Franklin Park Conservatory Cocktails at the Conservatory

Looking for an elevated night out? Franklin Park Conservatory, just a couple of miles from Downtown Columbus, offers a fun and unique evening for a date or with friends.

Walk and talk as you explore the Conservatory amongst lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and art installations. No matter what time of year, you’ll find seasonal exhibits and displays on the inside and outside of FPC. You’ll also find TONS of opportunities for selfies and “usies”.

Franklin Park Conservatory After Dark

While the Conservatory is typically only open until 5 pm, they stay open on select evenings throughout the year for visitors to enjoy the experience after dark. Cash bar and food is available to enjoy.

Chihuly Nights

Chihuly Nights are an amazing way to see the Conservatory after hours in a new light during Chihuly Nights.

The 18 Chihuly installations will be illuminated with the botanical gardens as a backdrop. Check out the biomes in the conservatory and the historic John F. Wolfe Palm as it’s illuminated by James Turrell’s Light Raiment II.

The Garden Café and cash bar will be available and Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse will be open during the event and have Chihuly merchandise in stock.

Hours are 7 pm -10 pm. Special admission is $16-$26.50 for non-members, and discounted admission for members. Access rates are available. It’s an amazing date night idea! 

Through Museums for All, participants in SNAP, EBT, WIC & Medicaid and Access members receive special engagement admission for $3. Museum for All tickets can be reserved

Chihuly Nights for 2026

January 31
February 28
March 21
April 25
May 30
September 5
October 3
November 7

See calendar for details. 

Cocktails at the Conservatory

Enjoy fun nights with friends or a date at a venue like no other on select Thursdays from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Each event features a new theme, a rotating cast of local drink vendors, live music, and more.

The entire Conservatory is open for you to explore after hours. Spend time with friends, enjoy the scenery, take pictures and more:

Savor local sips and snacks as you revel in the gardens at golden hour. Ages 21+ only. Tickets are $35 for non-members, $30 for members. Details here.

January 15 – Cold as Ice. Embrace the chill and kick off the Conservatory’s Ice Festival with this 21+ experience! The evening includes perfectly chilled, ready-to-drink cocktail samples, served right over ice while you enjoy festive outdoor lights, ice carving and an outdoor skating rink. Bundle up and toast to the heart of winter! 

February 13-14 – Hearts and High Stakes. Two-night revival of Roaring 20’s during the most romantic weekend of the year. Get your exclusive ticket to either Friday or Saturday (or both!) to experience the Conservatory after dark while sampling unique, prohibition-inspired cocktails from local distilleries. Enjoy live jazz, test your luck at casino games, and perhaps find your way into a hidden speakeasy… Dress in your finest for an unforgettable, adults-only evening of glitz and glam! 

April 16 – Petals and Prosecco. Step into the Conservatory at the height of spring blooms for the garden party of the season! Sip sparkling wine and bubbly samples from local wineries and wine shops and enjoy the ambiance set by a live acoustic duo while you explore the Conservatory’s beautiful floral displays. Gather your friends for this sophisticated night of blooms and bubbly! 

May 1 – A Night at the Races. Break out your sharpest suits and most extravagant hats… And They’re Off! A Kentucky Derby Inspired Pre-Party! Join us after hours to roam the exhibits while sampling themed cocktails and fine wines that capture the spirit of Churchill Downs. Test your knowledge in our Derby-themed trivia and compete to win bragging rights in our hat contest. This 21+ event is your chance to dress up and raise a glass to the most exciting two minutes in sports! 

July 17 – Summer of Sangria. Celebrate the long days and warm nights of summer with a sangria celebration at the Conservatory! Wander the gardens as they burst with color and fragrance, all while sampling a variety of refreshing, fruit-filled sangrias provided by local vendors. This relaxed evening is the perfect way to socialize with friends, enjoy the beautiful summer atmosphere, and cheers to the season! 

August 6 – From Vine to Vintage. Celebrate the journey of the grape, from vineyard to glass! Taste delicious wines from local vineyards, sampling selections that showcase the diversity of the growing season. Enjoy live music throughout the evening and challenge your friends to a fun botanical scavenger hunt through the lush gardens and exhibits. It’s the perfect evening to socialize, learn about wine, and explore the Conservatory after hours! 

September 24 – Ultimate TAILgate. Grab your crew — and your furry friends! — for our biggest sports-themed blowout! Sample an unbeatable lineup of craft beers and hard seltzers from top local breweries and vendors. The gloves are off as you compete in classic games like cornhole, inflatable football toss, darts, and foosball, all set to the beats of a live DJ. Don’t have a dog? No problem — all 21+ guests are welcome for a night of friendly competition and spirited fun with our canine companions! 

October 29 – Spirits & Spells. Leave the trick-or-treating to the kids, because tonight – the Conservatory is strictly 21+ and completely child-free, and local distilleries are excited to share their spooky cocktails with you. This is the ultimate escape for friends and date nights looking for maximum fun and zero doorbell duty! 

December 2-3 – Sleigh Bell Sips. We are celebrating the season with two nights of 21+ access to the magic of Conservatory Aglow. Stroll through thousands of festive lights, including the signature light tunnel, whimsical penguin village, and projected winter scenes—all completely kid-free. Each night features a different lineup of local breweries and mixologists serving up a wide variety of holiday cocktails and seasonal beer samples. It’s the perfect occasion to grab your group, soak in the festive cheer! 

These special evening engagements at Franklin Park Conservatory are a unique and fun way to explore the indoor and outdoor botanical displays, gardens, and exhibitions with friends or a special person in your life! 

Want more details about Franklin Park Conservatory? Check out our article about FPC including seasonal events, discounts, exhibits, and more.

Through Museums for All, participants in SNAP, EBT, WIC & Medicaid and Access members receive special engagement admission for $3.

Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory: Ice Carving, Skating, and more

Free Community Day and more at Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E Broad St
Columbus, OH 43203
614.715.8000
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