FAQ – Spawn of ScareFest

Have questions about Spawn of ScareFest? This page will feature answers to the most common topics, including ticketing, re-entry, cosplay guidelines, event hours, hotel information, and more. A full FAQ list will be posted as we get closer to the event.

Event & Ticket Basics

When Is Spawn

June 5th-7th, 2026

Where is Spawn

Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa – 1800 Newtown Pike, Lexington KY

Daily Event Hours

Friday June 5^th 4pm-9pm (3:30 VIP)

Saturday June 6^th 11am-8pm (10:30 VIP)

Sunday June 7^th 10am-5pm (No VIP hours)

Will tickets be available at the door?

If they do not sell out, single day and weekend admission will be available at the door. VIP will not be available at the door.

Where can I get a room?

Rooms at the Griffin Gate are available ONLY through the Spawn website. You cannot book a room on the Marriott website. Click here to book your room.

Hero Day

Hero Day Information

First Responder, Nurse & Military Admission

As a thank you for your service, qualified First Responders, Nurses, and Military personnel receive FREE admission to Spawn of ScareFest.

Eligible groups include:

Police Officers & Sheriff’s Deputies
Firefighters (Career & Volunteer)
EMTs & Paramedics
911 Dispatchers
Corrections Officers
Search & Rescue Personnel
Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN)
Active Duty Military
Military Veterans

How do I claim free admission?

Free admission is available only to the individual providing service and is not transferable to family members, friends, guests, or companions.

To receive complimentary admission, you must present a valid, current service ID, professional license, department-issued credential, military ID, veteran ID, or other official proof of service at the entrance when you arrive.

Do I need to register in advance?

No. Simply check in at the entrance and present your credentials.

Important Notes

Free admission applies only to the qualified individual.
A valid ID or credential is required.
Credentials must be presented in person at the event entrance.
Spawn of ScareFest reserves the right to verify eligibility before granting admission.

Thank you for your service, dedication, and sacrifice. We look forward to seeing you at Spawn of ScareFest. 🖤

Ticket levels & Packages

What are the different ticket levels and what does each include?

Platinum VIP is currently the only VIP tier offered and is only available with a room reservation. General admission tickets may reserve a room, but it is not required to purchase tickets.

Do all levels include access to the same events or are some exclusive?

VIP ticket holders will have first access to any ticketed celebrity events. All “free” events are accessible with any ticket level.

Which packages include early entry or priority access?

Platinum VIP

Do hotel packages include tickets automatically, or are they separate?

You will select your hotel room and then your ticket. Tickets are not included with room reservation.

Are tickets transferable if someone can’t attend?

Yes, tickets are transferable. If the attendee has a hotel room in their name they MUST notify staff of the change a minimum of 72 hours before the beginning of the show so the name can be updated. Only the name on the reservation may check in to the room.

Are there any add-ons or upgrades available later (e.g. workshops, after-hours)?

Yes, we will be adding events. We will make every effort to keep as many add-ons free as possible. Ticketed add-ons will be accessible to VIP ticket holders first, and then posted to the ticket page for GA access.

Hotel & Room Packages

Are hotel stays required or optional to attend?

Hotel packages are required for VIP tier ticket packages.

What’s the cost of each room type (King vs Queen) and how many people can stay in each?

A king room comes with one bed and is $528. A maximum of 2 registered guests may stay in each king room.

A double queen room comes with two beds and is $620. A maximum of 4 registered guests may stay in each double queen room.

Do the packages include taxes and resort fees?

Yes, the taxes, resort fees, ticket platform fees and processing fees are included in the ticket price and room price.

Can attendees book additional nights before/after the event?

Yes, they may do so by contacting [email protected] with the subject line “Spawn of ScareFest” and providing the name the tickets were purchased under.

Is parking included in the hotel packages?

Yes, parking is free for hotel guests.

What happens if rooms sell out — is there a waitlist or overflow hotel?

There will be a waitlist started for rooms. You may join it by emailing [email protected]

Are ADA rooms available?

