Upcoming Events
The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park is a place for lifelong learning. Our programming includes speakers, presentations, demonstrations, “make & take” classes, and so much more! We are always adding new events to the calendar. Please check back often!
Most programs, classes, and events at The Botanic Garden are discounted for members. Not a member yet? Join online here!
Registration for our programs through Eventbrite is easy. Your reservation will be available from your email confirmation or order history –there is no need to print your ticket. For free events, registering via Eventbrite helps us plan for your attendance.
Thursday, July 16th, 2026: 1pm-7pm
Friendly Garden Club 42nd Annual Garden Walk – CANCELLED DUE TO AIR QUALITY
Given the extended Air Quality Alert, out of an abundance of caution for members, homeowners, and participants, The Friendly Garden Club Garden Walk, originally scheduled for July 16th,1:00-7:00 PM, is cancelled. For those people who purchased tickets, we appreciate your support of our club. There is unfortunately no reasonable way to reschedule this event.
If you would like a refund please send your unused 2026 Garden Walk ticket with a self addressed, stamped envelope, postmarked no later than July 31, 2026 to:
Janet Hickman
c/o The Friendly Garden Club
PO Box 1286
Traverse City, MI 49685
Or visit www.thefriendlygardenclub.org for more information.
Sunday, August 9th, 2026: 1pm-3pm
Children’s Sensory Garden’s 1st Birthday Party
This August we are celebrating the first birthday of our Children’s Sensory Garden. Come out for this free family event and see how much this space has grown! Enjoy music, story time with local authors, wagon rides, and games to celebrate!
Thursday, August 13th, 2026: 6pm-8pm
Songs for the Earth Curious
Join us for a concert by Stonefruit Collective in the new Debra J Edson Family Education Center.
Relax and experience the sweet melodies of the earth through the lens of local artists at The Botanic Garden.
Celebrate our favorite planet with grooves for the atmosphere, serenades for the soil, and hymns for the open water. These original Americana tunes, played by a seven-piece band, remind us to connect with the flora and fauna of this unique and life-sustaining space rock.
Join us for an evening of great music, beautiful blooms, and a historic barn as we share the musical talents of Stonefruit Collective. The concert will be held inside the new Debra J. Edson Family Education Center, and we highly recommend walking the gardens either before or after the performance.
Tuesday, August 25th, 2026: 5:30pm-7pm
Nature’s Best Hope Lecture by Doug Tallamy
Join us for an evening with award-winning author and leader of the native plant movement, Doug Tallamy.
Whether you are seeking ways to enhance the impact of your garden, or just getting started in your gardening journey, this inspirational lecture will empower you with the knowledge and insight into how your garden can have a positive impact on our globe.
Doug Tallamy is the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 120 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 45 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities.
His books include Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, Nature’s Best Hope, a New York Times Best Seller, The Nature of Oaks, winner of the American Horticultural Society’s 2022 book award, and his latest book How Can I Help. In 2021 he co-founded Homegrown National Park with Michelle Alfandari (HomegrownNationalPark.org). His awards include recognition from The Garden Writer’s Association, Audubon, The National Wildlife Federation, Allegheny College, Ecoforesters, The Garden Club of America, The Herb Society, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and The American Horticultural Society.
The lecture includes light refreshments and a chance to experience the first large lecture in the new Debra J. Edson Family Education Center. A tour of the Anishinaabe Foraging Meadow and Medicine Wheel will follow.
Thursday, September 24 – Saturday, September 26
Great Lakes, Great Plants
Great Lakes, Great Plants returns this fall with a fresh lineup of lectures, tours, and immersive experiences celebrating horticulture, design, and the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Designed for professionals and plant lovers alike, this three-day event includes inspiring talks, a rare plant auction, guided garden tours, and exclusive bonus experiences.
This year’s programming focuses on Defining the Modern Midwest Landscape, Treecycling, and The Wildland Garden, offering practical knowledge, innovative ideas, and plenty of inspiration.
The event is proudly sponsored by the Northern Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association and hosted by The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, located in the heart of Traverse City.