New 'Scarecrow Trail' opens plus spooky fun at Botanical Gardens

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens press release & photo

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens welcomes the fall season with its new Scarecrow Trail and events including “Spooky Mini Glow Golf,” “Spooky Artisan Market,” “BOOtanical Bounce Party,” and garden and art classes. Special events and classes are happening on select dates and times throughout the fall season. Western New Yorkers are invited to experience all that the Botanical Gardens has to offer.

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens invites Western New Yorkers to ease on down to the spooktacular “Scarecrow Trail.” This new exhibit opens this Saturday, Sept. 19, and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 2. Visitors can experience this fun-filled exhibit featuring dozens of show-stopping scarecrows of all shapes and sizes that make for a must-see exhibit this fall. For those looking for indoor fall activities, the “Scarecrow Trail” offers a cozy conservatory filled with scarecrow characters including an artist, a fisher, a beekeeper, gardeners and farmers. This family-friendly day out is complete with the seasonal scenery of the vibrant plant collections and special seasonal displays of mums, giant pumpkins, and more seasonal surprises. The exhibit is included with regular admission to the Botanical Gardens.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the “BOOtanical Bounce Party” will be held for kids and families to enjoy spooky, seasonal fun. The event will be filled with activities like games, crafts, a scavenger hunt, food and beverage vendors, and the “Scarecrow Trail” exhibit. There will also be the opportunity to interact with and visit alpacas from Thistle Creek Farm. There will be plenty of opportunities for photo ops and selfie stations where families are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to snap family photos.

The popular “Mini Glow Golf” event returns to the Botanical Gardens with a spooky twist. Golfers can enjoy an 18-hole course surrounded by glowing plants throughout the entire conservatory. This one-of-a-kind experience will take place from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 15, and returns for an age-21-plus date night from 5-10 p.m. Oct. 29. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at both events. Tickets are $25 per person and includes access to the glow-in-the-dark golf course, a custom scorecard, and admission to the Botanical Gardens.

The “Spooky Artisan Market,” hosted by the AVA Collective,” returns to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5-8 p.m. Local artisan vendors have been selected and curated to showcase their hauntingly unique and botanically inspired jewelry, art and crafts. Attendees will enjoy an array of vendors with one-of-a-kind creations that celebrate nature, artistry, and the Halloween season. This event is included with regular admission to the Botanical Gardens.

Various seasonal classes are also being hosted for those looking to learn something new. For more information about classes and workshops, visit the event calendar.

The Botanical Gardens is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Tickets can be purchased online at buffalogardens.com.