AU TU MN Autumn’s Colors October 2–November 15
Enjoy this enhanced digital format of Seasonal Highlights, with underlined, clickready links that take you to more details on all that’s happening this season!
Autumn’s Colors On View October 2–November 15, 2026 Beautiful by day and bewitching by night, autumn casts its spell across our Gardens. Fall’s finest blooms captivate. Vibrant hues mesmerize. Harvest-inspired displays beckon, inviting you into a world of wonder. As night falls, the magic deepens. Illuminated fountains dance to frighteningly fun favorites. Enchanting experiences await for all ages. Beginning October 16, Chrysanthemum Festival comes alive in an extraordinary spectacle of color and imagination, while select evenings bring delightfully spooky surprises. Autumn at Longwood: no tricks, all treats.
Chills & Thrills Experience the final month of our thrilling Illuminated Fountain Performances, with an all-new lineup of shows, two themed Fountain Fest Weekends, and Halloween-inspired family favorites. Symphony of Horror Illuminated Fountain Performance October 23 at 8:15 pm
Join us—if you dare—for a new after-dark experience that combines classic silent film, live organ music, and our dynamic fountains in a hauntingly immersive performance. Our all-new Symphony of Horror Illuminated Fountain Performance on October 23 features clips from the 1922 vampire horror film Nosferatu projected onto the fountains and accompanied by an original score created and performed live on the Longwood Organ by Longwood Principal Organist Peter Richard Conte, and followed by a playlist of additional themed music. Along the way, we’ll share projections of Conte playing, as well as spookyinspired visuals, across our dancing fountains.
Final Fountain Fest Weekends Join us for this month’s two Fountain Fest Weekends and enjoy Illuminated Fountain Performances, music, and activities centered around imaginative themes. Emerald City Weekend October 16, 17, and 18 5–9 pm Follow the yellow brick road to an Oz-tacular weekend that defies gravity, including three nights of our newthis-year Journey to Oz Illuminated Fountain Performance.
Spellbound Weekend October 23, 24, and 25 5–9 pm Enjoy a spooky good time for all. Kick off the weekend with our eerie new Symphony of Horror Illuminated Fountain Performance, followed by two nights of our family-favorite Halloween Magic.
Illuminated Fountain Performances Now–November 1 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8:15 pm From 80s electric flair to melodic classics, dance anthems to beloved animated hits, our fountains are putting on quite a show this season. They’re also embracing spooky season with three chances (including on Halloween night!) to catch the family-favorite Halloween Magic Illuminated Fountain Performance on October 24, 25, and 31.
Daytime Fountain Performances Now–November 1 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 11:15 am, 1:15 pm, 3:15 pm, 5:15 pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 11:15 am, 1:15 pm, 3:15 pm, 5:15 pm, 7:15 pm Our fountains twirl and soar in a breathtaking celebration of water and music.
Cozy Up to Family Time Celebrate the season together with festive traditions and fun moments to cherish. NEW: Storytime October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 11 am Gather beneath the shade of the London plane-trees in the West Conservatory Plaza for a special experience designed for young children (ages 2–5) and their loved ones/families. Each Storytime features Longwood educators sharing two to three seasonally inspired stories through engaging read-alouds, followed by time for families to browse and read a curated selection of books together. Free with Gardens Admission. Storytime is weather-dependent and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Harvest Displays Throughout Autumn's Colors Capture the moment with our festive harvest displays of seasonal blooms from colorful chrysanthemums to late-blooming annuals, accented with pumpkins, gourds, and more in our Rose Arbor, Peirce-du Pont House Plaza, and Idea Garden. These perfect photo op vignettes celebrate the beauty, variety, and artistry of fall’s harvest, in every shade of autumn.
Garden Railway October 2, 2026–January 10, 2027 A fanciful blend of horticulture, engineering, and fun for all ages, our Garden Railway returns! This multi-level world in miniature features a collection of large-scale model trains rumbling along nearly 500 feet of track amid a seasonally changing plant palette, as well as a collection of models that represent and recreate many of Longwood’s most beloved features. The Garden Railway operates during regular Gardens hours, weather permitting.
Family and Youth Workshops October 10 and November 14 Family Workshop: 10 –11 am Youth Workshop: 12–1:30 pm Join us the second Saturday of each month for our Family Workshops, designed for adults and children to learn and explore together, as well as our Youth Workshops for older kids to learn and create alongside expert instructors. In October, we delve into protecting our feathered friends while creating window clings to take home. In November, discover the art of metalworking and create beautiful copper leaf keepsakes.
