Get ready for a spine-tingling weekend of horror, pop-culture, and cryptid thrills: the 4th annual Smoky Mountain Terror 2026 takes over the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport, Tennessee from August 28th to 30th, 2026. It’s a full-on immersive three-day convention experience where fans can dive deep into horror films, cult TV shows, vendor hunts, cosplay parades, and unforgettable celebrity encounters.

One of this year’s headline guests is none other than Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl, the beloved icons of late-night monster-movie riffing and hosts of The Last Drive-In. They’ll be holding panels, meet-and-greets, and autograph sessions that no genre-lover will want to miss. But Joe Bob and Darcy aren’t alone on the roster: the lineup includes a formidable gathering of genre favourites such as David Howard Thornton, Jackson Rathbone, Jason Marsden, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Nathan Mitchell, Omri Katz, Peter Facinelli, Samantha Scaffidi, and Vinessa Shaw. A stellar lineup indeed, giving fans multiple opportunities to connect with their favourite actors and creators.

Beyond the guest list, the event offers a rich mix of activities: vendor booths filled with rare horror collectibles and artisan-driven merchandise, artist tables showcasing one-of-a-kind prints, premium wall-vendor setups for big-name merch runs, and specialty events like the “Double Pack” screenings and the Twilight: After Dark late-night cinema blocks. Whether you’re on the hunt for an autograph, lining up for a photo-op with Joe Bob, or wandering the aisles in full cosplay, there’s something for every horror-fan heart.

If you’re planning to attend, book your days now—and maybe your hotel stays ahead of time, as Kingsport fills up fast during big-weekend conventions. Secure your tickets (early-bird rates are usually best) and stay tuned for additional announcements regarding panel schedules, VIP packages, and surprise guests. For his part, Joe Bob Briggs is primed to bring his signature blend of horror-history commentary, rib-tickling banter, and retro movie love to the Smoky Mountains this August—don’t miss your chance to be part of it!