Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden turns into a living gallery this fall as its Chrysanthemum Festival returns from November 5 to 22, 2026. In Chinese culture the chrysanthemum — ju — is a flower of nobility and longevity, and Lan Su celebrates it in spectacular style, with 81 mum varieties filling the walled garden in Old Town Chinatown.
Visitors can stroll past cascading displays along the waterfall and sweeping floral sculptures that transform pavilions, courtyards and lake views into works of art. The garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the festival, making it an easy and joyful autumn outing for families, garden lovers and anyone who needs a splash of color in November.
Two special programs add extra glow. The Chrysanthemum Floral Design Showcase, presented with the PNW Florist Association from November 5 to 15, features 18 local floral artists and featured designer Toni Tibbits. Its evening companion, Nights of the Golden Flower, lights up the showcase November 5 to 8, plus a Sensory Night on November 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., interpreting the theme Golden Blooms Upon Autumn Waters, with a special ticket required.
More hands-on fun follows with Growing Mums and Lan Su Collection tours on November 12 and 19, Write Like a Scholar sessions on Saturdays, and Chrysanthemum Huayi workshops on November 14 and 21. Lan Su Chinese Garden is at 239 NW Everett Street. Happy City News recommends booking ahead for the evening events — they are among the garden’s most anticipated celebrations of the year.
Photo: Lan Su Chinese Garden
