Fall’s most colorful tradition is back in the Philadelphia countryside! Longwood Gardens’ beloved Chrysanthemum Festival returns October 16 through November 15, 2026, filling the historic conservatories with an explosion of autumn color.
Longwood’s horticultural artists have spent months coaxing thousands of mums into jaw-dropping forms: elegant spirals, cascading baskets, floating clouds, and towering columns of blooms in every shade of gold, crimson, pink, and purple.
This year’s show brings a brand-new showstopper: a breathtaking double chrysanthemum arch in the East Conservatory that visitors can walk beneath. In the Exhibition Hall, a richly textured chrysanthemum curtain and striking pagoda and viewing-stone forms bloom beside an actual viewing stone, blending living flowers with natural geological art.
Budding gardeners can go behind the scenes on October 24 at “Meet Us at the Mums,” where Longwood’s science team shares the growing secrets and horticultural mastery behind the festival (free with Gardens admission; advance registration required). A special Chrysanthemum Bonsai Display runs October 14 through November 13 in the Peirce-du Pont House Conservatory.
The festival is included with Gardens admission — a perfect fall day trip for the whole family, just a short drive from Philadelphia.
Photo: Daniel Traub / Longwood Gardens
