The 2026 Festival of Monsters (Oct. 14-18, 2026) is now accepting panel, paper and game proposals. Abstract deadline April 10.
We take monsters seriously
“It is true, we shall be monsters, cut off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more attached to one another.”
— Mary Shelley, Frankenstein,
or, the Modern Prometheus
Monsters play a role in the representation of some of the most challenging problems facing our world: matters of race and religion, social justice, and environmental threats. The Center for Monster Studies at UC Santa Cruz aims to explore the role of monsters in culture and humanities.
2026 Festival Looks for Monstrous Papers
The 2026 Festival of Monsters (October 14-18, 2026 in Santa Cruz, Calif.) is now looking for panel, paper and game proposals. Monster-focused proposals with the theme of “Language” are especially encouraged. Deadline for proposals is April 10, 2026. Learn More.
Monster Documentary Films at Fest
Interviews for Montrose Pictures’ upcoming 2027 film Marvelous Creatures took place at the 2025 Festival of Monsters. Among the luminaries the documentary crew filmed were the Center’s own Renée Fox (left, with director Michael Caplan) and Michael Chemers.
2025 Festival of Monsters in Photos
The 2025 Festival of Monsters has come to a close, but the we managed to capture some of our monsters on (digital) film! Check out our 2025 Festival Gallery. Also, keep checking back, videos of the 2025 Festival of Monsters panels and keynotes will go up on our YouTube channel sometime in November/December.