October is a fantastic month for family-favorite Illuminated Fountain Performances! Learn more on the Chills & Thrills pages of this brochure.
A Treat for the Senses Chrysanthemum Festival On View October 16–November 15
Beginning October 16, Chrysanthemum Festival comes alive in an extraordinary spectacle of color and imagination in our historic conservatories, including some supersized surprises. Just for you, we've carefully nurtured and trained thousands of blooms into extraordinary forms, from elegant spirals and cascading baskets to floating clouds and towering columns. This year, walk beneath a breathtaking double chrysanthemum arch in the East Conservatory. Then explore the Exhibition Hall, where a richly textured chrysanthemum curtain joins a striking array of chrysanthemum pagoda and viewing stone forms, displayed near an actual viewing stone—a natural geological formation whose mountain landform shape complements those of the viewing stone-inspired chrysanthemum forms nearby.
Science Series: Meet Us at the Mums October 24, 1–3 pm Explore the artistry and science of chrysanthemums up close while connecting with the people whose talent powers one of Longwood’s most celebrated traditions. Join members of Longwood’s Science team stationed throughout the historic conservatories as we share our techniques, research, and horticultural mastery behind our iconic Chrysanthemum Festival. Free with Gardens Admission; advance registration required.
Autumn Calendar Spotlight Tours
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm October 9–November 14 Marvel at the perfection of our Chrysanthemum Festival and the horticulture, art, and science that make it possible. No Spotlight Tours on October 24 Free with Gardens Admission. Inquire at the Visitor Center for the tour sign-up location on the day of your visit. Capacity is limited.
NEW: Storytime
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 11 am West Conservatory Plaza Gather beneath the shade of the London plane-trees in the West Conservatory Plaza for a special experience designed for young children (ages 2–5) and their families. Each Storytime features Longwood educators sharing two to three seasonally inspired stories through engaging read-alouds, followed by time for families to browse and read a curated selection of books together. Free with Gardens Admission. Storytime is weather-dependent and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
October
October 3 Gothic-Inspired Container Workshop 9:30–11 am Live Music in the Beer Garden: Station Hill Bluegrass 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Everybody Dance Now 8:15 pm October 4 Live Music in the Beer Garden: Dale Melton Trio 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Blue Tango—The Magic of Leroy Anderson 8:15 pm October 5 Experimental Photography Techniques 3-part Class Begins October 5 October 6 Comprehensive Planting Design Fully Online 7-part Class Begins October 6
October 2 Autumn's Colors On View Now–November 15 Harvest Displays On View Throughout Autumn's Colors Garden Railway On View Now–January 10, 2027 Teacher Professional Development: Bringing Nature into the Classroom 9 am–1 pm Live Music in the Beer Garden: Saving de Grace 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: The Final Frontier 8:15 pm
October 7 People, Plants, and Landscape Design Fully Online 4-part Class Begins October 7 October 8 Sustainable Landscape Design Fully Online 5-part Class Begins October 8 Sound Bathing with the Longwood Organ 8:30–10 am Introduction to Carnivorous Plants 2–3:30 pm
October 9
October 14
Member Appreciation Day 10 am–9 pm Enjoy 20% discounts in The Garden Shop (onsite and online) and on dining.
Garden Design Fully Online 7-part Class Begins October 14
Live Music in the Beer Garden: The Barker Brothers Band 5–7:45 pm Member Orientation 5:30 pm Meet Longwood staff online for an introduction to our Gardens and discover all your Membership has to offer. Illuminated Fountain Performance: Reimagined Remixes 8:15 pm October 10 Fall Migration Bird Walk 8–11 am Family Workshop: Protecting Our Feathered Friends 10–11 am Youth Workshop: Protecting Our Feathered Friends 12–1:30 pm Putting Your Garden to Bed 1– 4 pm Live Music in the Beer Garden: Slowey & The Boats 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Electric 80s 8:15 pm
