We've tracked down Philly’s witchiest, creepiest, and most delightfully eerie shops and bars to get you ready for the spookiest night of the year.
Harry’s World (Washington Square West)
At this South Street shop, you’ll find everyday crystals, tarot decks, smudge sticks, and gemstone bracelets. The website offers guides on everything from using Amethyst crystals to starting a ritual with candles, incense, and oils.
Witchy Philly Candle Co. (Online and Local Pop-Ups)
Owner Charlie Hess makes these witchy candles out of her South Philly home. Each candle features crystals that have been charged under a full moon on a selenite plate (known for its ethereal glow and ability to cleanse and purify energy). The candles are made with 100% soy wax and environmentally-friendly wicks. Grab a Frankincense and Myrrh or Apples and Bourbon Witchy Philly candle at local events this month, including Hound-O-Ween at Liberty Lands Park and at East Passyunk Fall Fest.
Doom Bar (Callowhill)
The centerpiece of this metal bar is a giant spine chandelier made of real bones, and that tells you everything you need to know about why this place made the list. After you’ve ordered an Unholy Word cocktail with whiskey and Sangre de Cristo (which literally means blood of Christ), and an order of bone marrow served with garlic bread, parsley, and pickled shallots, explore Doom’s small collection of metal vinyl and its wall of local art upstairs. If you’re looking to get down with the likes of zombies this weekend, join Doom’s Night of the Living Dead party this Friday.
The Mütter Museum Gift Shop (Rittenhouse)
The medical history museum, known for its vast collection of medical and anatomical oddities, is one of the creepiest and most fascinating museums I’ve ever been to, and its little gift shop has some of the coolest posters, jewelry, and apparel (think 3D skulls, wax heart candles, and megacolon plushies). A special exhibition on the medical and scientific items that inspired Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” will be on display Saturdays through Nov. 12.
The End Times Boutique (Fishtown)
Oddities abound at this shop, where you can find anything from a large jar of preserved cicadas to creepy dolls and old-fashioned coal mine respirators. It has a large collection of taxidermy and medical collectors' items. Owner Adam Hutter is also the owner and operator of the World Oddities Expo.
