PHOENIXVILLE, PA — This summer, a confluence of festival goers, cinephiles and horror movie nerds will descend on the iconic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Their purpose? To participate in the 25th annual Blobfest, held from July 12 to July 14. This event marks the theatre’s prominent role in the classic 1958 Steve McQueen film, The Blob, a sci-fi horror flick cherished by the town for over six decades.
Every year, the weekend-long extravaganza ushers thousands of individuals from near and far into Phoenixville. The festival offers an immersive slate of live performances, special engagements, behind-the-scenes tours, and much more. The revelry begins a day prior, on July 11, with a special screening of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John’s Grease.
Blobfest officially commences on July 12 with a plethora of thrilling activities. Fans can enjoy a live stage show featuring Baltimore-based horror host Aurora Gorealis of Shocktail Hour, musical performances, short film contests, and partake in an audience re-enactment of the film’s unforgettable ‘run out’ scene. The night culminates in the theatre’s Blob Ball, an after-party hosted by LuLu Boutique & Gifterie, where guests can let loose in their favorite 1950s attire.
“2024 is a special year for Blobfest. This year, we come together not only to celebrate the history of the filming of The Blob, but also to celebrate Blobfest itself – for the endurance and growing popularity of the festival over 25 years,” says Jennifer Carlson, the Colonial Theatre’s executive director. “A quarter of a century of Blobfest is a testament to the event across multiple generations. Similar to the teenagers saving the day in The Blob, it is because of creative and can-do volunteers that Blobfest became a reality and has continued 25 years strong.”
The following day, July 13, things get even more exciting. The Blobfest Street Fair kickstarts at 11:00 a.m., presenting more than 70 sci-fi and horror-themed vendors, live bands, a fire extinguisher parade and a merchandise tent. Screenings of The Blob in its original and Spanish-dubbed versions, and the 1988 remake, will entertain festivalgoers throughout the day. An additional Run-Out event is planned, and a costume contest will delight fans on the catwalk.
On July 14, the festival’s final day, a Blobfest 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon pay tribute to the historic Colonial Theatre, culminating in a final screening of The Blob, the 1972 sequel film Beware! The Blob, featuring live riffs by Matt McGinnis, Joel Hodgson, and Emily Marsh and the 1954 black-and-white monster film Creature from the Black Lagoon in 3D.
Rooted in cinematic history, the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville holds a noteworthy tie to the 1958 film The Blob, making it a cultural landmark and symbol of local pride. The beloved Blobfest is not just a celebration of Phoenixville’s cinematic history, but also a testament to the lasting impact a film can have on its location. This summer, get ready for a blast from the past that brings together film lovers, Blob enthusiasts, and a resilient community for an unforgettable weekend of scares, share, and cinematic fare.
For more information and tickets to the 25th annual Blobfest, visit thecolonialtheatre.com.
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