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, September 3rd, 2026: 4pm-7pm
Floral Arranging Master Class with Forget Me Not Farms
Join Lindsay Daschner of Forget Me Not Farms in this interactive class on floral arranging. Leave with your own arrangement!
About Forget Me Not Farms
Forget Me Not Farms is a woman-owned specialty cut flower farm in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, founded by Michigan State University graduate Lindsay Daschner in 2016. The farm specializes in growing premium, seasonal cut flowers for florists, grocery stores, and floral designers throughout Michigan, with a focus on sustainable production and showcasing the beauty of locally grown blooms. From extra-frilly lisianthus to heirloom chrysanthemums, every stem is harvested with an appreciation for the changing seasons and the artistry of flowers.
Lindsay is passionate about connecting people to the stories behind the flowers they arrange. Through workshops, writing, and educational events, she enjoys sharing practical design techniques while celebrating the incredible diversity of Michigan-grown cut flowers.
Of course, no Forget Me Not Farms event would be complete without Tater, Lindsay’s beloved beagle and faithful flower farm companion. Whether greeting visitors, supervising harvest, or simply soaking up the sunshine between the blooms, Tater has become a cherished part of the farm’s story and is always happy to help welcome new flower enthusiasts.
Lindsay and Tater are excited to partner with the Botanical Garden in Traverse City and look forward to sharing an afternoon of flowers, creativity, and inspiration with you.
Wednesday , September 9th, 2026: 7pm-8:30pm
Jules Klee and Drew Hale in Concert
Join us for an evening of music in the Walled Garden with Americana artist Jules Klee and local musician Drew Hale.
Jules Klee is an Americana singer-songwriter whose voice has been described as knowing when to soothe and when to bruise, drawing comparisons to Emmylou Harris. Her songs blend folk, country, and roots influences with vivid storytelling and quiet emotional depth. Currently touring the Great Lakes by bicycle, she’s sharing new music inspired by the landscapes and communities she encounters along the way as she prepares to release her forthcoming album, Roses on My Table.
Located outside in the Walled Garden, so please dress for the weather. Light refreshments and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided.
Saturday, September 12th, 2026: 10am-2pm
Botanical Painting in Watercolor Workshop
Join local artist and illustrator Jane Kendra for a watercolor workshop focusing on botanicals.
Join Traverse City artist and illustrator Jane Kendra for an inspiring one-day workshop exploring the beauty of botanical painting in watercolor. Designed for beginners, this relaxed, hands-on class introduces the core skills needed to paint with watercolor, from basic brush techniques and color mixing to creating a realistic painting of a spring flower. Through step-by-step demonstrations and guided practice, Jane will help you build confidence, develop your eye for detail, and discover the joy of observing nature through art. Jane will also introduce essential materials for beginning watercolor painters, share some of her favorite tools, and demonstrate simple ways to enhance your paintings. Participants are welcome to bring a snack or lunch for scheduled breaks.
Weather permitting, the class will also step outside to see what is blooming in the garden and gather fresh inspiration from the season.
Jane Kendra Biography
With a creative practice spanning watercolor, acrylics, and a wide range of artistic media, artist and illustrator Jane Kendra brings both technical skill and curiosity to her work. Originally trained in art before earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Jane spent 20 years as an architectural designer in the healthcare field—an experience that sharpened her eye for structure, detail, and composition. In 2020, Jane returned to her lifelong passion for art and later completed the Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate Program through Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden in Pittsburgh in 2025. Jane’s paintings celebrate the beauty of shape, color, and light, inviting students to slow down, look closely, and discover the expressive possibilities of botanical watercolor.
Wednesday, September 16th, 2026: 7pm-8:30pm
Steve Clark in Concert
Join us for an evening of music in the Walled Garden with local singer and songwriter Steve Clark of the Stonefruit Collective.
Steve Clark is a well known local singer songwriter who has been a staple of our music programs at The Botanic Garden over the past four years. Known for Haunting of Ebenezer and A Growing Season, an original musical performance, Steve will sing favorites from each of these performances as well as new original music. He will debut a single that shares his love for the Botanic Garden and the former Northern Michigan Asylum for this special intimate evening concert.
This event will be located outside in the Walled Garden, so please dress for the weather. Light refreshments and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided.
This event is part of our September Unplugged Series, bringing original music and covers to the Garden during the sunset hour.
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.
Friday, October 9th, 2026: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Traverse City Design Week: Designing a Meadow-ette
Big or small, meadows can transform any landscape into a haven for pollinators, birds, and beauty. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll work alongside Executive Director and horticulturist Matthew Ross to design your very own 250-square-foot native meadow—perfect for a home garden!
This interactive course covers site selection, plant combinations, meadow layout, and long-term care.
FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS!
🌿 What’s Included:
✔️ Step-by-step meadow design instruction
✔️ A take-home kit of plants and seeds to establish your own 250 sq. ft. meadow
✔️ Expert insights from Matthew Ross, a nationally recognized garden designer
✔️ Time spent learning and creating in the beauty of the Garden
Saturday, October 10th, 2026: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Traverse City Design Week: Build a Botanical Scarecrow
🍁 Celebrate the magic of fall with your family, friends or creative crew as you build a botanical-themed scarecrow at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park.
Whether you are building on your own or bringing a team to assist, we look forward to seeing your design skills on display. Think outside the box as you apply creativity, ingenuity, and a personal touch to craft a one-of-a-kind scarecrow. We will provide the essentials: scarecrow frame, burlap, twine and straw. You bring your own old clothes, hats, and other decorations to personalize your creation.
🎃 Highlights Include:
- Build-your-own scarecrow activity (we provide the basics, you bring the flair!)
- One scarecrow kit per registered individual, family or team
- Bring your own clothing and decorations to personalize your scarecrow
- Enjoy a scavenger-style challenge: find the hidden scarecrow to win a special prize from the Visitor Center Gift Shop
- See your scarecrow on display at the Botanic Garden through October 31
All ages are welcome—perfect for families, friend groups, and autumn lovers alike.
Scarecrows will remain on display through October 31 and be recycled on November 1. Please note: All scarecrows become property of The Botanic Garden.
Participation is limited. Reserve your spot early!