Find Your Fall at The New York Botanical Garden
Scarecrows, Pumpkins, Kiku, Magnificent Fall Foliage, and More Beckon Visitors of All Ages to Enjoy the Season at NYBG
This fall, visitors can discover the wonders of the season at The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) as scarecrows, pumpkins, kiku, and magnificent fall foliage make their annual appearances at the Botanical Garden.
In September and October, Scarecrows & Pumpkins features colorful pumpkin displays and, at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, more than 100 whimsical scarecrows, with pumpkin carving demonstrations during weekends in October.
Fall also brings the final weeks of NYBG’s critically acclaimed exhibition KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature. NYBG’s beloved tradition of kiku—magnificent displays of chrysanthemums in astonishing forms, styles, and sizes—will be integrated with KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature and on view in select galleries of the Enid A. Conservatory from Saturday, October 2 through Sunday, October 31, 2021.
In November, visitors can revel in the unique autumnal beauty and resilience of the 50-acre Thain Family Forest during Fall Forest Weekends on two Saturdays and Sundays, November 6 & 7 and 13 & 14, 2021. Tours, citizen science activities, and other events will provide opportunities to learn about the ecological importance of this historic old-growth forest, the largest expanse of New York City’s original wooded landscape.
The full schedule of fall programs follows. More information, including ticketing, is available here.
- Scarecrows & Pumpkins
Ongoing through Sunday, October 31, 2021; 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Plentiful pumpkins and hordes of gourds will be on display at the LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building and on the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Plaza. To add to the seasonal fun, more than100 whimsical scarecrows will line the twisting trails of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.
- Puppets on Parade
Saturdays & Sundays through October 31, 2021; 1–4 p.m.
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Ribbon Gate and around the Garden
Larger-than-life pumpkins and skeletons, specially designed by puppeteer Lucrecia Novoa of Mascara Viva, greet visitors to the Garden.
- Pumpkin Carving Demonstrations
Saturdays & Sundays, October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, & 31, 2021; 1–4 p.m.
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Visitors young and old will be amazed as faces and designs emerge from pumpkins of all shapes and sizes thanks to the skill of professional sculptor and pumpkin carver Adam Bierton, the 2015 winner of the Food Network series Halloween Wars.
- Plethora of Pumpkins
This NYBG online hub offers pumpkin carving tips, fall recipes, decoration ideas, and more. It’s the place to find everything cucurbit—the pumpkin family name. Available here.
- Wellness Wednesdays
Wednesdays through October 27, 2021; 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Visitors can participate in activities throughout the Garden that focus on healthy choices for mind and body, from local food options at the NYBG Farmers Market to forest bathing, cooking demonstrations, and more.
- NYBG Farmers Market
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Near the Mosholu Entrance
The NYBG Farmers Market features locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, and other specialty items.
- Forest Bathing
12 p.m.
Meet at the main entrance to the Native Plant Garden
Experience the ancient Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (“forest baths”), gentle tours that enhance tranquility and connectedness through sensory immersion. Slow down, be present, and awaken your senses to the forest as never before on this guided tour. Self-guided audio tours are also available.
- Storytime Cabaret with New York City Children’s Theater
Sunday, September 26, 2021; 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Edible Academy
For 25 years, New York City Children’s Theater (NYCCT) has promoted children’s literacy and social development through professional theater productions and arts-in-education programs. This 45-minute performance features four actor-singers performing 12 original songs from both past and current NYCCT productions.
- Birding Sunday
Sunday, October 3, 2021; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Autumn is the perfect time of year to connect with the birds of New York City. Join NYBG for a Garden-wide celebration of the species that find temporary or permanent homes at the Garden’s 250-acre campus and other green spaces in the city. Visitors will learn about the amazing work that several organizations are doing to create a nourishing urban environment for birds. The day’s events will feature multiple bird walks for beginners and experts alike and presentations by the Wild Bird Fund and New York City Audubon.
- Bird Tours
10 & 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Thain Family Forest on Azalea Way
Birding guides will conduct tours of NYBG’s diverse landscape and explain why this unique green space is such a vital haven for a great variety of species year-round.
- The Nest
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Clay Family Picnic Pavilions
At this hub of activity, visitors can meet representatives of several organizations dedicated to the preservation and protection of birdlife who will talk about their work and answer questions.
- Fall Forest Weekends
Saturdays and Sundays, November 6 & 7 and 13 & 14, 2021; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
In and around the Thain Family Forest
During Fall Forest Weekends, visitors can revel in the unique autumnal beauty and resilience of the 50-acre Thain Family Forest, the largest expanse of New York City’s original wooded landscape. Tours, citizen science activities, and other events will provide opportunities to learn about the ecological importance of this historic old-growth forest.
- Discover the Thain Family Forest
Meet at the entrance to the Forest on Azalea Way
Themed discovery walks of the Forest focus on its birds and natural history. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and seasonal attire for the weather.
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- Birds of the Forest
Visitors can explore the diversity of migrating birds that find food and habitat in the Thain Family Forest and learn more about ongoing efforts to make New York City a safer place for avian life. - Tours of the Thain Family Forest
The beauty of the Forest can be appreciated in a new light during this one-hour walking tour. Expertly trained guides will present facts about the trees as well as the history, geology, and ecology of the Forest.
- Birds of the Forest
- Engage with Poetry
10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Along Thain Family Forest trails
Fall Forest Weekends will feature poetry by young writers across New York City’s five boroughs who were inspired by the forest.
- Become a Citizen Scientist
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Azalea Way
NYBG volunteers have been tracking the annual cycles of leafing, flowering, and fruit development of the Thain Family Forest’s trees for more than seven years. Volunteers will be on hand to help visitors look more closely at those trees, giving them a new perspective. They will also provide help with tree and plant identification so visitors can better understand the trees in their own neighborhoods.
- Explore Herbarium Specimens
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Azalea Way
Staff of NYBG’s William and Lynda Steere Herbarium showcase pressed and preserved plant specimens collected from the Thain Family Forest and other American forests and explain how plant specimens are housed in the collection. Visitors will learn how to collect, press, and preserve leaves.
- Fiddlers in the Forest
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Along Thain Family Forest trails
Roaming fiddlers mimic the natural sounds of the forest.
- Shakespeare in the Forest: The Sonnet Stroll
12–3 p.m.
Along Thain Family Forest trails
The resident acting company of the Hamlet Isn’t Dead theatrical troupe perform Shakespeare’s greatest sonnets on nature’s beauty.
The New York Botanical Garden is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10458. For more information, visit nybg.org.
The New York Botanical Garden is located on property owned in full by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. A portion of the Garden’s general operating funds is provided by The New York City Council and The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The Bronx Borough President and Bronx elected representatives in the City Council and State Legislature provide leadership funding.
