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  • Fall at Longwood Gardens – Extended Hours (October 2–25, 2026)

    Fall at Longwood Gardens – Extended Hours (October 2–25, 2026)

    Fall at Longwood & Chrysanthemum Festival 2026

     

    Open Wednesday–Monday. Closed Tuesdays except for special events.

    This fall, nature picks up her brush and transforms Longwood Gardens into a living canvas of amber, crimson, and gold. Towering trees ignite in color, ornamental grasses shimmer in the breeze, and late-season blooms hold their own against the crisp blue sky. It’s the season when artistry and agriculture meet—when master gardeners, designers, and scientists showcase what careful planning and bold imagination can achieve.

    Wander the Flower Garden Walk, where autumn perennials and textured foliage create layered ribbons of color. Explore the Hillside Garden, a quieter, contemplative space where horticultural rarities and thoughtful plant pairings reveal subtle beauty. In the expansive Meadow Garden, sweeping fields of goldenrod, asters, and native grasses glow in the afternoon light, creating one of the most photogenic landscapes in the region.

    The Ornamental Kitchen Garden offers another kind of bounty. Here, edible crops mix with decorative plantings, proving that productivity can be beautiful. Heirloom vegetables, vibrant peppers, and richly colored greens demonstrate that form and function aren’t rivals—they’re partners.

    Chrysanthemum Festival 2026

    Beginning October 16, 2026, Longwood’s artists and scientists stretch horticultural limits during the celebrated Chrysanthemum Festival. This isn’t a simple flower show. It’s a feat of botanical engineering.

    Expect:

    • Cascading chrysanthemum towers

    • Intricate trained forms

    • Sculptural displays cultivated over many months

    • Rare varieties grown exclusively for the exhibition

    Longwood has cultivated chrysanthemums for nearly a century, building a reputation for precision growing techniques and dramatic presentation. Each plant is trained, pruned, and shaped to create architectural forms that seem almost impossible—proof that patience is powerful.

    Tiny trivia: Some chrysanthemum specimens are trained for nearly a full year before they bloom on cue. Talk about sticking to a growth plan.

    October 2–25, 2026

    Gardens Open

    10:00 am–6:00 pm

    Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

    10:00 am–9:00 pm

    Friday, Saturday, Sunday

    Closed Tuesdays

    October 26–November 15, 2026

    Gardens Open

    10:00 am–5:00 pm

    Wednesday–Monday

    Autumn at Longwood blends sweeping landscapes with fine detail. From golden meadows to meticulously trained chrysanthemums, the season offers both grand vistas and intimate discoveries. If summer dazzles with fountains, fall answers with fire—this time in the leaves.

  • Blood Drive

    The Blood Bank of Delmarva is hosting a blood drive at the Convention Center. Sign up for a timeslot here. 

  • Wellness Yoga

    Wellness Yoga

    Activate your internal energy and strengthen your body and spirit as you practice slow, easy motions to get into the rhythm of nature. Led by Beth Sheehy. Bring a yoga mat, small towel, and a water bottle. Wear layers appropriate to the season.

    Drop-in classes; held in the garden, weather permitting. In inclement weather, location will move indoors. Locations will be posted by the main gate and outside Brown Horticulture Center. Members only. $15 per Member per class; cash only. For more information, contact Beth Sheehy at [email protected].

     

     

     

     

  • Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market

    Every Tuesday rain or shine, the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market offers a variety of fresh food, local produce, flowers, handmade goods, and more from local sellers in our community. The Farmers Market will be back in Grove Park, but please note: the Grove Park Parking Lot will be closed for public parking and through traffic, as vendors will be using this space in addition to park space.

  • Off the Shelf: Marginalia

    Off the Shelf: Marginalia

    Notes, doodles, little pointing hands…people of the past weren’t shy about marking in their books, and historians appreciate it! Join us to learn about the history and importance of marginalia and see some examples of the art from the library’s collections. Free. Reservations required; limited to 30 participants.

    Register now.

  • Member Bloom Report Guided Garden Walk

    Member Bloom Report Guided Garden Walk

    Exclusively for Members! Discover the beauty of the early fall garden on a walking tour led by Collin Hadsell, lead horticulturist. See what’s in bloom and explore unseen or off-the-beaten-path areas of the garden. Members free. Reservations required; limited to 50 participants. Walks leave promptly from the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. In case of inclement weather, a decision will be made the day prior. If the decision is made to cancel, all registered participants will be notified.

    Register now.

  • IRUG16: 16th Conference and Workshop of the Infrared and Raman User’s Group

    IRUG16: 16th Conference and Workshop of the Infrared and Raman User’s Group

    For over three decades, the Infrared and Raman Users Group (IRUG) has been at the forefront of advancing spectroscopic analysis in cultural heritage conservation. Every few years, this vibrant international community gathers to share groundbreaking research, innovative techniques, and the latest developments in infrared and Raman spectroscopy for the analysis and conservation of cultural materials. In October 2026, IRUG 16 will bring together an international cohort of conservation scientists, conservators, researchers, and industry specialists working across diverse collections. This conference will showcase cutting-edge research and methodologies that are essential for advancing our understanding and preservation of cultural heritage materials.

