2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the iconic Friday the 13th franchise, a milestone that promises to be a year-long celebration for fans of Camp Crystal Lake and its infamous masked slasher, Jason Voorhees. With two major events announced—Days of the Dead Indianapolis in June and Crystal Lake Nightmares in August—fans will have plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in the series’ rich history and connect with the stars who brought these films to life.
Days of the Dead Indianapolis – June 2025
Taking place during Friday the 13th weekend in June, Days of the Dead Indianapolis is set to be an unforgettable event for franchise enthusiasts. This convention offers fans the chance to meet not only the usual lineup of Jason Voorhees actors but also several alumni who rarely attend conventions, making this an exceptional opportunity for die-hard fans.
Several actors who donned the hockey mask will be in attendance, including:
- Warrington Gillette (Friday the 13th Part 2)
- C.J. Graham (Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI)
- Kane Hodder (Parts VII-X)
- Derek Mears (Friday the 13th, 2009 reboot)
What sets this event apart is the inclusion of alumni who rarely, if ever, appear at conventions:
- Ellen Lutter: The first and only woman to portray adult Jason Voorhees on film, appearing in the opening prologue of Part 2.
- Spencer Stump: Young Jason from Freddy vs. Jason, making what could be his first-ever convention appearance.
- Caleb Guss: Young Jason in Friday the 13th (2009), another actor who has rarely shared his behind-the-scenes experiences.
For fans looking to hear untold stories and meet alumni who helped shape the series, this event is not to be missed.
Crystal Lake Nightmares – August 2025
In August, Friday the 13th fans will converge in Burbank, CA, for one of the largest franchise conventions ever assembled: Crystal Lake Nightmares. This monumental event, celebrating 45 years of terror, will feature an extensive lineup of stars from across the franchise’s history.
The first 13 celebrity guests have been revealed, and they represent a wide range of films in the series:
- Friday the 13th: Debra S. Hayes
- Friday the 13th Part 2: Amy Steel, John Furey, Russell Todd
- Friday the 13th Part 3: Tracie Savage
- A New Beginning: Melanie Kinnaman, Dick Wieand, Ron Sloan, Miguel A. Nunez Jr, Bob DeSimone
- Jason Lives: Part VI: Thom Mathews
- Jason Goes to Hell: Adam Marcus
- Freddy vs. Jason: Ken Kirzinger
With more guest announcements promised in the coming months, this event is shaping up to be the ultimate celebration for fans of the series. Attendees can expect panels, photo ops, autographs, and an immersive experience that honors the franchise’s legacy.
Celebrate 45 Years of Terror
Whether you choose to attend Days of the Dead Indianapolis, Crystal Lake Nightmares, or both, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for Friday the 13th fans. From rare guest appearances to massive celebrations, these events promise to honor the franchise’s enduring legacy and the fans who’ve kept it alive for 45 years.
Stay tuned for more updates as additional guests and details are announced.