Spooky Empire, which bills itself as "Florida's ultimate horror convention," is leaving Orlando for Tampa this Halloween season.

The pop-culture convention focused on horror and science fiction, which a spokesperson said drew about 15,000 people last year, will take place at Tampa Convention Center from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.

Last year brought the largest crowds in the event's 16-year history, organizers said, with celebrity guests that included David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson on hand to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The X-Files. Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour from Stranger Things appeared in 2016.

"Due to an increase in size and scope of logistics, the Spooky Empire team was unable to locate spaces in Orlando large enough ... to host the growing 'dark side of comic con'," a news release said. "For the last 18 years, Florida has always been home to the convention, so Tampa allows them to stay true to their roots while also remaining close to home for 2019."

The convention includes cosplay contests, vendors, a tattoo festival, special effects classes and numerous panel discussions.

Contact Christopher Spata at cspata@tampabay.com or follow @spatatimes on Twitter.