Your Guide to Visiting Powell Gardens in 2026
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Your Guide to Visiting Powell Gardens in 2026
Every season at Powell Gardens offers something entirely wonderful. Visit the Gardens for the first hopeful blooms of spring, the magic of summer exhibitions, crisp autumn color, and winter nights illuminated by thousands of lights.
If you’re wondering when to visit in 2026, the answer is simple: every season has a reason.
Here’s a look at what makes each time of year special, and what you’ll find unfolding across the Gardens throughout the year. Plan your visits and purchase admission at www.powellgardens.org/hours-admission.
Spring
March – April
Spring at Powell Gardens is all about awakening. As winter fades, the landscape begins to transform. Daffodils pop up along pathways, trees leaf out, and beds fill with fresh color and fragrance with seasonal plantings.
The season begins with Orchid Delirium (March 5–April 19, 2026), when the Conservatory becomes a lush, immersive showcase of exotic orchids. This annual favorite offers a welcome burst of warmth and color, especially in early March.
Shortly after, Daffodil Days (March 25–April 5, 2026) celebrates one of spring’s most joyful blooms, carpeting the Gardens in sunny yellow hues.
As April turns to May, guests can explore texture and structure during Conifer Tips (April 29–May 10, 2026), followed by the vibrant, art-inspired spring festival Painted Garden (May 2–June 21, 2025).
Spring is also an ideal time to stroll the Gardens at a leisurely pace. Temperatures are mild, birds are active, and every visit feels like something new has emerged overnight.
Spring Hours of Operation
- March 5–May 24: Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day): Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Summer
May–September
Summer is when Powell Gardens is at its most vibrant. The landscape is lush and full, and longer days invite exploration, discovery, and a sense of adventure.
Beginning May 24, 2026, Dragons & Fantastic Beasts brings towering sculptures and storytelling elements throughout the Gardens, blending fantasy and horticulture in a way that sparks imagination for all ages. The new summer exhibit will remain on view through September 24, 2026.
Seasonal celebrations continue with Desert Days (June 16–28, 2026), highlighting arid-climate plants and surprising textures, followed by Wildflower Week (July 6–15, 2026), when native blooms take center stage.
One of the most anticipated summer traditions, Festival of Butterflies (July 16–August 2, 2026), fills the Conservatory with hundreds of free-flying butterflies, offering unforgettable close-up encounters. This family favorite festival will celebrate 30 years in 2026!
As summer winds down, Waterlily Wonders (August 4–16, 2026) showcases aquatic blooms at their peak, while late-season color builds anticipation for fall. Summer is also the best time to experience the Gardens in their fullest form. There are shady paths, buzzing pollinators, beautiful display beds, and wildflowers all across campus.
Summer Hours of Operation
- May 26–September 6: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Monday, September 7 (Labor Day): Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fall
September–October
Fall brings a shift in mood at Powell Gardens with cooler temperatures, softer light, and a rich palette of golds, rusts, and reds. It’s an ideal time for photography, relaxed walks, and soaking in the changing season. As the days grow shorter, ornamental grasses, seed heads, and autumn foliage add depth and texture across the landscape.
Later in the season, select evenings transform the Gardens into something more mysterious during Dark Forest, an immersive nighttime experience that blends art, light, and atmosphere. This event, presented in partnership with Quixotic, offers a completely new way to experience the Gardens after hours.
Fall Hours of Operation
- September 9–late fall: Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Dark Forest: Select evenings, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
Winter
November–January
Winter at Powell Gardens is defined by glow, reflection, and tradition. While the outdoor landscape rests, the Gardens come alive at night with the Festival of Lights, a Kansas City holiday favorite.
Beginning with a member preview on November 18, the Festival of Lights runs select evenings from November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Guests can stroll illuminated pathways, enjoy seasonal displays, and create lasting holiday memories surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights.
Festival of Lights Hours
- Select evenings, 5–10 p.m. (dates vary)
Plan Your Visit
With something new unfolding every few weeks, there’s no wrong time to visit Powell Gardens in 2026. Whether you’re drawn to spring blooms, summer fantasy, fall color, or winter lights, each season offers its own reason to return—and often, to come back again.
For the most up-to-date information on events, hours, and tickets, visit powellgardens.org and start planning your year in bloom.
With so many seasonal experiences to enjoy, a Powell Gardens membership is one of the best ways to make the most of 2026. Members enjoy free general admission and free admission to festivals (plus complimentary parking), making it easy and affordable to visit again and again throughout the year.
Beyond the savings, membership is also a meaningful way to support Powell Gardens’ mission. Every membership helps care for the landscapes you love, supports horticultural excellence, and ensures the Gardens continue to grow as a place of beauty, learning, and connection for our community.
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