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.
Monday, March 9th, 2026: 6:30PM – 8PM
The Life of the Traverse City State Hospital:
Changing Communities Over Time
Join the Friends of Historic Commons, Interlochen Public Radio and the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park for a special evening as we celebrate the preservation and future of the Grand Traverse Commons.
Looking toward what lies ahead, we will share the upcoming development steps and a renewed vision for this exceptional property. We recognize that the true history of the Commons is found in more than just stone and soil; it is held in the memories. To that end, attendees will learn how to contribute to an upcoming oral history project hosted by the Friends of Historic Commons, ensuring the human stories of this campus are preserved for generations to come.
This event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate where we have been and where we are going.
Saturday, March 14th, 2026: 10AM – 2PM
Share Your Stories: A Recording Session
Did you live here while the State Hospital was open for operation? Do you have a personal story regarding the history of the State Hospital/Commons? Did you or anyone in your family see the working farm? Do you remember what it all looked like? What does it mean to you now?
Join us on March 14th as The Botanic Garden staff, supported by the Friends of the Historic Commons and IPR, will help you record a 5-minute story of your connection to these. Please have your brief story prepared as we hope to quickly move through as many people as possible.
If there is more interest than we have availability, we will look into hosting another session of story recording at a later date. Email meredith@thebotanicgarden.org to express interest in sharing your story.
Sunday, March 15th, 2026: 1pm-3pm
Free Family Fun Day: Fixey Fox with Jeff Kessler
Join us for a free family fun day event at The Botanic Garden with local author Jeff Kessler. Jeff will read sections from Fixey Fox Lights the Night – readings are at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Between readings, make your own fox face mask! Materials will be provided for this fun craft project.
Friday, March 27th, 2026: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Tree Writing: A Healing Connection
Join us for a collaborative community event that celebrates the beauty and reflective awe of trees and nature through introspective observation, the art of writing, and soothing soulful soundscapes.
This event is open to all levels of writing. Enjoy inspirational readings by acclaimed author Anne-Marie Oomen and Soul Stirring Soundscapes by Crystal Woodward-Turner. We’ll observe crosscut prints of tree ring circles as a springboard for writing, taken from the book Woodcut by Bryan Nash Gill. They offer a range of expressions that may be used as a Rorschach for our relationship with the natural world. We will observe and express in writing our own healing connections with nature, trees in particular.
All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served and simple supplies are included. Please feel free to bring your personal journals, notebooks, or any other materials that would enhance your writing experience.