Fall beauty and Pumpkins Aglow returns to Franklin Park Conservatory

It’s about to get spooky fun at Franklin Park Conservatory with Pumpkins Aglow!

Experience the magic of the harvest season at the Conservatory under the stars, surrounded by glowing pumpkins and enchanting scenery.

While the Harvest Blooms exhibition is the daytime attraction in the fall, Pumpkins Aglow comes alive in the evening. The fall favorite tradition is held on select evenings in October 2023 throughout the gardens of the Conservatory.

open mic night at FPC Valentine's Chihuly

photo courtesy of Franklin Park Conservatory

Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

October 11–15, 18–22 & 25-29, 2023. Hours are 5 pm – 9 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays; 5 pm – 10 pm on Fridays & Saturdays.

Visitors will find enchanting decorations throughout the gardens, a spooky forest, a foggy creek, and a ghostly graveyard.

There are two Pumpkin Houses, plus singing jack o’ lanterns, dancing skeletons and more hiding in the gardens.

Enjoy live entertainment every night from 6-8 pm at the Lower West Terrace.

October 11-15: Matt Jergens Light Up Juggling
October 18-22: Wheel of Death; Cincinnati Circus
October 25-29: Sway Pole Witch & Spider Stilt Walker

The family-fun event features activities and crafts every night from 6 pm – 8 pm in the Pergola in the Grand Mallway.

Spooky Sand Art: $4 per craft
Spooky Spin Art: $3 per craft
Fortune Teller: Included in admission
Face Painter: Included in admission
Pumpkin Lawn Games: Included in admission
Family Dance Space: Included in admission

Pumpkins Aglow includes exhibitions, gardens and collections, and Botanica Gift Shop and Greenhouse. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden will close at dusk.

Don’t miss the glass pumpkin patch. Fall decorations and glass pumpkins made by local artists are available for purchase.

Hungry? Thirsty?

The Conservatory’s Garden Café is open every night, and rotating food trucks will be available. The bar will be serving beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails.

Admission and discounts for Pumpkins Aglow

Pumpkins Aglow requires special engagement rates, and discounts may not apply.

Tickets are $26/ages 13-59, $22/ages 60+, $15.50/ages 3-12, free under 3. Members get 1/2 off for special admission rates.

Admissions for Museums for All (SNAP, EBT, WIC and Medicaid Participants) is $3.

Tickets are available NOW! They can sell out, so Purchase tickets on the website.

Members can get free tickets!

Members can carve pumpkins that will be put on display, and get up to 4 free tickets! $35 Access Memberships are available to those who qualify.

Other fun you can enjoy this Fall at Franklin Park Conservatory

Glass Pumpkin Sale

September 22-24, 2023

Hundreds of beautiful glass pumpkins and autumnal goods made by local artists will be available for sale. It’s free to shop! The sale will also be available during Pumpkins Aglow in October, but special admission for Pumpkins Aglow is required.

image: Franklin Park Conservatory

Harvest Blooms

September 23 – October 29, 2023

Harvest Blooms instills the Conservatory’s outdoor gardens and courtyards with the magic of the harvest season. Thousands of pumpkins, mums and ornamental cabbages decorate the landscape while two spectacular Pumpkin Houses stand ready to welcome guests.

Check the fall foliage report each Thursday to find out where you’ll find the best fall color each weekend!

credit: FPC

Paul Busse Garden Railway

June 3, 2023 – January 7, 2024. The popular exhibition is back, and features model trains whirling through unique botanical themes on 1,122 feet of track in the Grand Mallway.

Travel alongside 9 g-scale model trains to immerse yourself in Fairytale Land, Wild West Town, European Travels and the animal-themed Who Lives Here. The exhibit will be lit up and decorated for fall.

See the trains weave through the miniature world of 51 botanical models made from all-natural plant material, including an enchanted tree hollow, two waterfalls, a bubbling brook, and plantings specific to each theme.