GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As temperatures cool and days grow shorter, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park invites guests to experience the splendor of fall during Mums at Meijer Gardens, on view Oct. 1–31, 2025. In its 27th year, this seasonal tradition features Michigan’s largest display of chrysanthemums, alongside expanded seasonal plantings and the return of Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens on Tuesdays in October.
“Each season carries its own wonder, but autumn feels like a cherished farewell before winter’s solitude and why we especially love celebrating this fleeting time of year at Meijer Gardens,” said Wendy Overbeck Dunham, Director of Horticulture at Meijer Gardens. “The colors may soften from summer’s vivid display, yet their beauty runs just as deep as you will see by our floral displays – inviting us to linger a little longer outdoors, wrapped in the promise of the holidays ahead.”
Michigan’s Largest Chrysanthemum Display
This year’s exhibition, running Wednesday, Oct. 1 through Friday, Oct. 31, transforms the Grand Entry Garden, Earl & Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor, and Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Garden with thousands of chrysanthemums in rich fall hues—rust, gold, cream, and copper—alongside seasonal annual plantings in containers, topiaries, and trellises. Immersive floral scenes continue through the Gunberg and BISSELL Corridors, where Meijer Gardens’ horticulturists create striking displays that pair the vibrance of fresh blooms with the rich textures of dried botanicals.
Guests will also encounter thousands of pumpkins and gourds, with more than triple the quantity and expanded varieties from past years.
These seasonal accents, grown in partnership with Michigan farmers, include unique squash and pumpkin varietals such as Autumn Frost, Chicago Warted, Cushaw Green Striped, Sand Ghost, Silver Moon, and Sunrise.
“Autumn invites us to slow down and notice,” Dunham added. “From glowing gardens to artful arrangements indoors, there’s beauty at every turn at Meijer Gardens during this remarkable season.”
Mums at Meijer Gardens is made possible by the The Meijer Foundation, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation, Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, The George and Dorothy Vande Woude Foundation and Townsquare Media.
Back By Popular Demand
On Tuesday evenings in October, guests are invited to enjoy Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens, with extended hours until 9 pm. This family-friendly event features live music and entertainment at both the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater and Michigan’s Farm Garden , children’s programming, artist-carved pumpkins, seasonal refreshments, and a chance to experience the gardens under crisp evening skies. A favorite feature is the Glow Garden where the Gwen Frostic Shade Garden is illuminated in vibrant autumn hues and lined with artist-carved pumpkins. Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens are supported by the George and Dorothy Vande Woude Foundation.
Mums at Meijer Gardens and Autumn Nights are included with admission. For tickets, hours, and event details, visit MeijerGardens.org.
Autumn Programming
These events are included in the cost of admission and registration is not required.
Fall Bonsai Show
Presented by the West Michigan Bonsai Club
Oct. 4 and 5 | Saturday, 10 am–5 pm | Sunday, 11 am–5 pm | Huizenga Grand Room
See a variety of bonsai on display, from trees in early stages of training to older trees. Watch bonsai artists at work and shop for bonsai trees, bonsai tools and supplies.
Autumn Nights
Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28 | 5–8:30 pm
During Autumn Nights Tuesdays in October, guests can explore the newly expanded illuminated Pumpkin Walk in the Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden, highlighting artist-carved pumpkins by local artists Alynn Guerra, Rebecca Rodriguez, and Taylor Bultema. The DeVos Van Andel Piazza will feature lawn games and seasonal ambiance, while Michigan’s Farm Garden offers live entertainment on the porch, expanded food and beverage offerings, and a vibrant harvest display. At the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, enjoy unplugged music, hot cider, and seasonal snacks. Supported by the George and Dorothy Vande Woude Foundation.
Live Music in the Amphitheater and Michigan’s Farm Garden
Enjoy stripped-down local music, seasonal snacks, adult beverages and hot cider every Tuesday evening in October during Autumn Nights.
Oct. 7 | Pretoria (Amphitheater) – The Adler and Akansiima Jazz Duo (Farmhouse)
Oct. 14 | Kanin Wren (Amphitheater) – Caitlin Cusack (Farmhouse)
Oct.21 | Eric Engblade Band (Amphitheater) – Selkie (Farmhouse)
Oct. 28 | Charlie Millard Band (Amphitheater) – Phil Stancil & Friends (Farmhouse)
Visit MeijerGardens.org for a full listing of events and to purchase tickets.
Location: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, was named the Best Sculpture Park in the United States in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and is regularly listed in the 100-most-visited museums in the world and 15-most-visited museums in the United States by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news publication. The permanent collection highlights hundreds of sculptures from internationally acclaimed artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Beverly Pepper, Jaume Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard Serra, Yinka Shonibare CBE, and Ai Weiwei, among others. Indoor galleries with changing sculpture exhibitions have presented numerous solo shows, including artists Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Richard Hunt, Cristina Iglesias, Michele Oka Donor, George Segal, David Smith, and others. The 158-acre main campus features Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; one of the country’s largest interactive children’s gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including a replica 1930s-era farm garden; an 8-acre Japanese garden featuring contemporary sculpture; and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater garden, showcasing an eclectic mix of world-renowned touring musicians each summer. Learning Engagement programs welcome 80,000 students and guests each year. Culinary Arts & Events offerings include weddings, corporate meetings, and award-winning catering.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
#MeijerGardens
Comments