There is a lot happening this October at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens! If you have never been here before, now is the perfect time.
by Meg Bennett
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a breathtaking glass conservatory that is home to palm trees, hundreds of tropical plants, exotic varieties of orchids, begonias, herbs, cacti, succulents and ivy, just to name a few
The Botanical Gardens features many beautiful and exotic plants from different corners of the world, all housed in a gorgeous building that dates back to the turn of the 20th century and was inspired by England’s well-known Crystal Palace. The Botanical Gardens are divided as follows: the Palm Dome (which features tropical varieties like the Chocolate Tree and the Australian Foxtail Palm); the Aquatic Garden (complete with koi pond and southeast Asian horticulture); the Asian Rainforest (bamboo, tea, water lilies and bonsai); Cacti and Succulents; Ivy, Carnivorous, and Medicinal Plants; Begonias; Orchids; the Panama Cloud Forest (plants which are used to living high above the rainforest floor); the Florida Everglades; Outdoor Gardens; and so much else to see!
Here are just a few reasons to check out this garden paradise this October:
Wednesday Night Yoga
Get your yoga on at the Botanical Gardens!
If you are looking for a great opportunity to unwind from the daily grind, yoga at the Botanical Gardens is it! Come and stretch out your worries while surrounded by the soothing sight of flora and fauna. Every Wednesday in October, the Botanical Gardens partners with instructor Leanne Oldenbrook from Oasis Yoga and Wellness to provide yogis with a refreshing evening of exercise. Choose from Gentle Hatha Yoga (which takes place from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm and benefits everyone, but most of all people who are injured) or Gentle Power Flow Yoga/Pilates (from 7 pm to 8:15 pm and designed to help you work up a sweat). All classes are $15 each or $100 for the ten-week series. They also happen to be free for eligible members of BlueCross BlueShield of WNY!
The Chrysanthemum Exhibit
Mum’s the word at this year’s MUMster Mash! Don’t let the chrysanthemums pass you by
This is the Botanical Gardens’ oldest exhibit to date (119 years old, believe it or not!) and this year things are getting a little spooky! The theme is “MUMster Mash.” (We will give you a second to cope with the cuteness overload!) In addition to thousands of pretty chrysanthemums, there will be ghosts, mummies, a mad scientist lab, a cemetery, and more autumn fun. This exhibit is included with admission and available daily through November 3rd during normal hours (10:30 am to 4 pm).
Buffalove Dollar Day
Buffalove Dollar Day is the perfect opportunity to visit the Botanical Gardens with the little ones if you’re on a budget
Buffalove Dollar Day is October 14th, and admission to the Botanical Gardens is only $1 per person and free for kids under 3! This discount is taking place to celebrate Western New York and Hispanic Heritage Month. A free, self-guided scavenger hunt will be available in both English and Spanish, and the nonprofit organization known as The Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc. will be present. This is a great opportunity to get to know the gardens if you are unfamiliar and on a tight budget!
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Maestro JoAnn Falletta’s 20th Anniversary
BOGO & BPO at the BECBG
If you are a Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra subscriber, you will receive BOGO (buy one, get one free) admission to the Botanical Gardens on October 18th for The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Maestro JoAnn Falletta’s 20th Anniversary event. Enjoy previously recorded BPO music played throughout the gardens while participating in a fun, self-guided scavenger hunt. Free guided tours will take place at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.
The BOOtanical Celebration
The BOOtanical Celebration is a sure-fire way to get into the Halloween spirit
With the BOOtanical Celebration, come and celebrate Halloween in the gardens on October 19th! Kids and their families are invited to participate in awesome, spooky crafts such as a venus fly trap, a paper pumpkin, a masterpiece featuring a bat and a moon, and mosaic fall leaves. The Ice Queen and Ice Princess from Emmalee’s Memories will make a grand appearance. There will be treats, prizes, and lessons about spooky plants. There will also be a make-it, take-it workshop in the Spooky Succulent Garden (which takes place at two times- 10 am and 2 pm). Wearing your Halloween costume is highly encouraged! Activities are designed with children ages 4 to 12 in mind and require the help and supervision of a caregiver. The event takes place from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is $12.50/Adult, $11/Senior, $11/Students (13+ with ID), $7/Child (ages 3 to 12), and free for Garden Members and Children 3 and under. All activities are peanut-free and sponsored by Wegmans and Fidelis Care.
Your go-to place for fall fun
As you can see, there is a lot to be excited about at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens this October! For more information on this sensational attraction, please visit www.buffalogardens.com. Here you will find business hours, admission, exhibit details, event information, classes, workshops, history and more. We hope you have a BOOtiful time!