FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Flashback Weekend

by John Wroblewski

Aug 15, 2023

Mia and Mike Kerz

Flashback Weekend is Chicago’s largest and longest-running horror convention. Every year I attend the event featuring celebrities, creators, vendors and more.

An attendee since its debut in 2002, I have met many great celebrities over the years including Robert Englund, Meatloaf, Neve Campbell and Dana DeLorenzo. The stars always seem very engaging at Flashback Weekend. As much fun as that always is, I really enjoy meeting authors, artists and other such creators.

Robert Englund

Robert Englund

As co-owner of Horror and SciFi Prop Preservation Association, James Azrael always has cool movie pieces on display. A man of many creative hats, Azrael produced It’s Just a Game, a 2018 thriller destined to be a cult classic. One of the most popular booths, Azrael’s is filled with so many cool movie pieces.

James Azrael

James Azrael

Focusing on horror and the supernatural, author John Everson has 13 novels, among other writing, on his résumé. A Chicago-area native, Everson is always happy to discuss anything horror-related.

John Everson Michael West

John Everson and Michael West

I reconnect with many friends at Flashback Weekend. While we might have different interests at the convention, we enjoy meeting and recapping our days. Although I didn’t see him this year, Indiana-based author Michael West is usually among the thousands of attendees. A big fan of his books, I look forward to getting updates from him.

More than all of that, Flashback Weekend is really a success story of its organizers. Operated masterfully and passionately by Mike and Mia Kerz, Flashback Weekend has grown into a Chicago and horror institution. Unlike most conventions, the couple accomplishes this with a small staff of their two daughters and a few others. The hands-on personal approach and attention to detail would seem the work of many more staffers.

MikeMiaKerz

Mia and Mike Kerz

In addition to Flashback Weekend, the couple runs Midway Drive-In, one of the last remaining drive-in theaters. Opened in 1950, Midway has a classic, retro feel while being modern. Its spacious lot holds 500 cars, all with great views of the giant 90-foot screen. About a two-hour drive west of Chicago, Midway Drive-In is an easy and fun trip.

Between Flashback and Midway, the Kerzes provide a wide range of entertainment. Whenever I go to either, I know I will experience a well-run event and have a load of fun.

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Nov 4, 2024

Have an Autumn Wine Soiree The SLO Way in San Luis Obispo

Yes, it’s harvest time — and that means great fall wine festivals, including the third annual Autumn Soirée The SLO Way Nov. 9 on California’s Central Coast. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Garden Courtyard at luxury boutique Hotel San Luis Obispo, recognized as a MICHELIN Guide One Key property.

Extraordinary Egypt

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS

Daily
Nov 4, 2024

7 Hotel Restaurants Worth the Travel

Book a reservation at one of these hotel restaurants around the country, providing excellent dining experiences you won’t soon forget.

Slideshow
Nov 4, 2024

7 Reasons to Put Strasbourg, France, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Strasbourg, France, with us.

Remarkable Medellín

Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.

Daily
Nov 4, 2024

8 Must-Have (and Must-Pack) Perfumes for 2025

Still on the search for your next favorite perfume? Whether traveling, heading out to a fancy dinner or simply spending the day at home, finding the scent that works for you and lasts for hours is essential. These are our eight perfume recommendations for 2025:

Extraordinary Egypt

Sponsored Content
Daily
Oct 31, 2024

Ananda in the Himalayas Unveils New Deluxe Suites, Renovations

The Ananda in the Himalayas, a wellness retreat, recently debuted new additions to its luxury accommodations and a series of stylish renovations to its premier suites.

United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD

Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.

Daily
Oct 31, 2024

Denver International Airport Completes Concourse Expansion

The expansion and renovation of Concourse A-East Ground Load at Denver International Airport was recently completed as the final phase of a $2.5 billion program to accommodate passenger growth as DEN is currently the third-busiest U.S. airport. The renovation was led by WSP.