My second trip to Long Beach, CA for Midsummer Scream is here, and I couldn't be more excited.
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After spending two years on the social media sidelines, I decided 2018 was the year I attend this bucket-list must for any Halloween lover…and the experience did NOT disappoint.
I am SO excited I get to return this year not only to attend the event but to also be a part of it. (If you’re coming, I hope you’ll join me Sunday, Aug. 4 at 12 p.m. for Orange Alert!, my class on Halloween shopping.)
Of course, in my first year, I learned a LOT about the things you don’t see on social media – what the convention center actually looks like, what kind of food options you have access to, plan B for when you phone dies.
All of those lessons have helped me pack smarter for 2019. Last Halloween season, I gave you a peek inside my Halloween purse, and today we’re doing another round of #InMyBag…Midsummer Scream edition!
If you’re also gearing up for a weekend of spooky fun in Long Beach, here’s what I recommend you toss in your bag:
My Must-Haves for Midsummer Scream

A Halloween bag! I’ll be carrying my Love Pain and Stitches bag, of course, but you can Halloweenify any purse or tote bag with your favorite enamel pins (see mine) and patches.
I like adding touches that make it my own, like my black bandana and Salem keychain.

As for what goes inside my bag…well, it’s a few functional items and a few Halloween treats just for you!

Here are my must-haves…

Snacks! This is something I completely overlooked last year and wish I hadn’t. Just because I’m traveling halfway across the country doesn’t mean I can’t tuck a few small snacks into my suitcase for the trip. Kind bars and nuts are my go-to snacks when I’m on the go, and I’ll have both in my purse for those moments when I need a little energy.

A camera! Of course, we all have these on our phones these days, but just in case you want to take some fun photos using an Instax or higher quality photos on a DSLR (this is the one I use), you’ll want to make sure you have space for your camera. Don’t forget the battery!

A hand fan. Oh man, Sarah recommended this last year and I wish I would have listened to her! I tend to get warm easily, esp. when I’m moving around constantly. Grabbing this spiderweb paper fan from Sourpuss in late May was THE best $5 I have spent this summer.
The Midsummer Scream edition of my Halloween Zine! SURPRISE! I published an exclusive issue of the Halloween Zine JUST for Midsummer Scream. It includes my lists of everything I think you should see and do…and I’ll be handing them out for free. Just say hello when you see me!

A phone charger. That’s the pink and wood grain box on the right, which I picked up in the dollar section at Target for $9. This was a lifesaver for me in 2018. I’m a chronic charger and anytime my battery dips below 50%, I start to get a little nervous it’s going to die. Since I want to make sure I can share the fun I’m having all day long, I have a few of these I’m bringing this year.

Halloween swag! I had these stickers in mind last year, but they didn’t come together in time. This year, I’m SO excited to share my pumpkin pail vinyl stickers with you guys. Just say hello, and I’ll give you one. (Also, how adorable is that teal pouch from Em & Sprout? I’m obsessed with the design.)

A few other items to consider:
- Sunscreen – The line outside starts early and can get long quickly. Be sure to apply a bit of sunscreen so you don’t get burned while waiting!
- Cardigan – If you’re cold-natured, you might tuck a light cardigan or jacket into your bag just in case.
- Cash – I didn’t run into any issues using cards last year, but sometimes having a bit of cash on hand for smaller purchases is nice.


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What would you add to the list?
I’d love to hear your recommendations! You can also drop by this blog post from The Spooky Vegan for her tips and tricks for surviving the weekend. (I definitely took a few tips from Sarah! She’s one smart ghoul.)
Still trying to decide what to do at the convention? Then be sure to drop by this blog post for my must-sees, and don’t forget to say hello in person to grab a copy of my Midsummer Scream edition of the Halloween Zine! (They’re free.)
See you in Long Beach,




Emily
I always tend to carry tissues and floss in my bag too because you just never know when that might come in handy. Also, I can’t remember if Midsummer Scream allows you to bring an empty water bottle in, so that you can fill it up at the water fountain but trying to find out because that would be an eco-friendly way to stay hydrated throughout the day and without having to stand in line at the food court areas just to buy a water bottle.
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Excellent additions, Emily!
Briana
Hi there,
So are we able to bring snacks into the event? I saw on the website they said no outside food or drinks. I’ve emailed them about this question with no response yet. It would be nice to be able to take water and snacks
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
I would follow the rules on the website, then. I had a snack or two tucked in my bag last year, but that may have changed for 2019.
Laura Lee
I’m not headed to midsummer scream, I had never even heard of it until you went last year Miranda. However, there’s always room for more Halloween in my life and I’m doing my best to raise my twins as ghouls too! Have fun!
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Definitely an event to add to your bucket list!
Alison
You have the best Halloween gear over there. Here in England it barely gets a look-in! I do miss the way the season is celebrated back home in Canada. Something to drink should always be part of any event packing, especially in the Summer. Looking foward to your post after MidSummer Scream.
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Thanks Alison!
Jennifer V.
I’m going to be at the event on Sunday too! I’ll be with the Creepy Kingdom crew. I’ll make sure to keep my eye out for you. So excited for this event :)
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Awesome! I’ll keep an eye out of you too. :)