Here’s the thing about fall: no matter how many pumpkins you put on your porch, it’s never going to look as good as the Harvest Blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
From September 27 through November 2, 2025, the Conservatory basically shows off and turns its entire outdoor garden into a full-on fall spectacle.
What You’ll See at Harvest Blooms
We’re talking thousands of pumpkins, mums, and ornamental cabbages (yes, cabbages can be decorative, apparently). There are pumpkin houses you can actually walk inside, a cornucopia the size of a small car spilling over with gourds, and even “pumpkin trees” that make you question why your front yard looks so sad in comparison.
The good news? It’s all included with general admission. So you can stroll the fall displays and then head inside to the Conservatory’s biomes and art exhibits. It’s like getting two attractions for the price of one ticket.
Pumpkins Aglow After Dark
If Harvest Blooms is the wholesome daytime event, Pumpkins Aglow is the evening version with a little extra drama. On select October nights, more than 700 hand-carved pumpkins light up the Conservatory in themed displays: pirates, spiders, mermaids, aliens — basically, all the things that terrified you as a child, now glowing cheerfully in pumpkin form.
Pumpkins Aglow makes your neighbor’s Jack-O’-Lanterns look like amateur hour. Just don’t say that to their face.
Pumpkins Aglow runs October 15 – 19, 22 – 26, and October 29 – November 2. Hours are 5–9 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 5–10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Yes, it’s family-friendly. Yes, there’s food. In fact, you’ll find a rotating lineup of food trucks, plus the Garden Café and Watershed Bar if you need something stronger than apple cider.
FAQs
Is the Franklin Park Conservatory Worth It?
Yes. Unless you hate pumpkins, flowers, and fun.
How Long Does It Take to Walk Through?
Plan at least 1.5 to 2 hours to see everything at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Add more time if you’re chasing the kids through the pumpkin houses or stopping every five feet for photos. Pumpkins Aglow can easily turn into a full evening outing.
Admission and Hours
The Conservatory is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Here’s the breakdown on tickets:
- Adults (ages 13–59): $25.20
- Seniors (60+): $21.00
- Children (ages 3–12): $17.33
- Museums for All (SNAP, EBT, WIC, Medicaid & Access Members): discounted admission available.
Food trucks are typically on site from 11 AM to 4 PM, and Pumpkins Aglow requires a separate ticket from general admission, so don’t assume you get into both!
Tips for Visiting
- Bring your camera. Between the pumpkin houses and glowing gourds, there are plenty of spots to score your next profile picture.
- Bundle up if you’re heading to Pumpkins Aglow — it gets chilly once the sun goes down.
- Go hungry. The food trucks and Garden Café make it easy to turn your visit into a full-on fall food adventure.
Why You Should Experience the Harvest Blooms
Whether you’re in it for the pumpkins, the mums, or just the vibes, Harvest Blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory is one of the best ways to celebrate autumn in Central Ohio. Add Pumpkins Aglow to your calendar if you want to see the place truly sparkle (literally). This isn’t just a walk through the park… It’s a full-on fall experience that’s equal parts magical, family-friendly, and surprisingly cozy.
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