Westerville, OH – If you've ever found yourself on the winding path to Gumdrop Mountain or taken a trip to Mushroom Kingdom, you'll feel right at home during this year's Wizards & Wands Festival. From October 1-31, the library will be transformed into an enchanted realm for gaming and craft lovers of all ages.
"I love seeing how excited kids are when they point out the different characters they recognize, things they remember from the year before, or finding something new around a corner! I'm looking forward to the new wandering performers during the 4th Friday Celebration—a mermaid and a living statue!" Liz D, librarian.
Gamers & Puzzlers Unite
Do you love video games, board games, or jigsaw puzzles? Experience your favorite game worlds coming to life with these events in October.
- October 1-31 - Fantasy LEGOs on Display (All Ages)
- October 1-31 - Puzzle & Game Swap (All Ages)
- October 1 - Puzzle Palooza: Dragon Challenge (Ages 18+)
- October 3 - Mario Celebration! (Ages 4-11)
- October 5 - Level Up Your Cosplay (Ages 18+)
- October 7 - Power Up! Video Game Night (Ages 8-11)
- October 8 - BINGO: Wizards & Wands Edition (Ages 2+)
- October 10 - Life-Sized Candyland (Ages 2-11)
- October 12 - Video Game Pixel Art (Ages 2-11)
- October 17 - D&D Adventure for Beginners: Library After Dark (Ages 12-18)
- October 20 - Fractured Fun: Create Your Own Puzzle! (Ages 12+)
"For me, the most wonderful time of the year doesn't happen when it's snowing. The best time is when the leaves turn multi-hued, and we prepare for the Wizards & Wands Festival. I love unpacking and putting out all of our Wizard-y decorations. It always makes me think about when I was a kid, decorating our house for various holidays with my mom. It's exciting to have a whole library to fill with fantasy fun, and I'm grateful to work with a wonderful team of creative and dedicated library staff to create the magic!" - Matt G, librarian
Crafters Get Spooky
Make your own Bigfood squishy, glow-in-the-dark art, or mini potion bottle to brighten (or darken!) your home this season.
- October 1 - Make a Magical Planter (Ages 12-18)
- October 6 - Teacup Fairy Garden (Ages 6-11)
- October 9 - Crafternoon: Paint Your Own Potions (Ages 4-7)
- October 10 - Candy Crafts (Ages 2-7)
- October 13 - Make a Magic Mini (Ages 12-18)
- October 15 - Haunted Lithopane Prints (Ages 18+)
- October 15 - Art Time: Glow-in-the-Dark Art (Ages 4-11)
- October 22 - Brushes & Beasts: Fantasy Paint-Along (Ages 18+)
- October 26 - Make Your Own Cryptid Squishy (Ages 12-18)
- October 30 - Crafternoon: Spooky Houses (Ages 4-7)
"What I love most about Wizards & Wands is, pardon the pun, the magical feeling it creates. It’s like being a kid again – experiencing the immersive décor, seeing all the amazing events staff has put together, and seeing the community come together to celebrate all month long. There’s a bewitching vibe in the air around October at the library, filled with laughter, curiosity, and pure joy. I love seeing families participate in missions and activities together and having this time to bond over fandoms and all the wonderous things the library offers." - Alexx B, librarian
Fantasy Fandoms Come to Life
Wander through the library to discover a life-sized TARDIS, a Haunted Mansion-inspired fortune teller, a old-school video game pixel paradise, and more. Then attend one of these fandom-fun events.
- October 11 - Percy Jackson: Demigod Training Camp (Ages 6+)
- October 20 - KPop Demon Hunters (Ages 4-11)
- October 26 - Descendants vs. Zombies (Ages 4-11)
"This is my favorite time of year. It's always wonderful to see how library visitors connect with their favorite books and movies when exploring the library. The transformation is unreal - while the library is the same old building, it truly feels like a more vibrant and exciting place to explore each October. Libraries make magic every day, but our families can see their magic come to life during the Wizards & Wands Festival." - Annamarie C, librarian
Animal Lovers Gather Around
Bats, hedgehogs, and reptiles, oh my! All types of creepy and crawly creatures will be visiting the library throughout the month.
- October 3 - Fantastical Hedgehog Magic Show (Ages 0-7)
- October 4 - Reptile Show | Paul's Cool Scales (Ages 4-15)
- October 5 - Bats: Shadows of the Night (Ages 6+)
- October 23 - Astounding Animals | Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (All Ages)
- October 25 - Wolves: Fact vs Myths (Ages 6+)
- October 28 - Have You Seen a Nesting Raptor? (Ages 18+)
On the evening of October 23...
The most magical library bash of the year kicks off at 4:30pm and continues to 9pm. Featured presenters for the evening include a living statue and live mermaid, a giant bubble photo op, and an enchanting sing-along for the whole family.
Be sure to stop by the library from October 1-31 and let your imagination run wild. Learn more about the Wizards & Wands Festival.
Last updated: 9/22/2026