Autumn’s Colors
Autumn’s Colors transforms Longwood Gardens into a seasonal celebration of fall foliage, harvest displays, chrysanthemums, and changing textures across 83 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens. Visitors can explore pumpkins and gourds, fall-colored bonsai, a landscaped model railway, seasonal stories, live music, and special fountain presentations, with additional illuminated and Halloween-themed experiences on select evenings.
Beginning October 16, the Chrysanthemum Festival adds elaborate floral displays throughout the historic conservatories, including oversized chrysanthemums and imaginative horticultural installations. Autumn evenings bring illuminated fountains and other family-friendly experiences, while fall foliage reaches its peak in October.
When: October 2–November 15, 2026
Venue: Longwood Gardens
Hours: From October 2–November 1, the Gardens are open 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday; and closed Tuesdays. From November 2–15, hours are 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, with Tuesdays closed.
Tickets: Price not available. Timed Gardens Admission Tickets are required. The featured seasonal activities are free with Gardens admission.
Reservations: Members need timed reservations after 3:00 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays through November 1, 2026. Reservations are not required for Gardens Premium Members or Innovators.
Seasonal Features: Outdoor harvest displays include pumpkins, gourds, and other festive decorations. The Chrysanthemum Bonsai Display presents chrysanthemums and hardy bonsai in fall color in the Peirce-du Pont House Conservatory and Bonsai Workshop through November 13, 2026.
Chrysanthemum Festival: On view through November 15, the festival fills Longwood’s historic conservatories with imaginative chrysanthemum displays, including exceptionally large specimens and other horticultural surprises.
Storytime: Seasonally themed stories are offered Thursdays in October 2026 at 11:00 a.m., weather permitting, in the West Conservatory Plaza beneath London plane trees. The program is designed for children ages 2–5 and their families.
Garden Railway: A model-train display runs through January 10, 2027, with steam, diesel, electric, and specialty engines traveling along nearly 500 feet of track amid seasonal foliage, flowering plants, and woody plants.
Live Music: Live music is offered in the Beer Garden on most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through November 1. The performances are free with Gardens admission.
Fountain Performances: The final daytime fountain shows take place during the last week of the season. Illuminated Fountain Performances are scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8:15 p.m. through November 1, with October 30 featuring “Magic in Motion,” October 31 featuring “Halloween Magic,” and November 1 featuring “Get Back: The Beatles.”
Family Activities: The event includes harvest-themed displays, model trains, children’s storytime, live music, illuminated fountains, and select spooky surprises suitable for a range of ages.
Dining: Visitors can dine at 1906, where advance reservations are recommended, or at The Café, which offers à la carte meals without reservations. Timed Gardens Admission Tickets or Longwood membership are required for dining access.
Visitor Information: Longwood recommends using its mobile or printable map to navigate the Gardens and find highlighted seasonal features.