COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus is leaning into its spooky roots this fall with a citywide celebration honoring hometown horror legend R.L. Stine. The “Get Goosebumps in Columbus” campaign, launched by Experience Columbus on Aug. 5, coincides with the release of Stine’s newest book, Goosebumps House of Shivers #5: The Last Sleepover, and the 10th anniversary of the Goosebumps movie.
Known worldwide for his Goosebumps and Fear Street series, Stine grew up in nearby Bexley before selling more than 400 million books globally. The campaign invites visitors to explore Halloween attractions across the city while celebrating the author’s lasting impact on generations of readers.
“Columbus offers an alternative to overcrowded Halloween destinations,” said Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer for Experience Columbus. “Here, you can take in peak fall foliage while enjoying authentic, ‘Goosebumps’-inspired fun at top attractions, restaurants and bars.”
R.L. Stine Returns Home
A highlight of the monthlong celebration will be Stine’s Oct. 23 appearance at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Library. The free event includes a conversation about his latest book and a signing session, with tickets available starting Aug. 28. That evening, City Hall, the Short North arches, and other landmarks will glow neon green in his honor.
Kicking Off with a Free Movie Night
The festivities begin Oct. 2 with a free outdoor screening of Goosebumps at Columbus Commons, part of Downtown Columbus Inc.’s Sunset Movie Series. The event will feature special giveaways, appearances by the Columbus Crew, and a showcase of the team’s UV-activated “Goosebumps™ Kit” by adidas—the first of its kind in MLS.
Food, Drinks, and Fear
Restaurants and bars across Columbus will join the celebration with themed menus and cocktails. Law Bird will debut a special Goosebumps menu in mid-October, while Land-Grant Brewing Co. transforms its taproom into “Nightmare on Town Street” complete with eerie décor and a signature green lime slushie.
Spooky Attractions Across the City
From a “Goosebumps” reading challenge at Storyline Bookshop to Halloween-themed night flights at ZipZone Outdoor Adventures, the campaign includes dozens of events. Franklin Park Conservatory will host a Goosebumps-inspired scavenger hunt Oct. 22–26, while HighBall Halloween on Oct. 25 will incorporate the theme under the glow of neon green arches in the Short North.
Full event details and a special interview with Stine are available at ExperienceColumbus.com/Halloween.
