Panels & Presentations
To be posted soon! Last year’s panels shown below:
The 501st Legion, A Force for Charity: The Star Wars Costuming Groups of NJ.
The 501st Legion is a costuming organization dedicated to celebrating STAR WARS™ through the creation and use of quality costumes that portray the villainous or morally ambiguous characters from the STAR WARS™ universe. The Legion contributes to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work
Baron Misuraca’s Cemetery Cinema – Plan 9 From Outer Space w/ Bela Lugosi
Cemetery Cinema is a series of classic horror film screening events hosted by Baron Misuraca of Carnivore AD. Complete with chills, thrills, music, frightening facts, Q&A discussions and audience participation! Cemetery Cinema will unleash Ed Wood’s infamous cult classic PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE (starring Bela Lugosi and Vampira)
Dark Force Costume Contest
Show off your best costume in our ghoulishly delightful costume contest!
Winnings include over $1,000 in prizes from our vendors.
Electronic Saviors: Killing Cancer Cells at 150 BPM
Join Electronic Saviors creator and Distortion Productions label boss, Jim Semonik and guests as he discusses past and upcoming Electronic Saviors projects and current releases.
Freakshow Panel By Karnevil
Sinister stories and hellish historical accounts of freaks, illusionists, snake oil salesmen and all matters odd. Dr. J.R. and Gypsy of “Karnevil” will guide you through the crowded tents of yesteryear, full of mummies, spinsters, six legged men and other circus freaks!
Goth Clothing & Arcane Item Swap by Iron Garden
Sometimes we outgrow a piece of clothing, an accessory, a pair of shoes, or a gothy item before it’s the end of their life. Swap your gently used goth items for something new!
Goth Dad Q&A
By popular demand – Goth Dad of Vision Video hosts a Q&A session!
Known for his viral tiktok videos featuring dad jokes and advice!
Goth Networking 101
Make some friends and acquaintances at this panel designed for making connections! Hosted by Scott Izzard and Joe Melluzo
LGBTQ+ Panel Rainbows in The Dark!
In this hour You will be able to connect with friends and chosen family here. Here fun stories and accolades of past and present LGBTQ+ history within our scene and culture. Featuring: Danny Blu (He/Him), DJ Stygian/ Kris (He/Him) co – moderator , DJ Fix/ Laya (She/Her), DJ Villainess/ Bella (She/Her) co- moderator
Live Bats Lecture w/ Joseph D’Angeli (NJ Batman)
NJ’s bat-man is bringing his family-friendly LIVE bat exhibit back to Dark Force Fest. Joseph D’Angeli’s “Bat-Cave” is the only facility specializing in, and centering on, bats and bat conservation in the NY/NJ area.
Modern Day Vampires with Madame X
Discover books, vampiric organizations, FangSmiths, the best parties, and the different types of individuals that make up the modern-day vampire community.
Music Production Presented by Mindswerve Recording Studios
Curious about how those songs you love are made? Find out all about it with special VIP guest musicians in attendance at Dark Force Fest
NJ Industrial Panel w/ Panic Lift, Life Cried and Xentrifuge
Sharing roots together and often sharing the stage together, these 3 industrial bands have been keeping the NJ scene going strong. Catch them as they talk about their experiences as musicians from the NJ industrial scene.
Oontz Oontz Online w/ Twitch DJs
Discuss the in and outs of being a Twitch DJ. Discuss how we have become our very own community and we have definitely embraced the “One Scene One Family” life. We will also host a Q & A at the end, so maybe you want to start a twitch channel of your own. Speakers: Chris D, DJ Luna, DJ Leibchen, DJ Villainess
Passing Strangers – Electronic Music Around the World
Hosted by Rexx Arkana , panelists will discuss the global appeal of electronic dance music and share their goth/industrial origin stories. Join us for a lively discussion and free giveaways from HAUS ARKANA.
Recovery In The Scene
What’s it like to recover from addiction in a scene that revolves around bars?
Join Johnny Panic (Vanguard DC/HIPS) Brian Blaknoise (Moris Blak) Bella La Blanc/DJ Villainess (Vanguard DC)Brian Graupner(Gothsicles) For a frank and honest discussion about drug and alcohol use and recovery in the dark music scene.
Space Couch Presents: The Gothsicles in Conversation with Moris Blak
Space Couch will be recorded at Dark Force Fest! Brian from The Gothsicles conducts weekly live interviews from a couch in space. Special guest Moris Blak.
Spooky Coloring Hour
We’ll be supplying a VampireFreaks Spooky Coloring book and crayons for this creative and relaxing activity. $10 ticket required. Attendees of all ages welcome.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament
Hosted by Vir Van Gahn in the Gameroom. Each player engages in individual matches. Free Admission. Winner Receives $100 Gift Certificate to VampireFreaks!
Welcome to Doomsday – Art Installation by Jasin Cadic
Art installation sculpture by Jasin Cadic (inside the hotel front entrance)
Write A Song with Bella Morte
The audience gives suggestions on song styles, lyrics and more as you collectively write a song with Bella Morte.