Unravel the Mystery: Uptown Clue Returns to Westerville for a Summer of Intrigue and Laughter

Uptown Westerville is set to host the highly anticipated return of “Uptown Clue,” a unique interactive outdoor murder mystery experience. This engaging event promises a compelling blend of comedic performance, improvisation, and audience participation, inviting community members and visitors alike to step into the role of a detective. The 2025 season of “Uptown Clue” officially kicks off on Saturday, May 31 1, offering a distinctive opportunity to explore the charming, historic Uptown district while collaborating to solve an absurd and mysterious crime.1

The presence of “Uptown Clue” within Westerville’s event calendar highlights a notable evolution in the town’s approach to public entertainment. Historically recognized as the “Dry Capital of the World” due to its strong opposition to alcohol, Westerville now actively celebrates this heritage with events like the annual Uptown Untapped Craft Beer Festival, drawing thousands to its streets.4 The simultaneous embrace of a theatrical walking tour like “Uptown Clue” demonstrates a dynamic shift in the city’s engagement with its community and visitors. This diversification of offerings, from a beer festival that playfully reinterprets its past to an immersive theatrical experience, indicates a strategic effort by local organizations, such as Uptown Westerville Inc., to cultivate a vibrant, multi-faceted destination. This approach aims to appeal to a broader spectrum of interests, driving economic activity and positioning Uptown Westerville as a hub for varied cultural and entertainment experiences, leveraging both its rich history and its evolving appeal.5

The Case Awaits: What to Expect from Uptown Clue

“Uptown Clue” transforms participants into a team of detectives embarking on an outdoor adventure through the heart of Uptown Westerville. The experience is guided by a comedic duo who introduce an ensemble of exaggerated suspects, inviting the audience to actively collaborate with the characters to unravel an absurd and mysterious crime.1 This immersive format encourages direct engagement, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.

The production is infused with Good Medicine Productions’ distinctive artistic flair, combining comedic performance, improvisation, and audience participation with their “signature silliness”.1 This ensures a lively and unpredictable experience for attendees. For those planning to attend, the event is designed to be accessible and convenient. Each tour has a runtime of approximately 75 minutes, making it a manageable and engaging activity for an evening out.1 It is recommended for ages 7 and up, reinforcing its family-friendly nature.1 The show is prepared to proceed “rain or shine,” ensuring that weather conditions will not deter the mystery from unfolding.1 All tours begin at Birdie Books, located at 74 North State Street, providing a clear and central meeting point for all participants.1

The selection of Birdie Books as the starting location for “Uptown Clue” is more than just a logistical choice; it reflects a deliberate strategy to integrate the event directly with local commerce. By commencing the tour at a specific local business, Good Medicine Productions and its partners, Uptown Westerville Inc., actively channel foot traffic to the establishment. This connection not only potentially encourages pre-show browsing or purchases at Birdie Books but also familiarizes attendees with the array of other local shops and eateries in the vicinity. This approach fulfills Uptown Westerville Inc.’s broader mission of supporting local businesses and enhancing the economic vitality of the district.6 The event thus becomes a conduit for local economic support, demonstrating a holistic approach to community development where entertainment directly benefits local merchants.

Your Mission Briefing: Dates, Times, and Tickets

“Uptown Clue” is a limited-engagement event for the 2025 season. Performances are scheduled for Saturdays, beginning May 31 and concluding on June 28, 2025.1 There will be two showtimes available each Saturday: an early evening performance at 4:30 p.m. and a later show at 7:00 p.m..1

Tickets for “Uptown Clue” are priced at $25 per person.1 They can be purchased online, and attendees will receive a confirmation email upon purchase, as there are no physical tickets issued for this walking tour.1 It is important to note that while some past information may reference 2024 dates as concluded 7, the most recent and comprehensive details confirm the event’s return for its 2025 run, with the information updated as recently as June 28, 2025.1 This ensures that prospective attendees have access to the most current and accurate scheduling.

