Heads,” as well as vintage vibes from “DJ The Vinyl Ghoul.”

Delectable food truck options, spirited drinks, photo opportunities, Halloween-themed vehicles, creepy character interactions, and collectible rewards are just some of the offerings. A naturally spooky atmosphere is courtesy of the event’s host venue, the historic (and haunted) Heritage Museum of Orange County in Santa Ana. “Those coming in costume for photo ops will fit right in at this spooky place,” says Event Producer Megan Valantine. “We’ve also found that we are very popular with our furry, scaly, and feathered friends. People love to bring their pets, and we love having them!” 

“Our goal is to create and share an environment where everyone comes together to celebrate creep culture at the spookiest time of the year,” Co-Producer Kevin Valantine says. "We would, however, caution that although “Creep It Real OC” events can portray a family-friendly atmosphere, some costumes, sets, and props, as well as interactive characters, may frighten some visitors." 

Guests are free to come in tasteful costumes, free of excessive gore or suggestive themes, and no realistic weapons. Bags are subject to inspection at the entrance.

The creepy won’t end here either. Late November will see Creep It Real FESTIVE. Cure your post-Halloween blues at this spooky Christmas crossover festival. Those planning ahead can take advantage of a first-of-its-kind pass allowing all-weekend access to both events by “Creep It Real OC.”

Event Information

• Dates & Times: Saturday, September 14th, 1 pm—7 pm, and Sunday, September 15th, 11 am—5 pm.

• Admission: $17 (Single Day), $27 (Weekend Pass) & $49 (All Festival Weekend Pass). Children 10 and under are free. Tickets available on CreepItRealOC.com

• Parking: Free street parking. 

• Where: Heritage Museum of Orange County is nestled between the 5, 405 and 22 freeways at 3101 W HARVARD ST, SANTA ANA, CA 92704