Pumpkins Aglow

Pumpkins Aglow returns to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens this fall, running October 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, and October 28 through November 1. It's the Conservatory's signature autumn experience—an all-ages, family-friendly night out that fills the gardens with carved pumpkins and light displays. More than 700 pumpkins are on view, each one carved by the Conservatory's staff, volunteers, and members.

The displays cover a lot of ground: pirates, spooky pumpkins, under-the-sea mermaids, performing skeletons, and aliens landing among the leaves. You'll also find returning favorites like the pumpkin house and the singing pumpkin patch, along with a light-up dance floor. Inside, the Chihuly Collection is professionally illuminated against the interior. If you're a member, you can submit your own carved pumpkin to be featured and get a free admission ticket for each one, up to four.

On event dates, the Conservatory closes to the public at 4 PM and reopens at 5 PM, so you'll want to time your visit for the evening. While supplies last, visitors get a light-up pumpkin necklace to wear as they walk through. Tickets are $17.85.

Hours run 5-9 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 5-10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The Conservatory is at 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203.