For quick reference, key details about the “Uptown Clue” event are summarized below:

Detail	Description
Dates	Saturdays, May 31 – June 28, 2025
Showtimes	4:30 PM & 7:00 PM
Starting Location	Birdie Books, 74 N. State St., Uptown Westerville
Cost	$25 per ticket
Runtime	75 minutes
Age Recommendation	Ages 7 and up
Organizer	Good Medicine Productions
Key Partners	Uptown Westerville Inc., Visit Westerville
Charitable Contribution	Portion of ticket sales supports Good Medicine’s pediatric & nursing home program

Behind the Mystery: Good Medicine Productions

The creative force behind “Uptown Clue” is Good Medicine Productions, a non-profit theatrical performance company dedicated to bringing “transformative joy” to audiences of all ages. Their mission is achieved through the art of improvisation, comedic performance, and innovative storytelling.2 The company specializes in high-energy, engaging creations that often feature larger-than-life characters and are typically found performed “on the street, rarely in a theater”.8

Good Medicine Productions boasts a diverse portfolio of public performances, demonstrating their expertise in crafting unique, immersive theatrical experiences. Beyond “Uptown Clue,” their notable productions include the “Uptown Ghost Story Tours,” which weave eerie tales into a historical walking tour; “Uptown Scrooge: Abridged!,” an interactive, fast-paced rendition of “A Christmas Carol”; and “Whiskey Wars: A Speakeasy Dinner Theater Event,” an interactive mystery set in Westerville’s Prohibition era.8 These examples underscore the company’s versatility and commitment to engaging audiences in unconventional and memorable ways.

A significant aspect of Good Medicine Productions’ work, and a compelling reason to support “Uptown Clue,” is its charitable impact. A portion of every ticket sale for “Uptown Clue” directly supports Good Medicine Productions’ year-round pediatric and nursing home program.1 Through this signature initiative, professional comedic performers work in pairs to provide one-on-one entertainment to children and the elderly in central Ohio medical facilities. The program’s goal is to empower individuals in often powerless situations and to use humor and parody to reduce anxiety, sadness, and isolation within medical environments.8 This demonstrates an “art for good” model, where cultural events serve as direct mechanisms for social impact. The support received from organizations like the Ohio Arts Council, which allocates state tax dollars to fund quality arts experiences, further indicates a public investment in artistic endeavors that yield both economic benefits through tourism and local business support, and profound social benefits through community programs.1 This elevates “Uptown Clue” beyond mere entertainment, positioning it as a community-enriching initiative where local arts organizations intertwine their creative endeavors with direct social responsibility.

The cast of “Uptown Clue” includes experienced performers such as LauraLee, whose background spans outdoor concert venues, upscale malls, local radio, and various theater productions. Her notable roles in musicals and plays further attest to the professional caliber of the production.1

Uptown Westerville: The Perfect Setting for Intrigue

Uptown Westerville provides an ideal backdrop for the “Uptown Clue” mystery, offering a unique and enjoyable alternative to conventional shopping and dining experiences. This historic district is characterized by its charming streets lined with boutique shops, a variety of local eateries, cozy coffee shops, wineries, and bakeries.5 Its vibrant atmosphere invites exploration and engagement, making it more than just a setting but an integral part of the “Uptown Clue” adventure.

The event is deeply rooted in the collaborative efforts of Uptown Westerville Inc. (UWI) and Visit Westerville. These organizations are profoundly committed to bolstering local businesses, fostering community engagement, and enhancing the economic vitality of the Uptown district.6 UWI, as an Ohio Main Street Community, adheres to the Main Street Approach, a comprehensive revitalization strategy that emphasizes organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality.6 Their efforts include organizing numerous community events designed to attract visitors, thereby increasing foot traffic and exposure for local merchants.6

While specific economic impact data for “Uptown Clue” is not explicitly available 6, the broader impact of UWI-organized events is substantial. In 2023, the estimated economic impact of UWI events was $2.5 million spent in Uptown businesses.6 This figure underscores the significant value that community events bring to the local economy and highlights the importance of continued support for such initiatives. The design of “Uptown Clue” as an outdoor walking tour directly aligns with UWI’s economic development objectives. By guiding participants through the streets of Uptown, the event not only provides entertainment but also serves as a dynamic advertisement for the surrounding businesses. This encourages attendees to explore local establishments, dine, shop, and engage with the community, maximizing the event’s indirect economic benefit.6 This strategic design indicates a sophisticated understanding by event organizers of how to craft cultural experiences that simultaneously entertain and serve as engines for local economic revitalization, creating a mutually beneficial scenario for both attendees and the Uptown business community.

Uptown Westerville’s event calendar is diverse, featuring popular gatherings such as the Uptown Untapped Craft Beer Festival, which celebrates the town’s unique anti-Prohibition heritage.4 “Uptown Clue” stands out within this vibrant schedule as a distinct interactive theatrical experience, offering a different flavor of engagement for visitors.

