Monster Fest Returns to Coldwater With Michigan Horror Author

Monster Fest returns to Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater on Saturday, October 24, bringing a Michigan horror author, live music and a film screening together for a Halloween-season evening.

The program starts at 8 p.m. with a performance by Coldwater punk band Sissy SpaceX, followed by a screening of Peter Jackson’s 1996 film The Frighteners, starring Michael J. Fox.

During the event, Michigan novelist J.C. Vande Zande will sign books in the Tibbits Art Gallery.

Vande Zande recently completed the Orphan Island Trilogy, a gothic horror series set in Northern Michigan’s wilderness and on isolated islands.

All three books will be available for purchase at the signing.

The author teaches English and creative writing at Delta College and has written seven novels; Delta College has featured his writing and classroom work.

His 2013 novel, American Poet, was included in the Library of Michigan’s 2013 Michigan Notable Books.

The trilogy includes The Dance of Rotten Sticks, Blood of the Witness Tree and Coven of the Worm Moon.

Doors open at 7 p.m., with seating at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $10, including fees, and concessions will be available.

The venue does not allow outside food or drinks.

The film is rated R for terror and moderate violence or gore, so the program may be best suited to adult audiences.

The event takes place at Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater.

For the full event details, see Tibbits’ Monster Fest announcement, or check the Tibbits ticket page.

Monster Fest has become a Halloween tradition at the historic theater, pairing live performance with a movie screening.

This year’s book signing adds a distinctly Michigan gothic-horror element to the night, with Vande Zande’s trilogy drawing on northern landscapes and island settings.

Guests can arrive before the program begins to browse the venue and take their seats ahead of the 8 p.m. start.

Three quick questions

When and where is Monster Fest?

It is Saturday, October 24, at Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater. Doors open at 7 p.m., seating begins at 7:30 p.m., and the program starts at 8 p.m.

What’s included in the evening?

The program features live music by Sissy SpaceX, a screening of The Frighteners, and a book signing with J.C. Vande Zande. Copies of all three Orphan Island Trilogy books will be available.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are $10, including fees. They’re available through the Tibbits ticket page.