Columbus celebrates R.L. Stine's 'Goosebumps' with spooky events
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — This October, Columbus is going all out to celebrate the works of “Goosebumps” creator and Bexley native R.L. Stine.
Several events inspired by the legendary horror author have been conjured up around town for Experience Columbus's spooky season campaign, “Get Goosebumps in Columbus.”
Beginning Oct. 2, a free outdoor screening of the movie “Goosebumps” starring Jack Black will take place in the Columbus Commons at 7 p.m. The family-friendly night will include giveaways and activities. Plus, there will be a special appearance by the Columbus Crew. The team will showcase its new black “Goosebumps” kit featuring bright yellow slime that glows under ultraviolet light.
Local restaurants and bars will also participate in the fun with creepy decor, drinks and food items. Land-Grant Brewing Company's taproom will transform its establishment into “Nightmare on Town Street” for the month by adding cobwebs, cauldrons and other spooky embellishments. It will also offer customers green lime slushies as a salute to the occasion. More cocktails inspired by the books will be available at Budd Dairy Food Hall, Lincoln Social and Stories on High. Additionally, beginning mid-October, Law Bird in the Brewery District will serve up a special “Goosebumps”-themed menu.
Other businesses around central Ohio will also share in the fun. Independent bookstore, Storyline Bookshop in Upper Arlington, will host a “Goosebumps” Reading Challenge. Thrill seekers can visit ZipZone Outdoor Adventures, just north of Interstate 270, for Goosebumps and Ghouls on Oct. 24 and 25, where visitors can wear zip line-friendly costumes as they fly through the night sky. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will display painted pumpkins decorated as “Goosebumps” book covers and host a scavenger hunt from Oct. 22 through 26.
The city's signature Halloween party, HighBall Halloween, will even get a “Goosebumps” glow up. The Short North arches will light up in neon green as revelers enjoy the night.
On Oct. 23, the novelist himself, R.L. Stine, will be in Columbus for an author talk at the Columbus Metropolitan Library that will include a conversation and book signing.