There’s something special about wandering the Franklin Park Conservatory after dark.
The crowds are gone, the lights feel softer, and suddenly you’re holding a cocktail in the middle of a palm-filled paradise. That magic is back for 2026, and Cocktails at the Conservatory just dropped a full slate of new themed nights.
These 21+ evenings run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and mix together local drinks, food trucks, live music, and just enough playful chaos to make it feel like a mini escape without leaving Columbus. Each event leans fully into its theme, so dressing the part is encouraged and often rewarded.
Here’s what’s on tap for the year ahead.
Hearts & High Stakes
- February 13 and 14
- Valentine’s weekend goes full Roaring ’20s with a two-night celebration of glamour, romance, and prohibition-era flair. Expect vintage vibes, cocktails inspired by the speakeasy days, and a Conservatory that feels straight out of a black-and-white film. Pick a night or make a whole weekend of it.
Petals & Prosecco
- April 16
- Spring shows up right on time for this floral-forward soirée. Sip prosecco and sparkling wine from local spots while wandering through colorful blooms and lush displays. A live acoustic duo sets the mood, and the whole night feels relaxed, fresh, and very Instagram-friendly.
A Night at the Races
- July 21
- Big hats, sharp suits, and Derby-inspired energy take over the Conservatory for this summer favorite. Themed cocktails and fine wines keep things classy while you roam the gardens pretending you’re on your way to Churchill Downs.
From Vine to Vintage
- August 6
- Wine lovers, this one’s for you. Local vineyards pour selections that highlight the flavors of the season, paired with live music and a botanical scavenger hunt tucked throughout the exhibits. It’s part tasting, part adventure, and a great excuse to explore corners of the Conservatory you might usually miss.
Ultimate TAILgate
- September 24
- This crowd favorite returns with craft beers, hard seltzers, and plenty of friendly competition. Cornhole, inflatable football tosses, darts, foosball, and a live DJ keep the energy high. Dogs are welcome, sports jerseys are encouraged, and the vibe is pure game-day joy without the couch commitment.
Spirits & Spells
- October 29
- Halloween at the Conservatory goes adults-only for a night of spooky cocktails and creative costumes. Local distilleries bring the eerie sips, and the atmosphere is perfect for date night or a group costume plan that finally gets out of the group chat.
Sleigh Bell Sips
- December 2
- The holidays kick off with a kid-free stroll through Conservatory Aglow. Twinkling lights, the iconic light tunnel, penguin village, and winter projections all shine a little brighter when you’re holding a festive drink and moving at your own pace. It’s cozy, sparkly, and feels like a new tradition waiting to happen.
Tickets are $35 for non-members and $30 for members. Reservations are required by midnight before each event, and tickets are not sold at the door. All events are strictly 21+, IDs are required, and tickets are non-refundable. Weather never gets a vote here, since everything happens rain or shine. Bonus feel-good detail: five dollars from every ticket supports the Conservatory’s outreach programs.
You can grab tickets and get all the details at fpconservatory.org/cocktails.