A Collaborative Clue: Partnerships and Community Support

The successful staging of “Uptown Clue” is a testament to a robust collaborative effort involving several key organizations. The primary partners in bringing this unique experience to life are Good Medicine Productions, which provides the creative content and theatrical expertise; Uptown Westerville Inc., which focuses on local business support and community development; and Visit Westerville, dedicated to driving tourism to the city through event promotion and visitor services.1

Further support for “Uptown Clue” comes from significant institutional backing, including the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) and The Columbus Foundation.1 The OAC, a state agency, plays a crucial role in funding and supporting quality arts experiences across Ohio, aiming to strengthen communities culturally, educationally, and economically.2 The involvement of these diverse stakeholders illustrates a comprehensive local ecosystem for events. Good Medicine Productions contributes the unique artistic product, Uptown Westerville Inc. provides the essential local context and integration with businesses, and Visit Westerville handles the broader promotion to attract visitors from beyond the immediate area. The Ohio Arts Council provides foundational arts funding, ensuring the artistic quality and reach of such initiatives. This interconnectedness ensures not only the effective execution of the event but also its broader reach, long-term sustainability, and positive ripple effects across various community sectors, including arts, tourism, and the local economy. This collaboration exemplifies how diverse organizations can converge to create impactful experiences that benefit the entire community.

Beyond the Clues: Why This Event Matters

“Uptown Clue” offers more than just an evening of entertainment; it presents a unique, family-friendly interactive adventure that encourages active participation and critical thinking.1 It taps into a broader trend in consumer preferences, where immersive, participatory experiences are increasingly sought after over passive entertainment. For Uptown Westerville, this event is a key component of its destination marketing strategy. It provides a unique and memorable experience that helps differentiate Uptown Westerville from other areas, attracting visitors who seek active engagement and distinctive cultural offerings.12 This positions “Uptown Clue” as a forward-thinking initiative that contributes to Westerville’s appeal as a vibrant, engaging, and unique place to visit and spend leisure time, thereby fostering long-term tourism and economic growth.

Beyond the immediate enjoyment, attending “Uptown Clue” contributes to broader community engagement and local support. The event encourages attendees to arrive early or stay late to explore Uptown’s diverse array of shops, restaurants, and attractions, further reinforcing the economic benefits that such events bring to local businesses.5 Furthermore, participation in “Uptown Clue” directly supports Good Medicine Productions’ vital pediatric and nursing home programs, adding a significant layer of social responsibility to the entertainment choice.1 This allows attendees to enjoy a captivating experience while simultaneously contributing to a meaningful charitable cause within the community.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Solve the Case!

With its unique blend of mystery, comedy, and community engagement, “Uptown Clue” is poised to be a highlight of Westerville’s summer calendar. This limited-engagement event offers an unparalleled opportunity for family fun and a chance to explore the vibrant Uptown district in a new, interactive way. Secure tickets promptly for this captivating experience, and join the ranks of detectives ready to unravel the absurd and mysterious crime. Your participation not only promises an unforgettable evening but also supports local businesses and Good Medicine Productions’ vital community programs.1

Works cited

1. Uptown Clue – GOOD MEDICINE PRODUCTIONS, accessed May 29, 2025, https://www.goodmedicineproductions.org/uptown-clue.html
2. GOOD MEDICINE PRODUCTIONS – Home, accessed May 29, 2025, https://www.goodmedicineproductions.org/
3. Uptown Clue 2025 – Westerville – AllEvents, accessed May 29, 2025, https://allevents.in/westerville/uptown-clue-2025/200028168879033
4. www.thewestervillenews.com, accessed May 29, 2025, https://www.thewestervillenews.com/p/ill-drink-to-that
5. Westerville Visitors Guide | 2025 by 614mediagroup – Issuu, accessed May 29, 2025, https://issuu.com/614media/docs/westerville_visitors_guide_2025
6. UWI FAQ | Uptown Westerville Inc, accessed May 29, 2025, https://uptownwestervilleinc.com/uwi-faq/
7. Walking Events | Uptown Westerville Inc, accessed May 29, 2025, https://uptownwestervilleinc.com/uwi-presents/walking-events/
8. About – GOOD MEDICINE PRODUCTIONS, accessed May 29, 2025, https://www.goodmedicineproductions.org/about.html
9. Events – good medicine productions, accessed May 29, 2025, https://www.goodmedicineproductions.org/events.html
10. About Visit Westerville, accessed May 29, 2025, https://www.visitwesterville.org/about/
11. Visit Westerville | Westerville, OH 43081 – Experience Columbus, accessed May 29, 2025, https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/listing/visit-westerville/5405/
12. THE BEST 5 Columbus Walking Tours (w/Prices) – Viator, accessed May 29, 2025, https://www.viator.com/Columbus-tours/Walking-Tours/d23485-g16-c56
13. Columbus Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour, accessed May 29, 2025, https://www.scavengerhuntwalkingtours.com/scavenger-hunts/columbus/