Yes, please request ADA rooms as early as possible since they are limited. You may request an ADA room by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Requesting ADA room”.

Access & Perks

What does early entry mean and what does it include?

VIP ticket holders have early access to the show floor. VIP ticket holders will have the first opportunity to join guest lines and shop vendors.

Will Platinum guests have special lanyards, badges, or credentials?

Yes, Platinum VIP will receive a special credential.

Is there a VIP lounge?

Yes, Platinum VIP will have access to a VIP only lounge area.

Do VIP get other perks?

Yes, VIP ticket holders will receive a swag bundle, early access to the show floor, early access to purchase ticketed add-ons, priority seating at panels and an exclusive VIP lounge.

Add-Ons & Special Events

Will after-hours events, workshops, or panels be included or ticketed separately?

Some events may be ticketed separately. Please check the ticket page often for new events.

Will celebrity guests be attending or signing at this event?

Yes, unless otherwise noted on their announcement banner, guests will be in attendance all three days of the event.

Are photo ops part of any package, or always separate?

Photo ops are always a separate purchase through Celeb Photo Ops. There are occasionally contests to win a photo op.

Will there be vendor workshops or demonstrations?

Yes, a full schedule of events will be released closer to the event.

Payments & Refunds

What’s the refund policy if someone cancels their room or ticket?

Please consider purchasing ticket protection. We have a no refund policy. However, rooms and tickets ARE transferable through the ticket platform.

Can someone change their ticket level later?

Yes, if a higher-tier ticket is available they can upgrade in the system.

Are ticket fees refundable?

Yes, with purchase protection the entire amount may be refunded, and with a transfer the entire amount is refunded. For purchase protection inquires please email [email protected] and those inquires will be forwarded to TicketSpice. Spawn of ScareFest does not control the purchase protection and have no impact on the outcome of a claim.

Is travel insurance or ticket protection available?

Yes, through TicketSpice and we encourage folks to utilize that for ticket purchases.

Attendee Info & Logistics

What’s the age policy? Is this event 18+ or family-friendly?

The event is family friendly. Kids 12 & Under are free. We do encourage discretion with the evening and late night events. Due to hotel policy, anyone renting a room must be at least 21 years of age or accompanied by someone who is at least 21 years of age.

Are costumes allowed or encouraged?

Cosplay is encouraged and we will be hosting a cosplay contest.

Is parking on-site, and is it free for hotel guests

Parking is on site and free for hotel guests.

Will attendees receive physical tickets or digital confirmations?

Digital confirmations you may add to your digital wallet, or print off.

When will confirmation emails / QR codes be sent?

Immediately after purchase. Please check junk/spam folders as well. Please email [email protected] if you cannot find your tickets.

Will there be an event schedule available before arrival?

Yes, please check back often for updates and additions.

Is there a check-in process separate from hotel check-in?

Yes, ticket registration will be adjacent to the hotel front desk in the lobby. You will not receive show credentials from the hotel desk.

Will there be on-site authentication?

Yes, JSA is going to be on-site all three days. You may bring items in to be authenticated as well. Fee varies based on item. for more information visit their website: https://www.spenceloa.com/

Theme & Experience

What makes Spawn of ScareFest different from the main ScareFest Weekend?

Spawn aims to be an immersive weekend for the horror loving community. We will strive to provide all manner of experience for the horror community that will be an experience like no other convention.

What kind of activities can we expect — more panels, parties, or immersive experiences?

Community is the name of theme here. We want to encourage exploring the fandom from multiple angles. We even have an application for anyone wanting to host a workshop or seminar. We also encourage fan meet ups.

Are vendors open late or only during daytime hours?

We are working to bring a “night market” to Spawn and more information will be available later.

Will there be opportunities for attendees to decorate doors or participate in themed games?

Yes, we are working with Griffin Gate to provide a set of guidelines that ensure the respect and integrity to hotel property, while providing fun activities for the attendees. A door decorating contest will be held, so show off your creativity.