UFOs · Cryptids · Paranormal · True Crime · Horror One Day. The PACC. Downtown Waco.
Embark on the ultimate gathering of UFO researchers, cryptid hunters, paranormal investigators, true crime analysts, and horror enthusiasts. Explore anomalous aerial sightings, track elusive forest legends, decode forensic cold cases, and reveal cosmic mysteries inside Waco's convention halls.
// Time Until the Gathering
127Days
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00Hours
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October 10, 2026Doors Open — 8:30 AM CST
The PACC · 924 Austin AveDowntown Waco, TX 76701
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Venue
Hosted at the PACC — 924 Austin Avenue, Suite 150, Downtown Waco, Texas. Celestial observation decks and skyline observatory included.
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Single Day Event
A singular one-day equinox peak summit. Doors unlock at 8:30 AM. Panels, exhibits, cryptid hunts, and UFO night watches through sunset.
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Tracks
Six specialist tracks covering UFOs & Cryptids, Paranormal, Forensics, True Crime, Interactive Workshops, and the HORRIFY Film Speed Run.
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HORRIFY
12-day horror filmmaking speed run presented by Waco Indie Film Festival × The PACC × Rogue Media Network. Kickoff Sep 26. Screening Oct 10.
// Featured Event
HORRIFY
A Film Speed Run · Sep 26 – Oct 10, 2026
No extensions. No excuses. Just twelve days of horror-fueled filmmaking. Grand prize: $250 + official screening at The Unknown Gathering.
// October 10, 2026
Event Schedule
△ Events and times are subject to change.
09:00 AM 10:15 AM
Forensics
Skeletal Secrets of Unexplained Cold Cases: Decoding Forensic Curiosities
Dr. Abigail Vance breaks down unexplained skeletal anomalies, demonstrating how trauma footprints distinguish human incidents from cryptid marks.
Chamber A Forensics Vault
10:30 AM 11:45 AM
Paranormal
Hardware of the Unknown: EMF Trailing & EVP Capture Stations
Hands-on hardware session detailing EMF calibration, infrared temperature arrays, and capturing electronic signals of unexplained occurrences.
Chamber B Spectral Room
01:00 PM 02:15 PM
UFOs & Cryptids
Texas UFO & Cryptid Chronicles: Lone Star Sky Anomalies
A deep investigative report on historical spacecraft sightings, modern close encounters, and regional beast footprints hidden in the Lone Star cedar woods.
Prof. Frost and Victor Sterling lead an active workshop analyzing declassified military documents, night-vision imagery, and sky sensors.
Chamber B Spectral Room
04:00 PM 05:15 PM
Forensics
Unexplained DNA Profiles & Forensic Mystery Breakthroughs
Reviewing modern genetic genealogy breakthroughs resolving long-standing unexplained cases, including strange tissue DNA sequencing controversies.
Chamber A Forensics Vault
05:30 PM 06:45 PM
Keynote · UFOs
The Cosmic Unknown — UFOs, Cryptids, & Portals
Final collaborative panel tying UFO sightings, cryptid trackings, paranormal activity, and real-world unsolved true crime across Texas into a single master map.
Main Auditorium Abyss Stage
Evening TBD
⚡ HORRIFY
HORRIFY Film Speed Run — Premiere Screening & Awards
Selected films from the 12-day horror speed run screened before a live audience. Awards presented by Waco Independent Film Festival × The PACC × Rogue Media Network.
Main Stage The PACC
// Featured Specialists
Speakers of the Unexplained
TBA
To Be Announced
Specialist · Track 1
Speaker details coming soon. Check back for updates.
TBA
To Be Announced
Specialist · Track 2
Speaker details coming soon. Check back for updates.
TBA
To Be Announced
Specialist · Track 3
Speaker details coming soon. Check back for updates.
TBA
To Be Announced
Specialist · Track 4
Speaker details coming soon. Check back for updates.
Full speaker lineup will be announced in the weeks ahead. Follow us for updates.
// Secure Gateway Register
Choose Your Pass
Early Bird Cosmos Pass
$29
Discounted access for early-registering seekers. Full entry into all standard exhibit halls, general panels, and skywatching decks.
