Highlands Horrorfest celebrates 'Five Years of Fear' at ETSU

JOHNSON CITY - Deep in the heart of Appalachia, whispers from the darkness hail the reemergence of a strange and ominous presence. These mountains hold secrets that cannot be contained. Highlands Horrorfest returns for its fifth anniversary with "5 Years of Fear," celebrating independent horror filmmaking, regional creativity, and the filmmakers who continue to push the genre into new and unexpected territory. What began as a showcase for local filmmakers has evolved into a competitive film festival dedicated to the best independent horror films emerging from the Appalachian Highlands region. Each year, Highlands Horrorfest brings together filmmakers, ETSU alumni, film students, artists, and horror fans for an evening dedicated to the strange, the unsettling, the imaginative, and the terrifying. In the lobby before the show, explore our Bizarre Bazaar featuring oddities, art, and other curiosities from local vendors. Once the show begins, expect a curated lineup of the best independent horror shorts and features the region has to offer, competing for custom trophies and a $1000 Best of the Fest grand prize. Whether you're a longtime fan, a filmmaker with something to prove, or just looking for a scare, Highlands Horrorfest is where the region's horror community comes together - five years strong and just getting started. The event will be held at the ETSU Martin Center on November 14, 2026, at 7pm and doors will open at 6pm. The night will conclude with the presentation of the awards including the Best of the Fest. Ticket proceeds support the New Blood Film Fund which seeks to provide financial assistance to emerging filmmakers in the Appalachian Highlands region to have their work produced and seen.