After-dark Franklin Park Conservatory nights with more than 700 hand-carved pumpkins, themed garden scenes, live performers, food trucks, and a straw-bale maze from October 7 through November 1.
Pumpkins Aglow lights Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens after dark from October 7 through November 1, 2026. Evening hours run 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays during the published date blocks. On those nights the Conservatory closes to daytime general admission at 4:00 p.m. and reopens at 5:00 for ticketed Aglow guests.
More than 700 hand-carved pumpkins fill themed outdoor scenes, from spiders and pirates to mermaids and aliens, plus the signature pumpkin house photo stop. Live entertainers perform at the Pergola, food trucks rotate weekly, the Garden Cafe and bar stay open, and a new straw-bale maze joins the crafts and glass pumpkin patch. Interior biomes and the Chihuly collection are lit for the evening visit.
This is a special-engagement ticket separate from Harvest Blooms daytime admission, and many dates sell out. Reserve ahead on fpconservatory.org. Note that Friday, October 16 tickets were constrained at launch and Thursday, October 29 is blocked for a 21-plus Cocktails at the Conservatory night. Dress warm, wear walking shoes, and give yourself time to loop the outdoor path map.
FAQ
Is Pumpkins Aglow included with regular Conservatory admission?
No. It requires a separate evening ticket. Higher-level members have different reservation rules.
How is it different from Harvest Blooms?
Harvest Blooms is the daytime fall display. Pumpkins Aglow is the ticketed after-dark carved-pumpkin experience with performers and evening food.
Is it good for young kids?
Yes. It is family friendly, with crafts, a maze, and glowing scenes that are spooky-cute rather than extreme haunt intensity.
It is on our calendar for the Near East Side area.