  • Birding Walk

    Birding Walk

    Join us to explore some of the hotspots for birds at Winterthur, including wetlands, meadows, and the woodlands along Clenny Run. Observe resident birds as well as migrating raptors, warblers, and sparrows. For beginning or experienced bird watchers. Bring your binoculars. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. $20; $10 for Members. Park in the Visitor Parking Lot and meet at the Picnic House (the small building at the far end of the lot). Walks start promptly at scheduled time. In case of inclement weather, an update message will be left at 302.888.4864 by 7:00 am on the morning of the walk. Come prepared for a long walk.

    Register now.

    Additional Birding Walks take place on October 31 and November 11.

    Photo by Eileen Tercha

  • Spectroscopy as Cultural Heritage

    Dr. Roger Turner will present a talk highlighting the fascinating history of cultural practices and social groups on the field of spectroscopy, the scientific study of how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation. His talk introduces some of the hidden figures who helped make spectroscopy a powerful technique that scientists use to understand the compositions of cultural heritage objects—including paintings, textiles, archeological artifacts, photographs, contemporary art, and much, much more. Women like Clara Smith Craver created the books of chemical “fingerprints” that identify different materials, while groups of scientists learned to how to do spectroscopy through summer courses at Fisk University, a historically Black university. Surprising objects from the Science History Institute museum reveal that spectroscopists can be playful and silly, while doing work that has transformed our understanding of art and archeology. Dr. Turner is the curator of instruments and artifacts at the Science History Institute in Philadelphia.

    This is the keynote lecture for the IRUG Conference taking place at Winterthur October 7–9. IRUG is a group dedicated to the use of infrared and Raman spectroscopies applied to cultural heritage. Included with admission. Members free.

    Register now.

  • Garden & Estate Insider: Structural Pruning Demo

    Garden & Estate Insider: Structural Pruning Demo

    Allison Edmonds, arborist, will demonstrate structural pruning, provide tips, and answer your pruning questions. Included with admission. Members free.

    Register now.

    Join our staff and invited experts as they share insights and information about Winterthur’s history, horticulture, or habitats. Activities may include a walk, talk, or demonstration and take place every Wednesday, April–October. 

  • Greyhounds Reach the Beach

    The annual Greyhounds Reach the Beach weekend is being hosted in the Convention Center. The festival wraps up with a parade on the Boardwalk on Sunday.

  • Introduction to T’ai Chi Chih

    Introduction to T’ai Chi Chih

    Exclusively for Members! This introductory level, easy-to-learn set of twenty movements helps dissolve tension, reduce chronic pain, and improve balance. Based on the ancient Chinese principles of activation and circulation of energy (chi), T’ai Chi Chih is an easily adaptive and enjoyable program that can be done by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. Classes are led by Jessica Lewis, accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructor. Classes meet outside the Picnic House in the rear of the Visitor Parking Lot and take place in the garden, weather permitting. In inclement weather, location will move indoors. Members only. $135. Registration is for all eight sessions. Capacity limited. Register by September 15. No class on October 22.

    Register now.

  • Wellness Yoga

    Wellness Yoga

    Activate your internal energy and strengthen your body and spirit as you practice slow, easy motions to get into the rhythm of nature. Led by Beth Sheehy. Bring a yoga mat, small towel, and a water bottle. Wear layers appropriate to the season.

    Drop-in classes; held in the garden, weather permitting. In inclement weather, location will move indoors. Locations will be posted by the main gate and outside Brown Horticulture Center. Members only. $15 per Member per class; cash only. For more information, contact Beth Sheehy at [email protected].

     

     

     

     

  • City Streets & Safety Advisory Committee Meeting – 08 Oct 2026

  • Story Time in Enchanted Woods

    Story Time in Enchanted Woods

    Share the joy of reading while cultivating children’s interest in and appreciation for nature. Kids ages 3–6 sit among the Story Stones to hear nature-based stories. Plus, enjoy a special activity on the first Thursday of every month. Included with admission. Free for children under 2. Members free. Story Time starts promptly at scheduled time and takes place weekly, April–October.

    October 1—Don’t Rake the Garden in a Party Dress by Aimee Bissonetti

    October 8—Acorn Was a Little Wild by Jen Arena

    October 15—Run Wild by David Covell

    October 22—Daylight Starlight Wildlife by Wendell Minor

    October 29—Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. Van Gelder

    Photo by Rob Cardillo

  • Creative Connections: Memory Café featuring Lisa Bradley: Beyond Luminosity

    Creative Connections: Memory Café featuring Lisa Bradley: Beyond Luminosity

    This program is designed specifically for visitors with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partners. Led by a specially-trained guide in an environment that encourages conversation, exchange, and storytelling. Join us from 1-1:30pm in East Court for snacks and social time. At 1:30pm, we will head into the galleries for a discussion-based tour. Themes change monthly. 

    Abundantly Clear, 2019-2020. Lisa Bradley (born 1951). Oil on canvas, 77 × 59 inches. Courtesy of the artist. © Lisa Bradley.