Pumpkin celebration comes to Franklin Park Conservatory

  • 2024-08-26
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will present its annual Pumpkins Aglow beginning early in October.

More than 1,000 jack-o-lanterns are carved by members, volunteers, and staff, and the venue will feature pumpkin houses, spooky spell binding scenes, gardening skeletons, and a pumpkin tunnel light show. This year, the alien invasion has been expanded and guests may encounter dancing skeletons and talking pumpkins as they enjoy the light-up lawn games.

Live entertainment will include Matt Jergens with his light-up juggling from October 9 to 13, the Amazing Giants' light-up stilt walking robot on October 16 to 20, and The Amazing Giants again but with an aerial act and light-up hula hoopers.

Classes will be available to make glass pumpkins in the Hot Shop, and glass pumpkins will be available for purchase in the Glass Pumpkin Patch.

Five local food trucks will be onsite. The Conservatory Food Truck, Garden Cafe, and Charlie’s Olde Fashioned Kettle Corn will offer snacks and drinks each week, and the other two food trucks will change from week to week.

West Columbus guests may want to check out the gift shop and greenhouse to buy fall items featuring the venue's graphic design.

Pumpkins Aglow will take place from October 9 to 27 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The conservatory is located at 1777 E Broad Street, Columbus.