General admission seating
Unknown Gathering swag pack
Access to Waco Gathering Exhibit Hall
Day of Terror Pass
$49
Standard day-of admission. Full access to the vendor floor and your electronic certificate of unexplained encounter.
General admission seating
Access to 25+ Unknown & Mystery vendor booths
Electronic certificate of unexplained encounter
VIP Forensics Pass
$99
Priority access to forensic panels, reserved seating at the keynote, and exclusive meet-and-greet with featured speakers.
Priority reserved seating
Meet-and-greet with speakers
VIP lounge access
HORRIFY screening premiere access
All transactions are simulated. No actual souls or financial coins are consumed during checkout.
All participants are responsible for practicing safe filmmaking procedures at all times. Participation is entirely at your own risk. The Waco Independent Film Festival, The PACC, and Rogue Media Network assume no responsibility for injuries, accidents, property damage, legal disputes, or other incidents that occur during production.
// Overview
The Challenge
SEP
26, 2026
Kickoff Mixer
The PACC — 924 Austin Avenue, Suite 150, Waco, TX 76701
Official launch. Rules, deadlines & submission instructions distributed. Networking with filmmakers, cast, crew, and horror fans. The twelve-day countdown begins immediately after.
OCT
8, 2026 — 11:59 PM CST
Film Submission Deadline
Hard Deadline — No Extensions
All films must be submitted by this hard deadline. Late submissions may be screened at organizer discretion but will not be eligible for awards.
OCT
10, 2026
Premiere Screening & Awards
The Unknown Gathering — The PACC, Waco, TX
Selected films screened before a live audience as part of The Unknown Gathering convention. Awards presented by all three presenting organizations.
// Competition Tracks
Choose Your Path
01
Horrify a Classic
Take an existing movie and transform it into a horror film. The film must clearly reference or parody the original source while presenting a substantially new horror interpretation.
Titanic → zombie survival story
Caddyshack → slasher film
The Wizard of Oz → psychological horror
02
Horrify an Urban Legend
Create a completely original urban legend centered around a real Texas city, town, landmark, or location. Must be presented as found footage, recovered footage, or shockumentary style.
The Platypus of Plata
A haunted Texas water tower
Big Tex as a supernatural entity
A forgotten roadside attraction
// Grand Prize
The Reward
Grand Prize
$250
Cash Prize
Official Screening at The Unknown Gathering
Recognition from all three presenting organizations
Entry Fee
$50
Required per film submission
Supports venue costs & event operations
Non-refundable per standard policy
Entry fees support venue costs, event operations, screening expenses, awards, marketing, and filmmaker programming. Entry fees are non-refundable. If the event is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, organizers may issue refunds or credits at their discretion.
// Competition Rules
The Law
⏱
10-Minute Limit
Films must be no longer than 10 minutes including credits. No exceptions.
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Made During Competition
Films must be substantially created during the official twelve-day competition window beginning after the Kickoff Mixer.
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Format: MP4 / H.264
MP4 preferred, H.264 encoded, 1080p resolution recommended. Files that cannot be screened may be disqualified.
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Required Paperwork
Talent & crew release forms, location agreements, music releases, and applicable stock footage licenses must be obtained by the filmmaker.
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Content Restrictions
No unlicensed copyrighted music or footage, unauthorized trademarks, pornographic content, real illegal activity, or material violating applicable law.
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Judging Criteria
Creativity, storytelling, horror elements, originality, technical execution, and use of competition theme. All judging decisions are final.
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Screening Rights
By submitting, participants grant organizers permission to screen the film for competition-related events. Filmmakers retain full ownership of their work.
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Your Own Resources
Filmmakers supply all equipment, cast, crew, locations, props, costumes, post-production resources, and release forms.
// Enter Your Film
Register
Register your terrifying masterpiece for a chance to win $250 and an official screening at The Unknown Gathering. Registration is Step 1 — the $50 entry fee is paid right after you submit, and your spot isn't confirmed until it clears.
Registration Received
Your film is in the book. One last ritual: pay your $50 entry fee to lock in your submission. Your spot isn't confirmed until the fee clears.
Pay securely via PayPal or Venmo. Questions? Email [email protected]
