Connecticut paranormal convention ‘ParaConn’ returns to Ansonia this spring

Connecticut’s first paranormal convention, ParaConn, is returning to the Ansonia Armory this spring for its third iteration.

Started in 2021, ParaConn draws in more than 1,500 fans of the occult and highlights everything from the paranormal to the extraterrestrial while spotlighting notable Connecticut experts. The event, which was previously held in July, will take place this year May 13-14.

ParaConn is hosted by Nick Grossman of Ghost Storm, a local paranormal research team, and Charles F. Rosenay, an author and operator of Tours of Terror, which hosts international ghost tours. Together, the pair are known as the Shaman and the Showman. Grossman and Rosenay also put on the Salem Paracon, which was held for the first time in 2022.

“Connecticut is one of the most paranormal states that you can be in.

It’s just very appropriate for paranormal events, ghost tours and ‘paracons’ to go on” Grossman said in a previous interview. “It’s definitely bringing a lot of credibility to the state of Connecticut because this is a very haunted place that we live in.”

Announced guests so far include “28 Days

Haunted” investigator Sean Austin, demonologist and friend of Ed and Lorraine Warren Carl Johnson and the Connecticut Paranormal Research Team. Organizers of the event are once again bringing in “guests of honor” to lead the roster of special guests. The convention plans to release a complete list of special guests and schedule of events.

More than 80 vendors will sell everything from palm readings to horror memorabilia. There will also be food trucks available.

Advance tickets are on sale starting at $19.99 per day. VIP tickets start at $25, which includes early entry and other benefits.

ParaConn isn’t the only paranormal convention that calls Connecticut its home. The Warren’s organization, NESPR, held a ‘Seekers of the Supernatural Paracon’ last October, featuring “haunted” items from the Warren’s Occult Museum including the famous Annabelle doll.

More than 5,800 people attended the second annual event at Mohegan Sun. A date for the convention’s 2023 edition has not been announced.