Columbus is getting a little spooky tonight, in the best possible way.
Experience Columbus’ Get Goosebumps in Columbus campaign wraps up today, Thursday, Oct. 23, with a hometown celebration honoring legendary author R.L. Stine, the Columbus native who gave millions of readers chills with his Goosebumps series.
The celebration centers around the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Library, where fans and media alike will gather for a full evening of eerie fun, community pride, and neon-green lights across the city.
Event Schedule
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4:30 p.m. – Street Sign Unveiling: “R.L. Stine Way” will officially debut outside the Main Library at 96 S. Grant Ave., across from OhioHealth Grant Medical Center.
4:40–4:50 p.m. – Media Meet & Greet: A brief window for press to connect with Stine himself.
5 p.m. – Doors Open to the Public: Expect a lively scene with stilt performers, a visit from Crew Cat, and interactive stations from COSI and Experience Columbus. Fans can also snap photos in front of a towering “Goosebumps” book wall.
5–5:45 p.m. – Private Reception.
6–7 p.m. – Author Talk: The free public event sold out in just two minutes, with nearly 1,000 attendees expected to pack the Main Library for Stine’s talk.
7–8 p.m. – Book Signing: 125 lucky fans with tickets will get the chance to meet Stine up close — a perfect moment for those classic author-and-fan photo ops.
After the event, Columbus will glow in R.L. Stine’s honor.
Landmarks across the city will light up in eerie neon green, from the LeVeque Tower and City Hall to the Short North arches, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
It’s a fitting tribute to a hometown hero who turned fright into fun and inspired generations of readers to love a good scare.
