Get Your Kicks on Pumpkinville's Route 66!

Fall in Oklahoma City? You know what that means! The leaves start to turn, there's a crispness in the air, and our beloved Myriad Botanical Gardens gears up for its annual autumnal spectacular. This year, they're taking us on a truly special journey with "Pumpkinville: Road to Route 66," and trust me, it sounds absolutely delightful!

Imagine, if you will, stepping into a whimsical landscape where thousands upon thousands of pumpkins and gourds aren't just decorations; they're the very building blocks for an entire world. For 2026, Pumpkinville is paying a fantastic tribute to the legendary Route 66, perfectly timed with the highway's 100th anniversary. It’s more than just a display; it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane, celebrating the true spirit of the American road trip right here in the heart of OKC.

You'll find larger-than-life pumpkin murals, each one a charming nod to those iconic roadside attractions that have captivated travelers for decades. Think about it: the quirky Blue Whale of Catoosa, our very own Oklahoma gem, brought to life with gourds! Or perhaps a vibrant recreation of POPS Arcadia's towering soda bottle. And let's not forget the artistic Cadillac Ranch from Texas or Arizona's historic Wigwam Motel – all crafted with that wonderful autumnal flair. It’s really quite something to see how creative they get with all those pumpkins!

This isn't just for looking, though. Pumpkinville is an experience for the whole family, packed with seasonal displays, plenty of photo opportunities (get those cameras ready!), and activities that will have the little ones giggling with glee. It’s the perfect spot to soak up all those cozy fall vibes and make some beautiful memories together.

So, when can you hop on this mini "Mother Road" adventure? Mark your calendars! Pumpkinville: Road to Route 66 runs from October 1st through October 25th, 2026. You can visit on Thursdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or enjoy a longer evening on Fridays and Saturdays when they stay open until 8 p.m. Just a heads-up, they'll be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, giving the pumpkin artists a much-needed break, I imagine!

Getting in is pretty straightforward. General admission for folks aged 3 and up is $9 if you snag your tickets online, or $10 right at the gate for just Pumpkinville. But here’s a tip: if you want the full experience, consider the All-Inclusive Pass for $15 online or $16 at the gate. That gets you into Pumpkinville, plus a visit to the gorgeous Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory, and unlimited rides on Mo's Carousel. Oh, and if you’re a Myriad Gardens Member, or have little ones aged 2 and under, you get in absolutely free! How great is that?

This fantastic event wouldn't be possible without the generous support of community partners. A huge shout-out to presenting sponsor OG&E, along with Devon Energy, BancFirst, Delta Dental, Bank of Oklahoma, Tinker Federal Credit Union, and MetroFamily Magazine, among others. Their commitment helps bring this autumnal magic to life year after year.

Ready to embark on your own Route 66 journey, pumpkin style? Head over to Myriad Botanical Gardens at 301 W. Reno in Oklahoma City. For more details or to grab those tickets, give them a call at 405-445-7080 or visit their website at myriadgardens.org. It’s truly a can’t-miss fall tradition, and this year’s theme sounds like it’s going to be an absolute blast!