October 15 A Tale of Two Scales: Macro and Landscape Photography in the Brandywine Valley 3-part Class Begins October 15 Plantology on Tap: Botanical Infusions At The Creamery of Kennett Square Doors open 5:30 pm, talk at 6:30 pm October 16 Chrysanthemum Festival On View Now–November 15 Perennial Plant Conference At the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College or Online 9 am–4 pm How to Draw Birds 10 am–12 pm Fountain Fest Weekend: Emerald City 5–9 pm Live Music in the Beer Garden: Terra Soul featuring Joseph Whitney 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Journey to Oz 8:15 pm
October 11 Live Music in the Beer Garden: Nicole Zell 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Great American Composers 8:15 pm October 12 Teacher Professional Development: The Wonders of Water 9 am–1 pm Floral Style Studio: Gothic 5:30–7 pm
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October 17
October 24
Advanced Bonsai Workshop: Deciduous Trees 9 am–12 pm
Chrysanthemum Floral Design 9 am–12 pm
Herb Salts Workshop 10 am–12 pm Fall Floral Crown Workshop 1–3 pm Reading the Night Sky 7:30–10 pm Fountain Fest Weekend: Emerald City 5–9 pm Live Music in the Beer Garden: Terra Soul featuring Joseph Whitney 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Journey to Oz 8:15 pm October 18 Fountain Fest Weekend: Emerald City 5–9 pm Live Music in the Beer Garden: Terra Soul featuring Joseph Whitney 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Journey to Oz 8:15 pm October 19 Dried Floral Arranging 3:30–5:30 pm October 20 Vintage Cake Decorating with New June Bakery 5:30–8:30 pm
Bat Basics 10–11:30 am Science Series: Meet us at the Mums 1–3 pm Succulent Planter Stained Glass Workshop 1:30–4:30 pm Fountain Fest Weekend: Spellbound 5–9 pm Live Music in the Beer Garden: Polkadelphia 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Halloween Magic 8:15 pm October 25 Botanical Art for Beginners 9 am–3 pm The Genius of Flowers Author Talk 1:30–3:30 pm Fountain Fest Weekend: Spellbound 5–9 pm Live Music in the Beer Garden: Polkadelphia 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Halloween Magic 8:15 pm October 28 RE:SEARCH Oberlander Prize Form V Symposium Layered Bulb Container Workshop 9:30 am–12 pm
October 23 Fountain Fest Weekend: Spellbound 5–9 pm
October 29
Live Music in the Beer Garden: Polkadelphia 5–7:45 pm
Five Centuries of American Cemetery Design Tour 2-part Class Begins October 29
Illuminated Fountain Performance: Symphony of Horror 8:15 pm
RE:SEARCH Oberlander Prize Form V Symposium
October 30
November 4
November 12
November 16
RE:SEARCH Oberlander Prize Form V Symposium
The Art and Science of Happiness 3-part Class Begins November 4
Designing Stormwater Solutions 6-part Class Begins November 12
Closed for A Longwood Christmas Installation
Introduction to CAD for Landscape Designers Fully Online 4-part Class Begins October 4
In Focus Photography Workshop: Creating Christmas 3-part Class Begins November 12
November 17
Tasting and Pairing Wines for the Holiday Table 6–8 pm
The Garden Shop Closed
Live Music in the Beer Garden: Conjunto Philadelphia 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Magic in Motion 8:15 pm October 31 Introduction to Companion Planting 2-part Class Begins October 31 Chocolate: From Bean to Bar 1:30–3 pm Live Music in the Beer Garden: Polkadelphia 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Halloween Magic 8:15 pm
November November 1 Live Music in the Beer Garden: Acoustic Duo 3 West 5–7:45 pm Illuminated Fountain Performance: Get Back: The Beatles 8:15 pm November 2
November 5 Decorative Floral Design 5-part Class Begins November 5 November 6 Holiday Needle Felt Shadowbox Workshop 9 am–12 pm
Open Photography Hours: Autumn at Abbondi 8–11 am
Meals from Mushrooms: A Culinary Exploration of Fungi 2–3:30 pm
Magnolia Wreath Workshop 9–11:30 am
Feeding Your Wintertime Backyard Birds 2–3:30 pm November 10
Open Botanical Art Studio 4-part Class Begins November 2
Supporting Winter Wildlife in Your Yard 6–7:30 pm
Teacher Professional Development: Phenomenal Fall Colors 5–7 pm Introduction to Ballroom Dancing 7–8:30 pm November 3 Chrysanthemum Festival En Plein Air 10 am–2 pm
November 14
Botanical Impressions: Ceramic Dessert Plate Workshop 1– 4 pm
Green Careers Exploration Day
Garden Maintenance 4-part Class Begins November 2
Handmade Holiday Jewelry 2-part Class Begins November 13
From Garden to Garland: Creating a Christmas Tree Masterpiece 9–10:30 am
November 8
November 11 Teacher Professional Development: Experience the Honey Bee Concept Program 5–7 pm
Closed for A Longwood Christmas Installation Outdoor Holiday Lighting 101 5:30–8:30 pm
November 13
Member Shopping Saturday 10 am–6 pm Enjoy 20% discounts in The Garden Shop (onsite and online), just in time for holiday shopping! Refreshments will be available for purchase on the outdoor patio from 10 am to 12:30 pm.
