Everyone Deserves a Seat at the Séance: Why Windy City ParaFest Is the Paranormal Event of the Year

This June, the veil between the ordinary and the extraordinary lifts in Chicago as the Windy City Paranormal Festival takes place June 12–15, 2025. But this isn't your typical paranormal conference—it's a vibrant, inclusive festival that celebrates the strange, the spooky, and the stories that connect us all. WCPF intentionally breaks away from the traditional conference mold. Instead of just lectures and panels, expect a dynamic lineup of immersive experiences:

• Spine-Tingling Storytelling
• Live Podcasts
• Cocktail Parties
• Boo!-lesque Show
• Paranormal Investigations
• Gallery Readings
• Paranormal Pictionary
• Haunted 80’s Prom

At its core, WCPF is committed to inclusivity and representation. The festival's mission is to amplify underrepresented voices in the paranormal community, ensuring that everyone feels seen and heard. As they proudly state, "Everyone deserves a seat at the séance." This commitment is reflected in their diverse lineup of speakers and performers, including but not limited to:

• Robyn Valentine & Maria: Hosts of the Coffee and Cauldrons Podcast.
• Z Thee Witch: From FearHQ and Around the Cauldron Podcast.
• Julia Halina Hadas: Author of Witchcraft Cocktails.
• Joshua Dairen: Paranormal historian and researcher.
• Tawney Lewis: From Scariest Places.
• Rockette Fox: Host of Liminal TV.
• ParaPeculiar: Curators of the Museum of Haunted Items.

By bringing together a mosaic of voices, WCPF fosters a community where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

WCPF boasts a unique roster of guests that sets it apart from other events:

• John E.L. Tenney: Featured in Unsolved Mysteries and Ghost Stalkers.
• Jessica Knapik: Co-host of the What’s Up Weirdo? Podcast.
• Juwan Mass: From Ghost Brothers, bringing his unique perspective to the festival.
• Heather Taddy: From Paranormal State and Alien Highway.
• Ken Boggle: Star of Living for the Dead.
• Adam Berry: Known for Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters, hosting Paranormal Pictionary.
• Tammie Merheb-Chavez & Brice Mitchell Williams: Hosts of the Hollyweird Paranormal Podcast.

This eclectic mix ensures that attendees will experience a breadth of paranormal perspectives and expertise.

 

Festival Schedule Highlights
Thursday, June 12

12:00–6:00 PM: Vending & Wristband Pickup

7:00 PM: Welcome Keynote

8:00 PM: BOO!-lesque (Spooky Burlesque Show)

10:00 PM–Late: Cocktails & Hangout

Late: Paranormal Investigations (Premium Ticket Holders)

 

Friday, June 13

10:00 AM: Vending Opens

12:00 PM: Storytelling with Tammie & Brice, Tawney Lewis, Z Thee Witch

1:00 PM: Live Podcast – Coffee & Cauldrons

2:00 PM: Storytelling with Heather Taddy, Nicole & Noëlle, Julia Halina Hadas

3:00 PM: Live Podcast – Hollyweird Paranormal

4:00 PM: Witchcraft Cocktails

4:30 PM: Happy Hour

4:00–4:45 PM: Gallery Reading with Z Thee Witch (Premium Ticket Holders)

5:00–5:45 PM: Gallery Reading with Z Thee Witch (Premium Ticket Holders)

8:00 PM: John E.L. Tenney

9:00 PM: Paranormal Pictionary with Adam Berry

10:00 PM–Late: Cocktails & Hangout

Saturday, June 14

10:00 AM: Vending Opens

12:00 PM: Storytelling with Joshua Dairen, Rockette Fox, ParaPeculiar

1:00 PM: Live Podcast – Quite Unusual

2:00 PM: Storytelling with Adam Berry, Robyn & Maria, Juwan Mass

3:00 PM: Live Podcast – What’s Up Weirdo?

4:00 PM: Witchcraft Cocktails

4:30 PM: Happy Hour

4:00–4:45 PM: Gallery Reading with Ken Boggle (Add-On Ticket Holders)

9:00 PM: Haunted 80’s Prom

11:00 PM–Late: Cocktails & Hangout

 

Sunday, June 15

12:00 PM: Guided Cemetery Tour (Premium Ticket Holders)

9:00 AM–3:00 PM: Self-Guided Cemetery Tour (Add-On Ticket Holders)

The schedule is subject to change. 

Giving Back
WCPF is not just about exploration and entertainment; it's also about making a positive impact. A portion of the festival's proceeds will be donated to Greater Than Hate, a coalition dedicated to promoting human rights and equality.

Join the Celebration
Whether you're a seasoned paranormal investigator or simply curious about the unknown, WCPF offers something for everyone. Embrace the weird, celebrate the wonderful, and find your place in this inclusive community.

For tickets and more information, visit www.windycityparafest.com.

Photo Credit: WCPF Team