Get Goosebumps in Columbus

Columbus, Ohio has long been an ideal place to spend spooky season.

The annual witch/warlock paddle down the Scioto River and HighBall Halloween, the nation’s most elaborate costume party are well known Halloween happenings

Less well known is that Columbus is the hometown of legendary horror author R.L. Stine,

In celebration of the Bexley native and aligned with the August release of his latest book, “Goosebumps House of Shivers #5: The Last Sleepover,” and the 10th anniversary of the “Goosebumps” film, Experience Columbus is launching a new campaign. 

Get Goosebumps in Columbus invites visitors to celebrate Halloween in the place where Stine’s career began.

“R.L. Stine is one of the best-selling authors of all time with more than 400 million books sold worldwide and his ‘Goosebumps’ and ‘Fear Street’ series inspiring generations of readers,” said Sarah Townes, ECI, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.

“Get Goosebumps in Columbus gives us an exciting opportunity to celebrate the city’s literary history and authentically unique Halloween experiences.”

R.L. Stine Returns to Columbus October 23 

Anchoring the monthlong celebration is a special talk with R.L. Stine presented by Experience Columbus and Columbus Metropolitan Library. Happening Thursday, October 23, at 6 p.m. in Main Library’s Reading Room, the event features a conversation with Stine about his newest book, followed by a book signing. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required and will be available beginning at 9 a.m. August 28.

City Hall, the Short North arches, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and more local landmarks light up neon green that night to welcome Stine home.

Free Family Movie Night

Kicking off the monthlong celebration is a free outdoor screening of “Goosebumps” on Thursday, October 2, at 7 p.m. at Columbus Commons, part of Downtown Columbus, Inc.’s Sunset Movie Series presented in partnership with CAPA. The film stars Jack Black as Stine and reflects on the lasting legacy of the “Goosebumps” franchise. In addition to two films starring Black, Stine’s books were popularized even more when they became a TV series in the 90s. The series is reaching a new generation of fans through the Disney+ series “Goosebumps: The Vanishing,” now in its second season.

Experience Columbus will be the official nonprofit partner of the night, bringing special activations and giveaways. The Columbus Crew will also join in on the fun. See their “The Goosebumps™ Kit” by adidas in person. Released ahead of the 2025 MLS season, the black kit features bright yellow slime that activates under ultraviolet light, making it the first kit in MLS history to feature UV-activated technology.

“Goosebumps”-Inspired Food & Drink

Recognized as one of America’s “Next Great Food Cities,” according to Food & Wine, Columbus restaurants and bars are having fun with the city’s celebration with offerings ranging from a special “Goosebumps”-themed menu at Law Bird starting in mid-October to cocktails inspired by the books at Budd Dairy Food Hall, Land-Grant Brewing Co., Lincoln Social and Stories on High. Land-Grant’s taproom is also undergoing a transformation for the month of October. The brewery will become Nightmare on Town Street, filled with over-the-top spooky scenes, cauldrons and dripping with cobwebs.

Reading Challenges, Themed Zip Lining, Scavenger Hunts & More 

The city’s attractions, bookstores, outdoor experiences and more are taking part itoo. Storyline Bookshop will host a “Goosebumps” Reading Challenge, while ZipZone Outdoor Adventures will offer a special Halloween-themed night flight. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will feature a special “Goosebumps”–inspired scavenger hunt October 22-26, along with a display of painted pumpkins decorated by members portraying their favorite “Goosebumps” book covers. HighBall Halloween returns to High Street on Saturday, October 25, and will incorporate elements of “Goosebumps” theme under the neon green glow of Short North arches.

To learn more and read a special interview with Stine where he shares his favorite local spots, visit ExperienceColumbus.com/Halloween.