Autumn nights just got a little brighter at Franklin Park Conservatory, where “Pumpkins Aglow” will return with its dazzling displays.
The conservatory’s signature fall experience is a special engagement that will be held on select dates throughout October and early November.
Guests will be greeted by glimmering gourds, some grinning, others grimacing or glaring. But don’t be afraid – they’re part of the spooky scenery, along with pirates, mermaids and performing skeletons.
Additionally, perennial favorites like the pumpkin house and the singing pumpkin patch will be back.
"Pumpkins Aglow" will also offer live entertainment, hands-on fun and feet-on fun (there’s a light-up dance floor).
The Wheel of Death, fire duo and aerial acrobats from the Cincinnati
Circus will bring Big Top action, and guests will gape with awe at the Amazing Giants' stilt walker and sway pole witch.
Family activities are also on the agenda, with some costing an additional fee. All ages can enjoy creating spooky sand art for $5 and stuffing a squishie for $20.
New this year, the straw bale maze is the perfect wander-land for kids and accompanying grown-ups.
A rotating selection of local food trucks will be offered, plus the Garden Café and the Watershed Bar will be open.
Go with the glow
On “Pumpkins Aglow” dates, the conservatory will close to the public at 4 p.m. and reopen at 5 p.m.
The event will be held from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 7-8; Oct. 11; Oct. 14-15; Oct. 18; Oct. 21-22; Oct. 25; Oct. 28; and Nov. 1; and 5-10 p.m. Oct. 9-10; Oct. 16-17; Oct. 23-24; and Oct. 30-31.
Tickets for Oct. 16 are currently unavailable. More tickets may be released later. Also, reservations will not be available for Oct. 29 due to “Cocktails at the Conservatory.”
Special engagement admission prices for “Pumpkins Aglow” are:
- Ages 13-59 - $28.35
- Ages 60 and older - $24.15
- Ages 3-12 - $17.33
Go to bit.ly/4yfXMjT to reserve tickets.
As a member of Museums for All, Franklin Park Conservatory is offering $4 admission to SNAP, EBT, WIC and Medicaid participants and Access members.
See fpconservatory.org/m4a for Museums for All tickets.
Reserving tickets in advance for this popular event is advised to ensure admission and efficient check-in.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 'Pumpkins Aglow' returns to light up Franklin Park Conservatory
