I've been enlightened to the concept of the monster party, by Frank Edward Nora of "The Overnightscape"podcast.

The basic concept of this phenomenon is a gathering of monsters consisting of at least Frankenstein, the Wolfman and Dracula. The gathering sometimes consist of a party like atmosphere, although not always. Occasionally they get together to fight crime or other monsters, though it seems this happens reluctantly.

There seems to be many references to these mystical gatherings in modern culture.

Some examples worth checking out are:

Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein 1948
The world of freight handlers Wilbur Grey and Chick Young is turned upside down when the remains of Frankenstein's monster and Dracula arrive from Europe to be used in a house of horrors. Dracula awakens and escapes with the weakened monster, who he plans to re-energize with a new brain. Larry Talbot (the Wolfman) arrives from London in an attempt to thwart Dracula. Dracula's reluctant aide is the beautiful Dr. Sandra Mornay. Her reluctance is dispatched by Dracula's bite. Dracula and Sandra abduct Wilbur for his brain and recharge the monster in preparation for the operation. Chick and Talbot attempt to find and free Wilbur, but when the full moon rises all hell breaks loose with the Wolfman, Dracula, and Frankenstein all running rampant.

The Song “Monster Mash” 1962
The song is narrated by a mad scientist whose monster, late one evening, rises from a slab to perform a new dance. The dance becomes a hit when the scientist throws a party for other monsters.

The Munsters TV Series 1964
The munsters are a weird but honest family. Herman is a representation of Frankenstein's monster. Lily and Grandpa are vampires. Eddie, their son is a werewolf. Marilyn, their niece is the only normal human and considered the ugly duck of the family.

I'm Sorry the Bridge Is Out, You'll Have to Spend the Night 1966
Book, Music and Lyrics written by Bob Picket and Sheldon Allman, this play was written and it get's about two productions a month around the world, in junior colleges, community theaters, high schools, junior high schools, and some professional theaters. This play was eventually made into Monster Mash: The Movie, listed futher down on this page.

The Mad Monster Party 1969
When Dr Frankenstein decides to retire from the monster-making business, he calls an international roster of monsters to a creepy convention to elect his successor. Everyone is there including Dracula, The Werewolf, The Creature, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and many more. But Frankenstein's title is not all that is at stake. The famous doctor has also discovered the secret of total destruction that must not fall into the wrong hands!

The Groovie Goolies 1970
The Goolies were a group of hip monsters, many of whom were, in look and sound, pop-culture echoes of the classic horror-film monsters created in the 1930s and 1940s, mostly by Universal Pictures including Frankie (Frankenstein's Monster), Wolfie (The Wolfman), Mummy, Drac (Dracula), Batzo and Ratzo (two mean green-skinned kids), Boneapart, Dr. Jekyll & Hyde, Hagatha, Bella La Ghostly, Broomhilda, Hauntleroy and Orville.

Monster Squad the TV Series 1976
A television series that aired on NBC from 1976-1977. The series stars Fred Grandy as Walt, a criminology student working as a night watchman in a wax museum. To pass the time, Walt built a prototype "Crime Computer" in a mummy case near an exhibit of legendary monsters. When Walt plugged in his Crime Computer, "oscillating vibrations" brought to life the wax statues of Dracula, the Werewolf, and Frankenstein. The monsters, wanting to make up for the misdeeds of their pasts, became superhero crimefighters who used their unique abilities to challenge and defeat various supervillains.

Transylvania 6-500 1985
Two reporters travel to a strange castle in Transylvania to investigate the apparent reappearance of Frankenstein, and encounter such kooky creatures as the sensitive Wolfman, the horny Vampiress Odette, as well as a whole cast of other weirdos.

The Monster Squad 1987
Young kids form a club that is devoted to monsters, but soon get more than they bargained for when Count Dracula adjourns to Earth, accompanied by Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and the Gillman. The uglies are in search of a powerful amulet that will grant them power to rule the world. Our heroes - the Monster Squad are the only ones daring to stand in their way.

Monster Mash: The Movie 1995
Two teens are on the way to a Halloween party dressed as Romeo and Juliet when their car breaks down in front of a sinister mansion. Seeking help, they fall into a party of monsters led by Dr. Frankenstein, who immediately wants to transfer the boy's brain into his monster. Dracula also wants the girl for obvious reasons. Meanwhile Elvis has returned as a mummy and his new manager wants the boy's body for him.

Monster Mash 2000
As the story unfolds, we meet the three main monsters: Frank, the monster from Frankenstein; Drac, the vampire, and Wolf, the werewolf. They were once the scariest of monsters, but now they have become associated with "fun." That's why they have been called before the Court of Horrors. They must prove that they can still be scary, and if they fail they will be sentenced to an eternity of entertaining at children's parties.

Van Helsing 2004
During the late 19th century, famed monster hunter Dr. Gabriel Van Helsing heads to Eastern Europe to battle with Count Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein's Monster. By his side is the ravishing Anna, a member of a family committed to ridding the world of evil.

 

GAMES

Monster Party Video Game 1989
Monster Party is a video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released in the U.S. in 1989 by Bandai. The story centers on a child named Mark who is accosted on his way home from a baseball game by a winged, gargoyle-like alien monster named Bert who requests his assistance in ridding "evil monsters" from his home planet.

Monster Bash Pinball 1998
Fantasic Pinball Game made by Williams Electronic Games.
Check out this link for some great pics of the machine and lots of game specs.

Monster Fair Pinball 2004
What strange attractions in MONSTER FAIR! The Dracula Tent hauls in the ball, then the ball rattles around the Ghost Ferris Wheel... Now there's a hip-hop werewolf on the rollercoaster, and a witch on a goat in the carousel. And what flavor is the Franken's popcorn?

 

OTHER

Monster Party Flash Animation
I found this funny monster filled web page. It's filled with a ton of fun animated monsters!

Monster Party Font
This free font has downloads for both PC & Mac. Each letter typed features a different movie monster.

Throw your own Monster Party
Halloween parties are no longer just for the kids. Moms, Dads and non-parental adults also want to have some spooky fun on this holiday that teases our basic fears about death and monsters. Plan a grownups-only party so you can make it as frightful as you wish!


I encourage you to research this phenomenon for yourself. Remember the gathering has to consist of at least Frankenstein, the Wolfman and Dracula! If you have any additional information that could be added to this page, please feel free to e-mail me.