Annual Pumpkin Carve-Off
October 18, 2025
Autumn on Tap
Throughout October and November
This fall, the tricks and treats of the season come to life with pumpkins and fall flowers—and all sorts of fun-filled activities to celebrate this season of frights and foliage! Fan-favorite artist Adam Bierton returns to NYBG to create his intricate and nature-inspired pumpkin carvings and to host our annual master carver competition. An award-winning giant pumpkin arrives in mid-October, taking center stage at the Visitor Center. Then the autumn festivities continue with Fall Forest Weekend, celebrating the colorful spectacle of autumnal foliage in the Thain Family Forest. And don’t miss the amazing chrysanthemum display, Kiku: Spotlight on Tradition, in the Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections.
Don’t forget to grab a seasonal beer for purchase during your visit as you take in fall’s beauty! From pumpkins and mums aplenty to vibrant leaves, experience autumn’s best at NYBG.
WICKED Broadway Garden
WICKED celebration on October 11
On view through November 2
Get ready for a magical time as the blockbuster Broadway musical WICKED lands at NYBG this fall! Join us for a special WICKED celebration on Saturday, October 11, featuring live performances by members of the WICKED Broadway cast and more. Through early November, take in a display of vibrant and fantastical plants in shades of pink and green, and a photo opportunity inspired by the hit Broadway show.
Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Select nights, September 25 through November 30, 2025
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero for a frightfully fun frolic through the world of the beloved film, now featuring even more of your favorite characters, scenes, and songs. Marvel as the classic film comes to life against the botanical beauty of New York’s most treasured garden.
Follow the Fall Foliage!
Join us as fall color, the harbinger of cold weather, sweeps across NYBG! The rich red hues of sweetgums, golden glimmer of ginkgoes, and cheerful oranges of maples can be found across the entire 250 acres of the Garden—and our Fall Foliage Tracker makes it easy to keep up with the changing leaves.
Plethora of Pumpkins
October 17 through 26
Explore everything the Garden has to offer for pumpkin season, from pumpkin carving tips, to fall recipes, to decoration ideas. It’s the perfect time for a fall trip to NYBG!
Goth Gardeners Welcome!
NYBG Shop
Stop by the Shop to indulge your dark side this spooky season with our line of Goth Gardener goodies, from apparel and totes to curated houseplants and seed packets.
Grab a Beer at the Garden
Weekends, October 11 through November 8
Visitor Center Patio
Each weekend, stop by the Visitor Center for a drink, seasonal snacks, and more. Grab a regional fall beer or cider, warm up with a hot chocolate, or choose from a variety of sweet and savory treats for purchase.