Due to inclement weather, the Conservatory will be closed on Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26. Guests with General Admission tickets for either day may reschedule their visit for an earlier or future date. Guests with Winter Ice Festival tickets for Sunday may visit on Friday, January 23, or Saturday, January 24.

Skip to content

2026 Cocktails at the Conservatory – Cold As Ice

Tickets are available now!


Embrace the chill and kick off the Conservatory’s Ice Festival with this 21+ experience! The evening includes perfectly chilled, ready-to-drink cocktail samples, served right over ice while you enjoy festive outdoor lights, ice carving and an outdoor skating rink. Bundle up and toast to the heart of winter!

To keep guests cozy throughout the evening, outdoor fire pits and heaters will be set up around the grounds. S’mores kits will be available for purchase at the Watershed Bar, with a nearby fire pit or fire barrel to gather around and toast. Guests can also warm up inside the NEW heated Garden Pavilion, which will host two alcohol vendors and fun LED games throughout the evening.

  • Cocktails at the Conservatory events are 5:30-9:30pm and strictly 21+. Infants and toddlers are not permitted. IDs will be checked at the door. All guests are required to show valid, physical ID – regardless of age. Photos of ID are not permitted.
  • A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door for this event only. FAQs are available below.

What To Expect

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Expect

An event map and Ticket Card will serve as your guides to the event! Pick them up when you check in at the Visitor Center.

The Plan

Drinks Try free samples until 9pm from local alcohol vendors and purchase additional drinks from cash bars.

Two Cats Fine Cocktails
The Long Drink
Watershed Distillery
XXI Martinis
Eat Food options available:

Ma Bui's Bahamian Delight
Little Italy
Garden Cafe
Music & Entertainment Ice Carving Competition - Rock On Ice: Cheer on your favorite ice carver during Fire & Ice, a high-energy carving showdown featuring the pros.

Outdoor Skating Rink: Enjoy ice skating on the synthetic rink from 5:30 to 9:30pm. Bring your own skates or borrow a pair. Skating and rentals are free.

LED Glow Performer: From 6-8pm
Explore The entire Conservatory is open for you to explore after hours. Hang out with friends, take pictures, and enjoy some lighting and elements from Conservatory Aglow such as the light up tunnel and the festive igloos at the Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace.
Prizes -Ticket Card: Complete and turn in your ticket card to be entered into a raffle for a prize package!

Sponsors

Cocktails at the Conservatory events are made possible thanks to generous support from sponsors. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Naomi Merino, Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager, at [email protected] or 614.715.8041.

BECOME A SPONSOR

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available for free on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Designated parking spaces are available near the Main Entrance. Guests can be dropped off a short distance from the Main Entrance if necessary.

Service Animals are the only animals permitted at the Conservatory.

Please contact us with any specific accessibility concerns.

Are these events 21+?

Yes, these are cocktail party-style events where alcohol will be served. IDs required. These events are a special opportunity for adults to enjoy the Conservatory with their peers. Infants and toddlers are not permitted.

Do I need to reserve tickets?

It is recommended to reserve tickets in advance. However, a limited number of tickets will be sold at the door for this event only.

Are refunds available?

No, tickets are final sale and non-refundable. This includes refunds for the weather as the events can be moved inside.

Please contact us with any issues.

Are these events weather dependent?

No, the entire indoor Conservatory is open during the events so they will not be canceled due to weather. Activities and vendors will be moved to rain locations if need be.

Refunds are not available due to weather.

What’s included in a reservation?

Access to the Conservatory’s indoor and outdoor experiences and current exhibitions. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden will close at dark.

Activities are included with the cost of a ticket and do not require additional reservations.

Reservations also include alcohol samples from each alcohol vendor. Additional drinks can only be purchased from the designated cash bars. Food may be purchased from local food trucks on site.

Are outside food or beverages permitted?

No, outside food and beverages will not be permitted. We kindly ask that you support the cash bar and local vendors.

Is there parking available?

Yes, the Conservatory has a free parking lot for guests located off of East Broad Street. Guests can also be dropped off or picked up in front of the Main Entrance. Please see our map.

If necessary, additional parking is available at the Franklin Park Adventure Center.