PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Phoenixville’s historic Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., is transforming into a horror lover’s paradise as Blobfest returns to the iconic venue for a weekend of film nostalgia and frightfully good fun.
Now in its 27th year, the festival — taking place July 10-12 — attracts thousands of visitors from across the country to celebrate the Colonial’s legendary role in the 1958 Steve McQueen cult classic The Blob [our review]. The longstanding event has evolved into one of the most beloved summer traditions, further cementing the Colonial’s status as a renowned landmark in horror film history.
This year’s Cirque Du Blobfest theme puts a carnival-inspired spin on the famous event, combining engaging entertainment and theatrical experiences oozing with surprises to create one of the most unique Blobfests yet. New events added to the three-day lineup include an immersive twist to the Friday Night Screening and Run-Out — attendees will kick off the evening stepping into the big top to enjoy a pre-show led by a Ringmaster and a lively troupe of carnival musicians. The excitement continues with a first-ever Rocky Horror Picture Show-style screening of The Blob, complete with interactive experiences and audience call-outs.
Additional new highlights include Dinner en Blob, a playful twist on the popular Dinner en Blanc tradition. Guests will dress in their best all-red attire and bring their own tablescapes, food and beverages to a secret location, transforming it into a sea of crimson for an epic Blobfest party. Festivalgoers can also enjoy an expanded lineup of circus-inspired film screenings throughout the weekend, including Dumbo, Big Top Pee-Wee, Clown in a Cornfield and Killer Klowns from Outer Space.
Jennifer Carlson, executive director of the Colonial Theatre, said:
“What makes Blobfest so special is the way it brings people together. Every summer, we welcome longtime fans, first-time visitors and families from across the country to celebrate a shared love of film, tradition and community. This year’s Cirque Du Blobfest theme allows us to honor that tradition while introducing fresh experiences that make the weekend even more memorable.”
The festivities officially begin on Friday, July 10, at 7 p.m. with the Friday Night Immersive Screening and Run-Out, where winners of the Shorty’s Short Film Contest will also be announced. The legendary opening night spectacle will culminate in the iconic Run-Out, where hundreds of fans reenact the classic escape scene from The Blob. The evening continues at 9 p.m. with the Blob Ball, transforming the theater into a lively 1950s-themed afterparty filled with rock ‘n’ roll, dancing and retro-inspired drinks.
The weekend continues on July 11 with a day full of family-friendly Blobfest activities during the Saturday Street Fair & Kids Carnival. Starting at 11 a.m., the free event kicks off with the beloved Fire Extinguisher Parade, paying tribute to the film’s timeless blob-fighting scene. Throughout the day, festivalgoers can enjoy live entertainment from DJ Shawn Cephas, mind-bending magic and illusions from Magic Zach, and live musical performances from Human and the Invisible Band and Street Beans.
More than 100 vendors will also line the streets of downtown Phoenixville during the fair, offering unique goods and exclusive Blobfest merchandise. At 1 p.m., a panel of judges will size up the festival’s most freakishly fabulous attendees and crown the winners of the annual Costume Contest. Young ghouls and goblins can head to the Kids Carnival, where they’ll find face painting, Baby Blob Hunts, dance lessons, interactive activities and traditional carnival games. A variety of frightful films will also be screened during the festival, offering attendees a place to cool off and catch their favorite cult movies. At 7 p.m., audiences can choose to see La Masa Devoradora, a Spanish-language screening of The Blob, or take part in the second Blob Screening and Run-Out, offering fans another chance to flee from the film’s infamous extraterrestrial menace.
The final day of the festival starts with the 9th Annual Blobfest 5K, 10K and Half Marathon at 7 a.m., a race open to participants of all ages featuring Blob-themed medals for all finishers. The events continue with one last chance to catch The Blob at 1 p.m., followed by additional screenings throughout the afternoon and evening, including Clown in a Cornfield at 4 p.m. and a rare 35mm screening of Something Wicked This Way Comes at 7:30 p.m. Rounding out the weekend is Dinner en Blob at 6 p.m., a new tradition bringing the community together in true Blobfest fashion.
For tickets and full event details, visit the official Blobfest page at thecolonialtheatre.com/blobfest/.