November 7
The Garden Shop Closed
Family Workshop: Fall Copper Leaf Creations 10–11 am Member Orientation 10:30 am Meet Longwood staff online for an introduction to our Gardens and discover all your Membership has to offer.
November 18 Closed for A Longwood Christmas Installation Outdoor gardens open 10 am–5 pm Member reservations not required The Garden Shop Closed Floral Style Studio: Forestcore 6–7:30 pm November 19 Closed for A Longwood Christmas Installation Outdoor gardens open 10 am–5 pm Member reservations not required The Garden Shop Closed A Longwood Christmas Innovator Preview 5–8 pm Exclusively for Longwood Innovators November 20 A Longwood Christmas On View Now–January 10
Youth Workshop: Fall Copper Leaf Creations 12–1:30 pm
Horticulture
Eco-Printing with Autumn Leaves 1:30–4 pm
Education
Members/Innovators Performance
Beer Garden Fountain Fest Weekend
November 15 Dutch Floral Design 1– 4 pm How to Make Holiday Preserves 2–3:30 pm
Dining
No Scares, Just Skills All Members now receive a discount on classes and experiences! Learning isn’t scary … we promise! From hands-on workshops to inspiring experiences, our autumn lineup offers fresh and fun opportunities to create, connect, and cultivate new skills … with some delightfully spooky to delicious treats along the way.
NEW: All Members receive a 10% discount on our classes and experiences! Simply log into your Member Portal to register for a class and you'll automatically receive your Member discount. Register for these experiences, among many more: Introduction to Carnivorous Plants October 8, 2–3:30 pm Register by October 4
Chrysanthemum Floral Design October 24, 9 am–12 pm Register by October 11
Discover the fascinating world of carnivorous plants and learn how some of nature’s most intriguing species have evolved to capture and digest their own prey.
Take an exclusive tour of Longwood’s Chrysanthemum Festival before the Gardens open for the day and then take that inspiration to the classroom while creating a chrysanthemum-focused design.
Fall Floral Crown Workshop
Chocolate: From Bean to Bar
October 17, 1–3 pm Register by October 4
October 31, 1–3 pm Register by October 25
Celebrate the beauty of the season by creating a one-of-a-kind floral crown inspired by the rich colors and textures of autumn.
Follow chocolate’s remarkable journey from cacao pod to finished bar and taste each step along the way.
Attention Educators! We proudly offer interdisciplinary Teacher Professional Development programs for PreK-12 educators that integrate the beauty and science of nature with practical strategies for classroom application—including several options in October and November that examine the wonders of water, the changing colors of fall leaves, and more. Learn more here.
Get Ready for a Cosmic Christmas A Longwood Christmas On View November 20, 2026–January 10, 2027
This holiday season, explore a universe of infinite wonder with A Longwood Christmas. Tickets On Sale and Reservations Available Now
Inspired by the mystery and majesty of the cosmos, journey through an out-of-this-world display of stellar spectacles and luminous lights. From soaring, rotating trees swathed with stars, to the Music Room recreated as a gilded astronomer’s observatory, to the Exhibition Hall transformed into a spherical galaxy with sweeps of poinsettias, the magic of the season meets cosmic splendor. Marvel at grand scenes that sparkle like constellations. Explore possibilities as limitless as the night sky. Go beyond the expected. Let your imagination take flight. Here, beauty knows no bounds. Experience A Longwood Christmas, where holiday magic is written in the stars.
Dates to Know Autumn’s Colors October 2–November 15, 2026
October 2–November 1 Reservations Timed reservations required for Members Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 3 pm. Reservations not required for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators. Gardens and The Garden Shop Hours Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 am–6 pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 am–9 pm Tuesday Closed
November 2–15 Reservations Reservations not required for Members and Innovators. Gardens and The Garden Shop Hours Wednesday–Monday 10 am–5 pm Tuesday Closed
Dining Hours Find day-by-day details at longwoodgardens.org/dine Please note: Our Gardens, The Garden Shop, and 1906 will be closed November 16 and 17 as we prepare for A Longwood Christmas. Our outdoor gardens only will be open November 18 and 19 from 10 am to 5 pm; The Café will serve a limited menu these days from 11 am to 4 pm, and The Garden Shop and 1906 will remain closed.
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Phone: 610.388.1000 Website: longwoodgardens.org Free WiFi available: Connect to FreeGardenWIFI Our Gardens are smoke-free. Photography credits: Holden Barnes, Daniel Traub, Still from Nosferatu (Prana Film), Carol Gross, Becca Mathias, Sue Hare, Laurie Carrozzino, William Hill, Eileen Tercha © 2026 Longwood Gardens