While the setting of Stranger Things in fictional Hawkins, Indiana, may not actually be on the map, there is a very real Halloween Headquarters right here in Columbus. Spooky season is upon us, and it is the perfect ramp-up to the final season of the hit Netflix series, where we find out what fates befall Eleven, Max, and their friends. Not only is Columbus a Halloween hotspot for fall fun, but we also have our own little slice of the Upside Down.

For Stranger Things superfans: here is how you can have a Stranger Things day (or weekend) in Columbus:

 

Winston's Coffee and Waffles

Source: Winston's Coffee & Waffles.

 

Mornings are for coffee and contemplation.

Kick off your day with a retro brunch, including piles of the best waffles in town that Eleven would surely approve of.

  • Winston’s Coffee & Waffles
    • Clintonville Location: 3589 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214
    • East Market Location: 212 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
  • Tommy’s Diner
    • 914 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43222
  • HangOverEasy
    • Olde Towne East Location: 51 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
    • University District Location: 1646 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
  • Drunch Eatery
    • 995 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
  • The Mercury Diner
    • 621 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206

 

A group of people playing at Gamegrounds

Source: Gamegrounds.

 

Hit up these arcades for some retro favorites.

Enjoy family-friendly games, themed adult beverages, and a trip back in time with vintage pinball and other throwback favorites!

 

Immersive art experience at Otherworld in Columbus

Otherworld. Source: Experience Columbus.

 

Enter Columbus’ version of the Upside Down at Otherworld or Prototype.

You won’t want to miss this immersive and interactive art museum based on science fiction and fantasy elements. And don’t worry – no Demogorgons here.

Otherworld
5819 Chantry Dr, Columbus, OH 43232

Prototype: The Experimental Museum
540 Maier Pl, Columbus, OH 43215

 

An exterior shot of Ritzy's

Source: Ritzy's.

 

Get the “Scoops Ahoy” experience at these old-school ice cream shops.

From classic scoops to creative concoctions with mix-ins (and plenty of sprinkles), check out these beloved ice cream shops around town.

Read: Find the best frozen treats in Columbus.

 

Drexel - 2025 - 3x2

The Drexel. Source: Experience Columbus.

 

Take in a flick at an artsy movie theater with a blast from the past.

Instead of a video rental, hit up one of our independent art house theaters for new releases or a cult classic from decades ago. Chances are, you may be able to catch a movie straight out of the ‘70s or ‘80s.

 

big fun 2

Source: Big Fun Columbus.

 

Embrace your inner kid with retro toys and games galore.

These specialty shops in the Short North neighborhood are brimming with novelty toys and collector’s items from across the decades.

 

Retro furniture, mannequins, clothing and home decor on the floor of Flower Child Vintage store

Vintage shopping at Flower Child Columbus. Source: Flower Child.

 

Forget online shopping and get nostalgic.

Columbus is your shopping destination, filled with multiple malls and entertainment experiences. For some funky fun, check out the best places to thrift in town for authentic ‘70s and ‘80s fits and accessories.

Read: The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting, Antiquing, and Vintage Shopping in Columbus
Read: Top Places to Shop in Columbus

 

Bust out the roller skates.

Tease up your hair, throw on some hoops, and take a lap. Head over to these skating rinks to try out some smooth moves.

 

Columbus has all the Midwest charm of Hawkins, without the monsters and out-of-control science experiments. You’re sure to have a strange (but memorable) time, trust us. Friends don’t lie. And no “mouthbreathers” allowed.