Kennett Square, Pa. – October 02, 2026 -- Longwood Gardens opens its Autumn's Colors season on October 2, running through November 15, 2026, with the Chrysanthemum Festival beginning October 16 inside the East and Main Conservatories.
More than 5,000 chrysanthemums fill the conservatories with sculpted forms
Horticulturists have trained the plants into spirals, cascading clouds, and a new double chrysanthemum arch, according to Chris Cole, Vice President of Horticulture at Longwood Gardens. The display, he says, takes more than a year of planning for a run of just a few weeks. The Exhibition Hall also debuts a display inspired by the Japanese suiseki stone-viewing tradition, featuring chrysanthemum forms up to 10 feet long.
On October 24 from 1 to 3 pm, Longwood's Science team hosts "Meet Us at the Mums," answering questions on the horticultural techniques behind the festival; the event is free with admission.
A Nosferatu-scored fountain show debuts October 23
The Main Fountain Garden runs its final Illuminated Fountain Performances of the year at 8:15 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31. New for 2026, the "Symphony of Horror" performance on October 23 pairs projected scenes from the 1922 film Nosferatu with live organ music by Principal Organist Peter Richard Conte. The family-oriented Halloween Magic show follows on October 24, 25, and 31.
Three treehouses and a fall harvest display round out the outdoor program
Guests can view peak foliage from the Birdhouse Treehouse, the ADA-accessible Lookout Loft, and the Canopy Cathedral Treehouse overlooking the Large Lake. A fall harvest display with ornamental grasses, mums, celosias, and gourds decorates the Rose Arbor, Idea Garden, and Peirce-du Pont House Plaza from October 3-31. New this year, Storytime sessions for children ages 3-6 run October 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 11 am in the West Conservatory Plaza.
Dining options include the Beer Garden, open Friday through Sunday evenings through November 1 beneath ginkgo trees, and the 1906 restaurant, serving lunch Monday and Thursday and both lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday through November 1.
Workshops range from $45 bird-feeding classes to a $350 design symposium
Programming includes a Fall Migration Bird Walk on October 10 ($49), a Chrysanthemum Floral Design class on October 24 ($219), and an author talk with flower historian Jill Brooke on October 25 (free, registration required). The RE:SEARCH Oberlander Prize Forum runs October 28-30 with fees from $75 to $350.
Gardens are open 10 am-6 pm Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and 10 am-9 pm Friday through Sunday through November 1, then shift to Wednesday-Monday, 10 am-5 pm through November 15. Timed tickets are required and available at longwoodgardens.org, with two-day passes offering 10 percent off through October 25.