This Weekend at the NYBG: Happily Haunted
Posted in Programs and Events on October 5 2012, by Matt Newman
Am I wrong, or does it feel like only last week that we were up to our ears in summer vegetables and sunglasses? Now, little by little, fall is working its way into our daily routine. Just yesterday I was passing a train station on Long Island, crunching my way over a carpet of yellow leaves, and there are more than a few trees at the NYBG following suit. It may only be the first weekend in October, but autumn’s not wasting any time.
And neither are we! This Saturday marks the opening of the Haunted Pumpkin Garden in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, which you’ll know by the family of grinning, sneering, giggling jack o’ lanterns peering out over the Adventure Garden archway. Just inside you’ll find the hub of all our October activities running right through Halloween proper. Of course, we’ll be stacking the Garden’s schedule with all sorts of spooky spectaculars throughout our 250 acres as we creep our way toward All Hallows’ Eve, so keep an eye out as we move further into the season.
Because this three-day Columbus Day weekend is stuffed to the gills with events, activities, and demonstrations, I’m winnowing the schedule down to its core components so as not to overwhelm anyone. If you’re looking for something outside the special events listed below, you’re welcome to check our Plan Your Visit page. Just know that the Bird Walk is still on for 11 a.m. on Saturday; on both Saturday and Sunday, there will be a Monet’s Garden Tour Guide Q&A at 12:30; and an autumnal gardening demonstration at 2 p.m. On Monday, be here for the Rose Garden tours at 1 and 3 p.m. The weather is set to bring out the scarves and light jackets this weekend, so make a point of dressing the part!
Saturday & Sunday, October 6-7
Little People® Palooza Performance — 10:15 a.m. (and 12:15 p.m. for Saturday only)
In the Ross Hall
It’s THE concert event of the fall! Little People® stars Eddie™, Sonya, and Michael are ready to rock their way through a brand-new live show filled with the kind of music that just won’t let you sit still! Join them as they sing, dance, play, rock, roll, jump and jam! This event is included free with any All-Garden Pass ticket for the Haunted Pumpkin Garden. Seating is available first come, first served.
Spooktacular Pumpkin Party – 12 to 5 p.m. (Part of The Haunted Pumpkin Garden)
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Get into the Halloween spirit with live music, spooky story readings, pumpkin parades, and more! Come face to face with the largest bat in the world, the Gigantic Flying Fox of Malaysia, and more batty fun. Also enjoy samples provided by Whole Foods Market® and performances of Little People® Live!, including meet and greets with favorite characters.
Music and Dance with Ralph Lee’s Costumed Characters — 12 and 2 p.m.
Near the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Waterfall
The fantastical creature creations of master puppeteer Ralph Lee sing and dance and get everyone involved in the fun. Come play along!
Gone Batty! Live Bat Presentation — 1 and 3 p.m.
At Daffodil Hill
Encounter a Big Brown Bat from North America and come face to face with the largest bat in the world, the Gigantic Flying Fox of Malaysia. Rob Mies, conservation biologist, bat expert, author, and Director of the Organization for Bat Conservation, speaks about the benefits of bats, the need for conservation, and what can be done to help these unique mammals. He invites everyone to step into the mysterious world of bats and explore their benefits, habitats, and nocturnal strategies.
Story Readings — 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
On the steps at the Adventure Garden Discovery Plaza
Your littlest ones will enjoy some spooky stories read from favorite Halloween story books.
Sunday, October 7
Chamber Music Concert: Monet’s Friends featuring members of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra – 4 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
Separate Ticket Required; Please see attendant for details.
Musical performances by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra feature the classical composers of Monet’s time; Claude Debussy, Albert Roussel, and Gabriel Faure. Featured artists: Leonid Sigal (artistic director & violin), accompanied by piano and cello performing:
Joseph-Maurice Ravel: Sonate Posthume;
Jacques Ibert: Jeux;
Claude Debussy: Piano Trio
Monday, October 8
Spooktacular Pumpkin Party – 12 to 5 p.m. (Part of The Haunted Pumpkin Garden)
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Get into the Halloween spirit with live music, spooky story readings, pumpkin parades, and more! Come face-to-face with the largest bat in the world, the Gigantic Flying Fox of Malaysia, and more batty fun. Also enjoy samples provided by Whole Foods Market® and performances of Little People® Live!, including meet and greets with favorite characters.
Music and Dance with Ralph Lee’s Costumed Characters — 12 and 2 p.m.
Near the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Waterfall
The fantastical creature creations of master puppeteer Ralph Lee sing and dance and get everyone involved in the fun. Come play along!
Gone Batty! Live Bat Presentation — 1 and 3 p.m.
At Daffodil Hill
Encounter a Big Brown bat from North America and come face-to-face with the largest bat in the world, the Gigantic Flying Fox of Malaysia. Rob Mies, conservation biologist, bat expert, author, and Director of the Organization for Bat Conservation, speaks about the benefits of bats, the need for conservation, and what can be done to help these unique mammals. He invites everyone to step into the mysterious world of bats and explore their benefits, habitats, and nocturnal strategies.
Story Readings — 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
On the steps at the Adventure Garden Discovery Plaza
The littlest ones will enjoy some spooky stories read from favorite Halloween story books.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
The Edible Garden
Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, through October 31
Daily, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The Edible Garden returns to the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden this year, bringing plenty of events for both adults and kids alike with daily, family-friendly activities, cooking demonstrations in the Whole Foods Market Family Garden Kitchen, and hands-on gardening fun.
A Garden friend and chef extraordinaire, Mario Batali takes a featured role in this year’s Edible Garden. Visit the beds of herbs and vegetables in “Mario Batali’s Kitchen Gardens,” where you can pick up some of his favorite recipes.
