Q: When will the final schedule be available?
A: The final schedule will be available sometime in early August, 2013.

Q: When do tickets and passes go on sale? How much will they be?
A: This year, for the first time, we’ll be handling our own ticketing. Tickets will go online very soon and prices are TBA. Friend us on Facebook to keep up-to-date on announcements.

Q: Will there be merchandise tables?
A: Yes, there will be merchandise. Our Vendor page will be up soon, but if you’re interested in renting a table for the weekend email us at info at darkcarnivalfilmfest.com. 

Q: I’m coming from out of town. Do you have hotel recommendations?
A: We’re working with the Columbus Visitor’s Bureau to offer discount hotel rates for our guests and patrons. Visit our HOTEL page for more info.

Also, be sure to check out www.columbus.in.us for a comprehensive hotel listing, as well as a list of excellent restaurants and shopping within easy walking distance of the Festival.

Q: Why did the show move to Columbus, IN?
A: Leaving Bloomington was a very hard decision, but it basically boiled down to doing what was best for the fans, filmmakers, and the festival.  Our mission is to get as much exposure as we can for the filmmakers who come to our show. While we loved our venue in Bloomington, the audience we were able to draw in that smaller market wasn’t enough to justify the costs of the venue. Theater rental costs were a huge part of our budget and have increased considerably over time, to the point that it became too hard to sustain. Also, being in a college town meant we were competing with too many other things – football games, campus events, other local arts venues.

Q: I’m a long-time fan of the festival. What can I expect at this new venue?
A: Our previous venue, the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, while also being a historic building, has been completely restored and very modernized. In contrast, the Crump Theater is very much a living antique, and it looks a lot like it did 50 years ago. Renovations at the Crump have been slow to materialize, so you can expect some peeling paint and well-worn woodwork.  But what it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in spooky atmosphere and amazing architecture. It’s the perfect place for a festival of horror films! 

Q: What is Dark Carnival all about? Where’d the name come from?
A: Contrary to what some may think, our name has absolutely nothing to do with hardcore hip hop clowns.

Dark Carnival’s original home in Bloomington had a long history as a circus town, going back more than a hundred years. In the early 20th century, there were at least two or three traveling circuses that called Bloomington home.

In addition, the festival is influenced by the writings of HP Lovecraft, and a series of horror short stories by Ray Bradbury which deal with a demonic fall carnival that rolls into small towns in the dead of night to prey upon the souls of the weak.

The carnival theme creates a unique atmosphere for an event that celebrates multiple facets of horror, including live entertainment, music and film.

If you have any questions that aren’t addressed above, be sure click on the CONTACT link.