Grand Rapids, MI (WGHN) – As fall ushers in cooler temperatures and shorter days, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park invites guests to experience the splendor of autumn during Mums at Meijer Gardens, on view Oct. 1–31, 2026. The annual exhibition features Michigan’s largest display of chrysanthemums alongside expansive seasonal plantings and the debut of Autumn Weekends at Meijer Gardens, an expanded evolution of the popular Autumn Nights programming.
“Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year to experience Meijer Gardens,” said Wendy Overbeck Dunham, Director of Horticulture at Meijer Gardens. “From thousands of chrysanthemums in peak bloom to harvest-inspired activities and seasonal experiences across our campus, guests can enjoy the beauty of the season in a variety of ways while spending time together outdoors.”
Michigan’s Largest Chrysanthemum Display
Running Oct. 1 – 31, Mums at Meijer Gardens transforms the Grand Entry Garden, Earl & Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor and Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Garden with thousands of chrysanthemums in vibrant autumn hues. Seasonal annuals, ornamental grasses, pumpkins, gourds and other fall plant material extend throughout the outdoor gardens, while indoor horticultural displays in the Gunberg and BISSELL Corridors showcase fresh and dried botanical arrangements inspired by the harvest season.
Guests will also encounter thousands of pumpkins and gourds representing a wide range of colors, textures and heirloom varieties sourced in partnership with Michigan growers, creating seasonal displays throughout the campus.
“Mums at Meijer Gardens has become a fall tradition for many of our guests,” Dunham said. “Each year, our horticulture team looks for new ways to celebrate the season while honoring the beauty and abundance of autumn in Michigan.”
By the Numbers:
9,000+ Outdoor Garden Mums
1,600+ Indoor Mums and Disbuds
3,000 Cabbage and Kale
1,150 Asters
65 Gaylords of Gords
175 100+ lb Pumpkins
250+ Straw Bales
240 Corn Shock Bundles
14,670 Potted Plants
Expanded Autumn Weekends Programming
Building on the success of previous Autumn Nights, Meijer Gardens is introducing Autumn Weekends this year, a new series of expanded programming Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout October. Inspired by the traditions of the fall harvest, Autumn Weekends features live music, seasonal food and beverage offerings and family-friendly activities designed to encourage guests to gather, explore and experience the campus in new ways.
Young guests and their families are invited to participate in drop-in harvest activities, including a Harvest Relay and Produce Stand Activity at Michigan’s Farm Garden.
On Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31, Hallowee-Ones adds a playful Halloween element to the harvest season with a family parade from the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden to Michigan’s Farm Garden, Not-So-Spooky Storytime in the Log Cabin and additional hands-on seasonal activities.
Throughout October, Autumn Weekend experiences continue across the campus with a carved pumpkin display in the Barn at Michigan’s Farm Garden, lawn games in the DeVos Van Andel Piazza, seasonal food and beverages, and the Harvest Beer Garden on the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage featuring live music Saturday and Sunday afternoons 2 to 4 pm.
DeVos Van Andel Piazza | The American Horse
Saturday and Sunday, all day
Lawn Games: Classic outdoor games are available for guests to enjoy.
Michigan’s Farm Garden
Food Truck: Rotating offerings throughout October. Picnic tables and straw bales are available for seating.
Scarlatti at the Doehne Wildflower Meadow
Saturday and Sunday, all day
Food Bike: Rotating offerings of bites and beverages.
2026 Autumn Weekends Performance Lineup at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, 2 – 4 pm:
Saturday, Oct. 3: Zondo
Sunday, Oct. 4: Trillium with Special Guest Ben Traverse
Saturday, Oct. 10: Whorled with Special Guest bagpiper Paul Greinke
Sunday, Oct. 11: Peter & the Wee Beasties
Saturday, Oct. 17: Bahar Ensemble
Sunday, Oct. 18: The Carolyn Koebel World Collective
Saturday, Oct. 24: Selkie
Sunday, Oct. 25: The Adler-Akansiima Duo
Autumn Weekends programming is included with admission and complements the month-long Mums at Meijer Gardens exhibition, offering guests additional opportunities to experience the season throughout October.
For admission, hours and event details, visit MeijerGardens.org.
Location: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, 49525
Mums at Meijer Gardens and Autumn Weekends are made possible in part by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and Townsquare Media.
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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, Memorable Attractions winner in the Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel 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, Nick Cave, Dale Chihuly, 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.
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