Gods and Monsters:
Communities and Their Monsters
March 26th-28th, 2026
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas
Hosted by the Department of Philosophy
This is the second meeting of “Gods and Monsters,” an interdisciplinary academic conference. The conference seeks to gather graduate students, established and emerging scholars, and independent researchers to explore the intersection of monstrosity and the sacred––both broadly defined. Our previous conference resulted in an edited volume entitled Religion, Culture, and the Monstrous (Lexington, 2021) and the creation of a peer-reviewed online journal, The Journal of Gods and Monsters.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Communities and their Monsters.” Our plenary speakers will examine how monsters have been deployed in such media as folklore and horror movies to tell stories that reflect the experiences of diverse ethnic, cultural, racial, and geographic communities; however, these same media may also serve to “monsterize” subaltern communities.
Plenary Speaker: DeAnna Daniels - Cosmic Folkways: Theorizing the Black Atlantic Monstrous
DeAnna Monique Daniels is an Assistant Professor of Africana and Religious Studies & Classics at the University of Arizona, with a Ph.D. in Religion from Rice University, granted in 2023.
DeAnna's scholarly interest focuses on Black religion, the intersections of gender, sexuality, and disability, Black speculative fiction and horror, popular and visual culture, and art and aesthetics.
She is currently working on her first manuscript, Thinking through the Slash: Horror’s Entanglement in Black Religious Thought and Culture.
Plenary Speaker: Kyle Crosby - The Monsters We Inherit: Louisiana Folklore through a Historical Lens
Kyle Crosby is the creator and host of Louisiana Dread, a widely followed historical-folklore project that blends rigorous research with accessible storytelling for an audience of more than 200,000.
His work has been featured at universities, museums, and cultural institutions across the Gulf South, where he examines the intersections of history, mythology, and regional identity.
The conference begins at 5pm on Thursday, March 26th and continues throughout Saturday, March 28th.
Registration is available below.
Registration fee covers lunch and coffee breaks Friday and Saturday, a Friday evening movie and pizza night, a Saturday reception, and all speakers.
The conference organizers have arranged for a special 45-minute glass-bottom boat tour of the historic Spring Lake on the afternoon of Saturday, March 28th. Filming location for the 1978 film Piranha, and the former location of the historic Aquarena Springs theme park (home to Ralph the Swimming Pig and the Underwater Mermaid Theater), Spring Lake is a vital aquifer teeming with animal life. This event is optional and may be added on to registration for $10.
Gods and Monsters 2026 Conference Program
(Coming Soon)
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Travel, Lodging, and Recreational Information
Conference Location
All talks and presentations will take place in the Comal building on Texas State University's San Marcos campus.
San Marcos is located between Austin and San Antonio.
Transportation from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is slightly shorter and less expensive.Airport to San Marcos
Uber and Lyft are the most cost-efficient ways to travel from either airport to San Marcos.
Information regarding rideshare options from ABIA can be found here.Lodging in San Marcos
We have secured university rates for attendees at the Marriott Residence Inn for the duration of the conference. While not within walking distance of campus, the hotel is only a short Uber ride from the university. Conference organizers will work to coordinate individuals sharing Uber rides from the airport and from the hotels to campus. Please book your rooms by February 26th.
Marriott Residence Inn San Marcos
You may also consider the Crystal River Inn, a bed and breakfast five blocks down the hill from campus. While they do not offer a university rate, you may be interested in booking accommodation there if you would prefer to stay closer to downtown San Marcos.
Parking on Campus
There are parking garages close to the Comal building, where the conference will take place.
Here is information about guest parking on campus, including locations and fees.
Uber and Lyft are both used frequently to get around in San Marcos, obviating the need for parking.Recreation
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, located at the edge of campus, offers glass bottom boat tours 7 days a week showcasing Spring Lake, the start of the San Marcos River. This is a wonderful way to learn about the San Marcos ecosystem and history.
You can also take a swim or a stroll through Sewell Park and enjoy the clear, cool waters of the San Marcos River. The atmosphere of Sewell Park is a great representation of Texas State culture.
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Dining Options Near Campus
San Marcos is home to many wonderful local restaurants and dining options.
Here are a few we recommend:Mochas and Javas
Local coffee shop with all day breakfast and lunch menu.
Across the street from campus at Sessom Dr & LBJ Dr.Pie Society
West coast style pizza made with the highest quality fresh ingredients.
Also across the street from campus, next to M&Js.Kerbey Lane Cafe
Austin area institution serving comfort food made from locally sourced ingredients.
Across the street from campus at Sessom Dr and Aquarena Springs Dr.Bobcat Quickie
Arguably the best tacos in town, available inside of a gas station.
Two blocks from campus.North Street
Indian fusion menu, with coffee drinks and an extensive beer selection.
The Halal Project
Gyros, Shawarma, and Falafel wraps and rice plates.
Root Cellar
Long-running local fixture specializing in upscale casual dining with locally sourced ingredients.
Ivar’s River Pub
Comfort cuisine made from scratch with a beautiful view of the river.
Texas Bean and Brew House
Craft coffee and beer, breakfast & lunch served all day with indoor and outdoor seating.