Before the wintery days settle over St. Louis, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers guests a fall season full of beautiful sights and festive events.
Whether you’re looking to catch some fall blooms, embrace the Halloween season, or learn something new, the Garden has something for every guest to enjoy this season.
For The Shopper and Outdoor Market Lover
Best of Missouri Market®
October 3–5, 2025
Friday, October 3 | 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, October 4–5 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Members-only Shopping Hour: Saturday, October 4 | 8–9 a.m.
If you enjoy soaking in the last of the warm weather while browsing unique arts and homemade goods, trying new seasonal flavors, and supporting local businesses, then look no further. A St. Louis fall tradition, Best of Missouri Market®offers features over 150 vendors from Missouri, Illinois and beyond.
Guests 21 and older can sample some fall flavors at the Craft Beer and Cocktail Court, featuring 13 local drink vendors.
Children and their families can enjoy face painting, a petting zoo, balloon art, crafts and a pumpkin patch with sustainable pumpkin decorating at the Kids’ Corner.
For The Young Guest
BOOterfly House
October 1–31, 2025
Don’t be scared. Be Curious.
That is the message the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House shares each October as spotlight the bugs often deemed creepy, scary, and spooky. Throughout the month, guests of all ages can learn about scorpions, tarantulas, and other bugs that are on display through storytime hours and animal encounters.
For The Leaf Peeper
Those seeking fall color don’t have to look far at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Though the vibrancy of leaves may differ year to year, guests can always find beautiful color and displays each season.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden offers vibrant fall color across 14 acres of serene landscape. Around the lake, leaf peepers can spot the bright orange and red Japanese maples, warm hues of bald cypresses, and contrasting evergreen of Japanese black pines.
In addition to the the trees, the multi-color cascading mum display has become a fall favorite for guests. This example of horticulture ingenuity can be found in the Pring Dry Garden on the western side of the lake.
Cypress Lake at Shaw Nature Reserve
Oak, maple, and gingko trees are the stars of fall foliage, but cypress trees deserve more recognition for their bronze hues in the autumn months.
Cypress Lake at Shaw Nature Reserve is a wonderful place to admire these trees in a serene setting. With nearby parking and connecting trails, the lake is accessible for both short and long visits to the Nature Reserve.
Prairie Garden in the Kemper Center
The vibrancy of autumn leaves wax and wane from year to year, depending on rainfall and heat leading up to the fall season. If you’re noticing the trees look a little less colorful this year, try looking a little lower for fall color.
The Lucy and Stanley Lopata Prairie Garden displays colorful ornamental grass, asters, goldenrod and other fall favorites. As part of the Kemper Center for Home Gardening, this display garden offers an example of how home gardeners can recreate Missouri’s vibrant prairies on a smaller scale.
To see this habitat on a larger scale, visitors can also explore the recreated prairies of Shaw Nature Reserve.
For The Forever Learner
The Missouri Botanical Garden, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, and Shaw Nature Reserve each offer unique classes on-site all season long.
Deepen your knowledge of the botanical world, learn ways to make your holidays more sustainable, or see the Garden through a new perspective with specialized tours.
Canopy Clime in the Japanese Garden
October 19, 2025 | 12:30–2:30 p.m. & 3–5 p.m.
Whether you’re an adventurous adult, a family of explorers, or anyone over the age of 8 who loves climbing trees, this experience is a must-do. Taught by expert instructors, you’ll be introduced to the world of recreational tree climbing and explore different parts of the tree canopy.
Upcycled Crafts for the Holidays
October 28, 2025 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Discover new ways to reuse old items with the creative staff at Perennial. Perennial will demonstrate how to transform common items into your next craft project. Participants will learn about projects made with reused materials and make crafts of their own. We’ll talk about ways to reuse year-round and make gift bags and other upcycled crafts–all in time for the holidays.
Unwrapping the Secrets of Chocolate
November 1, 2025 | 2–4 p.m.
Have you ever taken the time to really taste chocolate and think about why you love it? Join fellow chocophile Kim Petzing to take your chocolate obsession to the next level. Gain insights on how chocolate is made, health benefits, terminology, sustainability in the chocolate world, and pairing chocolate. Sample a variety of chocolates to support the discussion.
Those wanting to take part in a class or tour in the later months of the year can can explore the Winter class catalog starting October 20. Registration for winter classes in will begin on November 3 at 9 a.m.
For The Happy Hour Hopper
What better way to celebrate the Halloween season than with some spirits?
Guests 21+ who like a happy hour with a twist will enjoy these spirited evenings with the Garden. Please note that all guests of these events, including designated drivers, must be 21 or older.
Fest-of-Ale
October 10, 2025 | 6–9 p.m.
Enjoy samplings from over 20 local breweries and distilleries while supporting a good cause.
All proceeds from this event support the Garden’s Outdoor Youth Corps education and workforce development program. The program connects St. Louis region youth ages 16–24 with environmental stewardship projects, community engagement opportunities, and potential environmental careers.
Wicked Wings and Wine at the BOOTerfly House
October 17, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
The BOOterfly House isn’t just for young guests of the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Adults, ages 21 and up, can enjoy his happy hour featuring samples from local spirits vendors, live music, and unique snacks that include insects prepared by the Bug Chef.
Spirits in the Garden
October 24, 2025 | 6–8:30 p.m.
Guests who want to delve more into the paranormal or love dressing up for Halloween will enjoy Spirits in the Garden. Take part in a costume contest, meet local paranormal investigators, learn about the spirited history of the Garden, and get a personalized tarot reading.
For the Art Lover
The Annual Art Show at Shaw Nature Reserve
November 1–2, 2025 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
This one-of-a-kind art show at Shaw Nature Reserve highlights local artists and the beauty of nature. Featuring artists inspired by the natural world and set in a log cabin surrounded by woodlands, this art show offers a relaxing and immersive experience.
For the Guests Who is Just Ready For the Holidays Already
Garden Glow
November 15–January 3
If your favorite season is the winter holiday season, there’s no need to wait until December. Start planning your visit to Garden Glow now by reserving your tickets.
Featuring more than two million dazzling lights, Garden Glow transforms the iconic setting of the Missouri Botanical Garden into an enchanted wonderland rich with mesmerizing displays and unforgettable moments. This year features a new Sensory Friendly Night, a Jingle and Mingle Night, and new interactive features.
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