Entry No. 2 — the Louisville file — filed under: sideshow
Caufield's Novelties
Operating since 1920, this historic theatrical supplier is recognizable by the 36-foot giant vampire bat mounted on its exterior wall. Inside, past rows of costumes and magic tricks, sits 'The Dungeon,' a year-round dimly lit walkthrough populated by animatronic monsters and mummies.
The story
Before it became a repository for fake blood and rubber masks, this operation started as a portrait studio. An Irish immigrant named Caufield opened up shop in Louisville back in 1920, but quickly realized locals were buying far more practical jokes and magic tricks than formal photographs. He put away his camera and pivoted entirely to trick items, stage supplies, and theatrical oddities.
The brick facade at 10th and Main St makes its presence clear long before you reach the front door, thanks to a 36-foot fiberglass vampire bat mounted high on the exterior wall. Inside, the shop has spent over a century stocking everything from vintage illusionist tricks to stage makeup, theatrical props, and trick novelties.
What it's like
You come for the novelty racks, but the real draw is hidden in the back room. Past the costume aisles sits 'The Dungeon,' a permanent, dimly lit walkthrough populated by animatronic monsters, mummies, and arcade fixtures like a Zoltar fortune teller humming in the dark. It operates year-round, giving you a mini-haunted house atmosphere in the middle of a working theatrical warehouse regardless of the month.
The move: Snap a photo under the massive fiberglass vampire bat mounted on the brick facade, then head into the back room to brave the year-round animatronic monster dungeon.
- 📍 Downtown / West Main District
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1006 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Flame Run Glass Studio — Walk one block over to transition from dim animatronic dungeons to watching glassblowers shape molten glass from an elevated catwalk.
- 21c Museum Hotel Louisville — Swap novelty props and rubber masks for contemporary experimental art installations just a short walk down Main Street.
- HereAfter — Head three blocks east and drop down into a basement speakeasy concealed beneath a downtown law office building.
Good to know
What is 'The Dungeon' in the back of the store?
It is a permanent, year-round walkthrough filled with animatronic monsters, mummies, and dimly lit theatrical prop displays.
What is the giant creature on the outside wall?
It is a 36-foot fiberglass vampire bat mounted directly to the exterior brick building near the corner of 10th and Main.
What kind of merchandise do they carry?
They stock costumes, theatrical stage makeup, theatrical props, magic tricks, and practical jokes.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · louise.6amcity.com · 6amcity.com · terrordaves.com · courier-journal.com · Reddit
last checked: 2026-07-21