Legendary Kentucky Halloween Shop to Host Classic Horror Movie Night

Kentucky’s Most Legendary Halloween Store

Halloween is right around the corner, and I keep seeing the spookiest, most creative events this year. In Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park will be hosting a glass pumpkin patch as a fundraiser for the Thoroughbred Retirement Fund. In Evansville, haunted Willard Library will be hosting an Eerie Curiosities event. In Vincennes, Indiana, you can join hundreds of witches who roam the streets on their magical bicycles. And there are so many other fun things to do.

But today, I ran across not only an event that looks super fun but also a place in Kentucky that’s worth the drive to Louisville.

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A Louisville Landmark With a Spooky Past

Nestled just a couple of blocks from the Ohio River, right down the street from the Louisville Slugger Museum, lies Kentucky’s largest theatrical and novelty shop. Opened in 1920 by Irish immigrant and photographer Keran S. Caufield, the shop has quite the backstory. Using the last few dollars from a car accident settlement, he bought practical jokes to keep his customers entertained while developing their photos. Eventually, the novelty side of the business outpaced the photography side, and it’s been going strong for more than a hundred years.

Even better, the business is still in the family. Caufield’s grandchildren now run the store, located at 1006 W. Main St. in Louisville.

The Three Things Caufield’s Is Known For

The shop is famous for three main attractions. First, there’s the World’s Largest Vampire Bat, a 36-foot "sleeping" bat on the side of the building that pays homage to the nearby Louisville Slugger Museum and the store’s love of Halloween.

Second, there’s the Dungeon. In the basement, past all the Halloween masks, you’ll find a small haunted house with scenes from classic horror films and animatronic ghouls.

Finally, most locals know Caufield’s for its hearse, a 1947 hot rod ambulance that sits in front of the store, greeting visitors and setting the spooky scene. Check out this fun video. I love the surprise in back!

Aside from all the photo ops, you can buy costumes, makeup, party supplies, and even vintage collectibles. Oh, and of course, practical jokes! It’s considered Louisville’s premier Halloween destination, but I’d say it ranks among Kentucky’s top three Halloween spots.

Read More: The Red River Gorge in Kentucky Has a ‘Terrifying’ Secret

1935 Vintage Horror in 2025

This year, Caufield’s is hosting a “drive-in” style horror movie event. On October 17th and 18th, they’ll be showing the 1935 classic The Bride of Frankenstein on authentic 16MM film, just as it appeared when it first hit theaters.

Event Details:

• Dates: October 17th & 18th
• Doors Open: 7 PM
• Showtimes: 8 PM and 10 PM
• Location: Caufield’s Novelty – 2nd Floor Screening Room
• Tickets: Available in person, cash only
• $12 Adults
• $6 Children under 13
• Concessions: Georgetown Drive-In will provide popcorn, candy, drinks, pretzels, and nachos.
• It’s two nights of vintage terror and flickering shadows at one of Kentucky’s most unique Halloween destinations.

Would you make the drive to Louisville for this spooky classic? For more info, visit their website.

Read More: Stargazer’s Guide to October: Harvest Supermoon, Meteor Showers, and the Seven Sisters 

Source: https://loutoday.6amcity.com/history-of-caufields-novelties-louisville-ky