Scary times are here again: Halloween is upon us in less than a week. This year, you can make sure you're less startled and more prepared for the sweet and spooky celebration.
To help you out, Hoodline rounded up some of Sacramento's most popular Halloween institutions, from candy shops to spots to score the perfect costume.
Whatever you're trying to convey, impersonate, or hide with your Halloween getup, one of these popular Sacramento costume shops should be able to get you on the right track.
1. Evangeline's Costume Mansion
Topping the list is Old Sacramento institution Evangeline's Costume Mansion. Located at 113 K St., the costume and party shop is the highest rated in Sacramento, boasting 4.5 stars out of 194 reviews on Yelp.
The multi-level store, located on the upper floors of two historic buildings, boasts themed rooms for different types of costumes (like Gothic, historical, and fictional characters) and a large wall dedicated to wigs.
2. Decades Costumes
Next up is Old North Sacramento's Decades Costumes, situated at 1814 Del Paso Blvd. With five stars out of 44 reviews on Yelp, the establishment offers costumes both for rent and for purchase.
Yelpers praise its wide selection, good prices, and the friendly staff, who are happy to help in whipping up a costume for almost any specified concept.
3. Broadway Costumes & Theatrical Supply
North City Farms's Broadway Costumes & Theatrical Supply, located at 3945 Franklin Blvd., is another top choice, especially for its extensive selection of costume makeup, face paint and masks.
Yelpers give the shop 4.5 stars out of 26 reviews for its helpful service, good prices and high-quality makeup: handy for those looks that just aren't complete without a gory fake wound or five.
Not finding what you're looking for at local costume shops? Thrift stores are often the best sources for creative (or cash-strapped) costume seekers who are willing to let fate take a hand in their final look.
1. Thrift Town
Topping the list is Thrift Town, which boasts four stars out of 183 reviews on Yelp. Located at 5005 Stockton Blvd. in Fruitridge Manor, it's the highest rated thrift store in Sacramento, and recently had a Hollywood cameo in Greta Gerwig's Oscar-nominated Lady Bird.
Yelpers praise the store's good organization, cleanliness and wide selection of both modern and vintage clothing, shoes and accessories.
2. Goodwill
Next up is the Midtown branch of national chain Goodwill, situated at 1621 L St. With four stars out of 134 reviews on Yelp, it has proven to be a local favorite with thrifters. Though smaller than some locations, it frequently stocks seasonal items — like Halloween costumes.
3. Sacramento SPCA Thrift Store
Last but not least, Midtown's Sacramento SPCA Thrift Store, located at 1517 E St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the charity shop four stars out of 121 reviews. Its vintage themed room may have the perfect piece for a decade-themed costume; and all profits go to benefit shelter animals.
When it comes to candy choices, let's be honest: the candy isn't for the trick-or-treaters, it's for you. Before All Hallow's Eve gets here, stock up on your favorite sweets at one of these top candy shops. As for sharing your bounty — we'll leave that up to you.
1. Andy's Candy Apothecary
Topping the list is Andy's Candy Apothecary. Located at 1012 Ninth St. in Downtown, the chocolatier and traditional candy shop is the highest rated sweets store in Sacramento, boasting 4.5 stars out of 154 reviews on Yelp.
The shop offers seasonal sweets like bouncy eyeballs and candy corn, as well as a large variety of other candy by the pound or in packages (like chocolate-dipped chile mango and valencia orange peel).
2. Kobasic's Candies
Next up is the Little Pocket's Kobasic's Candies, situated at 5324 Riverside Blvd. With 4.5 stars out of 98 reviews on Yelp, this spot specializing in chocolate truffles and old-fashioned toys has proven to be a local favorite.
Reviewers especially love the chocolate caramels, which come in unusual flavors like balsamic vinegar and cayenne.
3. Candy Heaven
Finally, Old Sacramento's Candy Heaven, located at 1201 Front St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it four stars out of 245 reviews for its colorful displays of candy by the pound.
The spot is beloved of children everywhere for its generous samples and policy of giving three free pieces from any barrel with a blue sign. Many kinds are individually wrapped, making them ideal for Halloween trick-or-treaters.
