As home to “Night of the Living Dead” and its many undead descendents, Pittsburgh has become synonymous with a certain brand of horror movie. This weekend is the second annual Horror Realm Convention, dedicated to horror of the “modern era” — which, arguably, was kicked off in Pittsburgh by “Night of the Living Dead” in 1968.

From Friday to Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bethel Park, the Horror Realm Convention will feature DVD dealers, memorabilia collectors, a gaming room, a “Best Horror Tattoo” contest, author panels (Jonathan Mayberry, Rhiannon Frater and others), a film festival of independent horror productions, and a special sneak preview of the feature film “Chain Letter.”

There will be special guests like Bill Cardille, Debbie Rochon and Ken Foree, and cast and crew reunions for “Night of the Living Dead,” “Basket Case” and “Dawn of the Dead.” New this year is a Horror Cabaret on Friday night, with music, stand-up comedy, and performances by the cast of “Evenings in Quarantine: The Zombie Opera,” gearing up for its debut in October. The show begins at 10 p.m., and is free.

Saturday night will play host a “Night of the Living Dead” costume ball, with dancing, music, a cash bar and a silent auction benefitting United Cerebral Palsy and the Epilepsy Foundation. Admission is free with a weekend pass, or $5 at the door. The night is open to those 18 and older, and is sponsored by Magic Hat Brewing Company.

Sunday morning is the unusual addition — the “Little Monsters” introduction to horror, for children age 12 and younger. There will be a costume parade, goody bags, a screening of “Mad Monster Party” and a reading of Robert Cordray’s “Grunge Bob Camo Pants.” The “Little Monsters” program is free.

Additional Information:

When: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. for film rooms and 4 to 10 p.m. for dealers rooms Friday; 8 a.m.-2 a.m. film rooms and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. dealer rooms, Saturday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. film rooms and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. dealer rooms, Sunday

Admission: $15 daily passes; $30 weekend passes

Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bethel Park

Details: Website

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