Something monstrous has returned to one of Folsom’s favorite bistro’s just off East Bidwell Street, and this time a few new faces have come along for the invasion.
Bacchus House Wine Bar and Bistro has once again transformed for spooky season, bringing back its elaborate Classic Hollywood Monsters exhibit for 2026. The collection is on display now through Nov. 1, giving visitors a chance to dine among some of the most recognizable creatures and characters from generations of movie history.
And while many familiar faces have returned, Bacchus House owner Eric Adams has expanded the collection this year with several new additions from one of Hollywood’s most recognizable science-fiction franchises.
Cornelius and Zira from the original “Planet of the Apes” have joined the exhibit this year, along with Dr. Zaius, expanding a collection that already included a tribute to the landmark 1968 film starring Charlton Heston.
The additions join Frankenstein and his Bride, The Mummy, The Wolf Man, Dracula and a collection of other characters that turn a visit to Bacchus House into something considerably different from the typical dinner out during October.
The annual display has become another of the restaurant’s signature seasonal transformations. Bacchus House, located at 1004 E. Bidwell St., has developed a reputation for going well beyond a few pumpkins and cobwebs when the holidays arrive, creating elaborate displays that combine Adams’ appreciation for classic movies, nostalgia and collectible pieces.
Adams describes the classic monsters as a connection to an earlier period of filmmaking and to the childhood memories shared by generations of moviegoers.
“I love the classic monsters,” Adams said. “It was the ‘Romantic era’ in Hollywood when most of these films were made — we’re talking from the early 1920s through the 1940s, which is reflected in the artwork, costuming, and craftsmanship in each of these one-of-a-kind Hollywood pieces. It’s just incredible to have such a collection to share with our community. These memorable monsters are familiar favorites, and other than being on the silver screen, they were under all our beds as children as well.”
The exhibit stretches well beyond Hollywood’s earliest monsters. Visitors can encounter characters and displays spanning different generations of movie history, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” E.T., Medusa and the mischievous Gremlins. Life-size pieces and movie memorabilia are positioned throughout the restaurant, turning the dining room and bar into a walk through decades of Hollywood fantasy, horror and science fiction.
Despite the collection of creatures staring back at visitors, Adams emphasizes that the attraction is intended to remain family friendly.
“While these are all technically Hollywood monsters, we have kept it family friendly,” Adams said. “Whether you are six years old or 106 years old, you will enjoy this display. These are the monsters that we all thought were under the bed when we were kids as we celebrate classic cinema of the scary nature.”
The Halloween transformation is part of a tradition that has made Bacchus House known nearly as much for its seasonal displays as its food, cocktails and live entertainment. Previous installations have included a “Wizard of Oz” tribute benefiting Shriners Children’s Northern California, while the restaurant’s extensive Christmas transformation has become another annual attraction.
For Adams, however, the monster exhibit remains rooted in sharing his collection and a bit of Hollywood nostalgia with the community.
“We love doing this for the community,” Adams said. “It’s free to come enjoy — it’s all about celebrating the season in a fun, special way.”
The 2026 Classic Hollywood Monsters exhibit is on display now through Nov. 1 at Bacchus House Wine Bar and Bistro, 1004 E. Bidwell St. in Folsom.
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