Skip to content

2026 Cocktails at the Conservatory – Ultimate TAILgate

This event takes place rain or shine! For this event only, dogs are more than welcome inside the Conservatory building, which has air-conditioned areas. We will have lots of water bowls, misters, splash pads and fans to keep your pup as comfortable as possible. 

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Grab your crew — and your furry friends! — for our biggest sports-themed blowout! Sample an unbeatable lineup of craft beers and hard seltzers from top local breweries and vendors. The gloves are off as you compete in classic games like cornhole, inflatable football toss, darts, and foosball, all set to the beats of a live DJ. Don’t have a dog? No problem — all 21+ guests are welcome for a night of friendly competition and spirited fun with our canine companions! 

Dogs are warmly welcome, but must be leashed at all times and up to date on vaccinations to ensure a safe and fun experience for all. Guests bringing their dog will be fully responsible for the dog and will be liable for any messes, damages, injuries, etc. The Conservatory reserves the right to ask guests and their dog(s) to leave the property due to misbehavior or difficulties involving the dog. Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation!

  • 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.
  • All guests, including all member levels and Monarchs, must reserve tickets in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door and may sell out leading up to the event. 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.

-Bridge's End Brewing
-Campfire Brewing
-Derive Brewing
-Land-Grant Brewing Company
-The Long Drink
Eat Food options available:

-Little Italy
-Rooster's
-Schmidt's
Music & Entertainment -Columbus Humane
-DJ Dayna Sol
-Dogood Apparel Co.
-Izzy & Co Dog Treats
-Lucky Lola Studios
-My Vet Animal Hospital
-Poo Crew Pet Waste Removal
-Tailgate Games
Explore The entire Conservatory is open for you to explore after hours. Hang out with friends, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery in our beautiful green spaces.
Prizes -Ticket Card: Complete and turn in your ticket card to be entered into a raffle for a prize!

Major Sponsor

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

Open All | Close All
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?

Yes, advance reservations are required for each event, including for all member levels and Monarchs. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Reservations will close at midnight the evening before the event date. Reservations may sell out before then! Reservations can be made on each event page. 

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.