Blobfest 2023: Blobs and Monsters

For the 24th consecutive year, Blobfest® will return LIVE and in person to the iconic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA (Chester County)! The annual signature event is a festival commemorating the turn-of-the-century venue’s place in cinematic history as a filming location for the 1958 classic film, The Blob, starring Steve McQueen, and all things retro sci-fi horror. Blobfest 2023 continues the tradition with a ‘Blobs and Monsters’ theme, and will be held July 14-16, 2023. Tickets for Blobfest® 2023: Blobs and Monsters go on sale June 1^st for Colonial Members and 2^nd for the General Public. (Don’t delay: the Friday Night Run Out and some films typically sell out during this period!) For up-to-date festival details, visit https://thecolonialtheatre.com/blobfest/ The Borough of Phoenixville is a picturesque town in historic Chester County approximately 45 minutes from Philadelphia and located within a short walk of the Schuylkill River. The Colonial is nestled in the heart of the Borough’s walkable downtown business district, which features eateries, multiple breweries, retailers, and artists.

The weekend of interactive fun kicks off with an original live stage show, re-enactment of a scene from the film and features multiple bands, Universal monster movies, The Blob (1956) and The Blob (1988), a Street Fair, and special Sunday surprises! For super fans and those arriving in Phoenixville early, there’s even a 7:00 p.m. screening of Grease on Thurs, July 13. In the film, Danny and Sandy just happen to see a trailer for The Blob at their disastrous drive-in date. 

Friday July 14, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. – Dress to impress in your fifties finery and re-enact the famous ‘Run Out’ scene in the movie The Blob, which was filmed inside the Colonial Theatre’s historic auditorium and on Phoenixville’s Bridge Street using locals as extras! Before the Run Out, you’ll experience a live Stage Show hosted by Aurora Gorealis of Baltimore’s Shocktail Hour and featuring live music by Beach Creeper. Enter your sci-fi/horror short film into the 2023 Shorty’s Short Film Contest, which will be judged during the stage show. Or, vie for the coveted Mx. Blobfest Universe title. (Ms. Blobfest 2022 won’t give up without a fight so . . . best of luck?) After you’ve screamed your lungs out and escaped the Blob, dance the night away at the Blob Ball. Hosted by Phoenixville’s Lulu Boutique & Gifterie, the Blob Ball is a costumed, retro dance party featuring live music. For Friday festival details: https://thecolonialtheatre.com/blobfest/blobfest-july-14-2023/

Saturday, July 15 at 11:00 a.m. –
Experience a unique street fair on Phoenixville’s picturesque Bridge Street and an afternoon of vintage sci-fi/horror films inside the “Healthfully Air Conditioned”, 120-year-old theatre including The Blob (1958) and multiple Universal monster movies! The slate of 2023 Shorty’s Short Film entries will also be screened on a loop for ticketholders. This year’s street fair will feature live music from Dibbs and the Detonators, Kitty Rotten, Beach Creeper, and DJ Shawn from Forever Changes Records. Peruse 70 vendors, a kid’s activity table and more. Experience Blobfest-themed meals and specials like a once-a-year craft brew from Root Down Brewing Company at surrounding retailers and eateries. Con enthusiasts and cosplayers can enter to win prizes in the Costume contest; a Tattoo contest honors the artists behind Blobfest, sci-fi horror, and monster-themed body art; and local businesses and residents decorate their storefronts and homes in honor of Blobfest. For Saturday festival details: https://thecolonialtheatre.com/blobfest/blobfest-saturday-july-15-2023/

Sunday, July 16, 2023 – The fun continues with SURPRISE events inside the Colonial Theatre and The Blob 5k and 10k hosted by Runegades on Sunday morning: a benefit for the non-profit Colonial Theatre! Or, grab coffee and pastries from one of Phoenixville’s coffee shops and set off on a self-guided Driving Tour of Filming Locations from The Blob and other movies shot in beautiful Chester County, PA. Details: https://thecolonialtheatre.com/blobfest/blobfest-sunday-july-10/

Contact emily@thecolonialtheatre.com for press or other inquiries. For ticketing or other information, email blobfest@thecolonialtheatre.com,.