AUTUMN ON TAP AT THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
Contributor - Jack Bartholet | Head of Events & Experiences • 10/23/25
There are few places that capture the spirit of fall quite like the New York Botanical Garden. As the air turns crisp and the trees ignite with color, the Garden’s 250 acres feel almost cinematic. It’s a reminder that nature’s drama can match any Manhattan skyline. This season, NYBG offers a full calendar of events designed for brisk days, cozy evenings, and a touch of enchantment.
Giant Pumpkin Carving with Adam Bierton
October 23–26 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Visitor Center
For the season finale, master sculptor Adam Bierton returns to carve one of the largest pumpkins in the world, sourced by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. Over several days, Bierton and his team chisel, carve, and detail a fantastical design that seems to bring the harvest to life. It’s mesmerizing to watch — part performance art, part seasonal spectacle, and a family favorite for good reason.
A Plethora of Pumpkins
Through October 26
The Garden’s annual celebration of the harvest season returns, transforming the grounds into a sculptural showcase of gourds in every shape and shade. The displays are arranged with a curator’s eye and a dash of Halloween whimsy. It’s perfect for families, a weekend stroll, or a photogenic stop. This is autumn’s art installation.
Fall Forest Weekend
November 1 & 2 | 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Your local leaf headquarters. The Thain Family Forest — New York City’s largest remaining tract of old-growth woodland — becomes a vivid canvas of fall color, offering a front-row seat to the best foliage of the season close to home. The weekend includes guided walks, educational demonstrations, and hands-on workshops led by NYBG’s science and education teams. Guests can craft their own tea bags or leaf rubbings, learn the basics of fungi identification and foraging, explore what their neighborhood looked like 400 years ago, or join in a spirited round of Tree Trivia.
WICKED: Broadway in the Garden
Through November 2
In partnership with Broadway, NYBG celebrates Wicked’s 20th anniversary with themed performances and design touches across the grounds. Expect live musical interludes, green-hued cocktails, and playful nods to Oz woven into the Garden’s landscape. It’s theatrical, seasonal, and distinctly New York.
Grab a Beer at the Garden
Weekends through November 8
NYBG’s open-air beer garden turns the Conservatory Plaza into a laid-back celebration of local craft brewing. Guests can sample small-batch beers and ciders from New York’s top producers, all while enjoying live music and sweeping views of the changing leaves. It’s convivial, easygoing, and an ideal autumn afternoon.
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Through November 30
After dusk, the Garden transforms into a glowing dreamscape inspired by Tim Burton’s cult classic. The light trail blends artistry, atmosphere, and nostalgia, guiding visitors through sculptural installations and immersive lighting that capture the story’s eerie magic. It’s imaginative and unexpected — a family outing that feels like a cinematic event.
How to Experience It Best
Autumn is when the Garden feels most alive, and these events lend themselves beautifully to curated experiences. We recommend pairing an afternoon visit with a private Conservatory tour, followed by dinner at Tra Di Noi or Tobalá. The New York Botanical Garden has long been a refuge — a brief exhale from the city’s pace. Whether you go for the pumpkins, the pints, or the forest walks, this is your reminder to savor the season while it lasts.
Contributor — Jack Bartholet | Head of Events & Experiences
Jack effortlessly transitions from the entertainment industry to the world of luxury hospitality and travel, bringing a rich background of collaboration with celebrated artists and extensive personal travel experiences. When not consulting, he can be seen onstage with cabaret and theatre performances. Jack's enduring passion centers on fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTQ travelers wherever their journey takes them.
