Hysteria Fest 2026 Returns to St. Louis with 60+ Films, World Premieres, and a Japanese Horror Celebration

Hysteria Fest returns July 8-12 with world premieres, special events, and a spotlight on Japanese horror classics.

Hysteria Fest Returns to St. Louis July 8-12 with More Than 60 Films, Japanese Horror Spotlight, and World Premieres

ST. LOUIS, MO — One of the Midwest's most unique celebrations of horror cinema is set to return this summer as Hysteria Fest comes back to St. Louis from July 8 through July 12 for its fifth annual edition.

Hosted at Arkadin Cinema & Bar and Heavy Anchor, the five-day event will feature more than 60 films from around the world, special guests, live events, filmmaker Q&As, community fundraisers, and a major spotlight on Japanese horror cinema.

This year's repertory lineup highlights several influential genre classics, including Battle Royale, Ringu, Audition, and a special 100th anniversary presentation of the silent horror landmark A Page of Madness.

The festival kicks off on Wednesday, July 8 with Kinji Fukasaku's legendary Battle Royale. The opening night screening will feature a special Hysteria Fest Weapons Screening where attendees will receive safe prop weapons inspired by the film, with one lucky participant earning gift cards from Terror Tacos.

The 2026 lineup also showcases a strong collection of world premieres, Midwest premieres, Missouri premieres, and St. Louis premieres. Among the featured world premieres are Jackie Kelly's Hag, Mando Franco's Reaper Road, and Harry Kolmer's Down the Long River.

Additional selections announced for the festival include Cat Cam, Hollow Lake, Debone, Ugly Cry, Heritage, Variations on Violence, and numerous short films from emerging and established genre filmmakers.

Beyond the screenings, attendees can expect a packed schedule of events throughout the week. Highlights include filmmaker Q&A sessions, a live recording of the Destroy the Brain podcast focusing on the history of Japanese horror cinema, live music performances at Heavy Anchor, and Drag Me to STL: Vengeful Spirits Edition, a Japanese horror-themed drag and burlesque showcase benefiting the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Operation Food Search.

Festivalgoers can also participate in a Japanese horror costume contest, attend the festival awards ceremony and happy hour, enjoy themed events throughout the weekend, and pose for a special Ringu-inspired photo opportunity before the screening of the iconic classic.

Community outreach continues to be a major focus for Hysteria Fest. The festival will once again partner with The Cat Shelter, Missouri's largest cat-only adoption shelter, while also raising awareness and support for the Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project (MICA Project).

Since its founding in St. Louis, Hysteria Fest has steadily grown into one of the region's premier genre film events, bringing independent horror cinema from around the globe to local audiences while supporting filmmakers, artists, and community organizations.

Festival badges for the 2026 edition have already sold out. Individual screening tickets will become available beginning June 15.

As for us at Horror Movies Uncut, we will not be hosting the side stage this year as we did during the 2025 edition. However, we'll still be making our way through the festival for select coverage, including the highly anticipated world premiere of Jackie Kelly's Hag. Be sure to keep an eye on our social channels throughout the weekend as we share updates, reactions, and coverage from one of St. Louis' biggest horror events of the year.

For tickets, schedules, and additional festival information, visit Hysteria Fest's official website.