Bellingrath Gardens

Easter Sunrise Service
2026-04-05 06:30 - 08:30 (America/Chicago)
Embrace the serenity of Easter at Bellingrath Gardens with our Sunrise Service on April 5, 2026. Gates open at 6:30 am, and the service commences at 7:00 am. As the sun bathes the gardens in morning light, join us for a special service open to the entire community.
Bring your friends and family for a spiritually uplifting experience against the backdrop of Bellingrath’s picturesque surroundings. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or a blanket for comfort during this tranquil outdoor service.
Free admission will be offered from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, allowing time to enjoy the beauty of the Gardens.
Following the service, guests are invited to enjoy breakfast served through the Café line. The menu includes grits, eggs, sausage, and a biscuit for $10.95. Coffee, tea, and orange juice will be available for purchase separately.

Date: April 5, 2026
Time: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Location: LIve Oak Plaza
Note that, in the event of inclement weather, the service will be relocated inside the Café

Lunch & Learn | The Hidden Tape: Frank Woodard on the Man Behind the Gardens
2026-04-08 11:00 - 13:00
Step back into Bellingrath’s history with a rare discovery — a 1957 reel-to-reel recording of Frank Woodard sharing memories of his personal relationship with Mr. Bellingrath and singing one of “Mr. Bell’s” favorite gospel hymns. During this special program, guests will enjoy lunch while listening to curated clips from the recording, along with reflections from Home Director Tom McGehee, Mr. Frank’s granddaughters, and longtime Bellingrath employees Gale Moore and Meg Mosely.
The afternoon also features a fishing camp–inspired lunch with crispy fried catfish, creamy mac and cheese, classic Southern coleslaw, golden hush puppies, and a slice of tangy lemon cake. Drinks are available for purchase separately.
Admission includes access to the Gardens, so you can stroll through the season’s blooms before or after the program. It’s more than a luncheon — it’s an opportunity to experience the stories, voices, and traditions that shaped Bellingrath, all in the place where it began.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a rare voice from Bellingrath’s past and hear stories that shaped its legacy.

Date: April 8, 2026
Time: 11:00 – 1:00 PM
Location: Magnolia Room
Purchase Tickets

Preview Party For the Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival
2026-04-11 18:00 - 21:00
An exclusive first look at the Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival awaits!
Join us for a one-night-only Preview Gala on Saturday, April 11, where you’ll be among the first to stroll through the glowing wonderland of towering handcrafted lanterns before the festival opens to the public. Enjoy a signature cocktail and indulge in a selection of elegant heavy hors d’oeuvres by Bay Gourmet. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience a guided tour of the magnificent Bellingrath Home.
Tickets are $125 per person and $100 for members. This event will sell out, so get your tickets early and be part of this enchanting night.

Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 6:00- 9:00 PM
Purchase Tickets

NatureNauts Academy: Smart Coast Scientists–Reading the Data of the Deep | Sold Out
2026-04-14 10:00 - 12:00
Ignite Curiosity with Hands-On Science Adventures
Dive into our real-time Coastal Water Observing System at NatureNauts Academy at Bellingrath Gardens & Home. In this two-hour, hands-on workshop designed just for K–8 students, young scientists will tackle interactive STEM challenges and explore how we track the health of our coastal waters in real time.
Why Attend?

Monthly STEM Challenges: Each month, your child will explore a new nature science topic, sparking their curiosity and fostering a love for learning.
Inclusive for All K-8 Students: Whether your child is homeschooled, or attends private or public school, they are welcome to join our exciting educational adventures.
Led by Certified Educators: Our expert educators create immersive 2-hour sessions filled with fun, interactive learning experiences.

Registration & Fees:

Members: Free
Non-Member: General Admission

Deadline: Ensure your participation by registering one week before the event.
TICKETS
Have questions? Reach out to Felicia Henderson at fhenderson@bellingrath.org.

Viewing the Summer Sky
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00
As spring evenings grow longer, we invite you to experience the night sky from the beautifully darkened Gardens. With less light pollution than surrounding areas, our skies offer a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable evening of stargazing.
The Moon will be in its waning crescent phase and not visible—giving us darker skies for viewing. Just after sunset, Jupiter will shine nearly overhead, and several telescopes will be trained on the giant planet for a chance to spot its four largest moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
We’ll also look for brilliant seasonal stars and constellations, including Arcturus, Spica, Regulus, Denebola, Vega, Betelgeuse, Rigel, Capella, Castor, and Pollux. For those eager to explore deeper into space, we’ll hunt for distant deep-sky objects such as the Sombrero Galaxy (M104), elliptical galaxies M84 and M86, and in Orion, the Orion Nebula (M42) and M78. While these celestial wonders may appear small and faint through our telescopes, seeing them with your own eyes is a thrilling reminder of the vastness beyond our world.
Dr. Charles Merrill Jenkins, Dr. Romulus Godang and members of the University of South Alabama Department of Physics will begin the evening with a presentation from 7:00–7:30 PM. Following sunset at 7:20 PM, guests will be guided to the Great Lawn for telescope viewing, with astronomical twilight beginning at 8:44 PM.
Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars, lawn chairs, and a sense of curiosity. Free smartphone apps that identify stars and constellations can enhance your experience—simply point your phone toward the sky and explore.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this opportunity to join us for an inspiring evening under the stars.

Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Begins in the Magnolia Room and moves to the Great Lawn
Members: Free | Non-members: Garden Admission
Purchase Tickets

2026 Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival
2026-04-16 - 2026-06-21
April 16th – June 21st, 2026 | Thursday – Sunday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Buy Tickets Now
Join us for the 2026 Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival, an all new show filled with all new lanterns. As night falls, the Gardens glow with more than 40 towering, handcrafted light sculptures that transform the landscape into a vivid world of color and scale. Inspired by traditional Chinese lantern artistry and brought to life with modern design, dazzling plants, animals, and imaginative creatures illuminate every path. Interactive displays invite you to move, play, and step into the experience. Explore the Gardens after dark and discover an unforgettable night of light, energy, and wonder for all ages, with stunning photo moments at every turn.

Plan Your Visit

We are encouraging guests to purchase tickets online in advance. Limited on-site ticket sales will be available. Flex tickets provide added flexibility, allowing guests to attend on any show night. They are available for an additional $10 per ticket. Children 4 and under will be charged $2.
Last Home tour at 7:30 PM during Festival. The historic Bellingrath Home is not wheelchair accessible.
Tickets are non-refundable.
Group rates are not available.
General admission (daytime) and Lantern Festival (evening) tickets are sold separately. No combined ticket option.
Thursday–Sunday during the Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival, Gardens close from 4:00–5:00 PM. Last daytime general admission ticket sold at 3:00 PM.
Parking is complimentary. Allow extra time for parking and entry.
Wheelchairs ($20) and wagons ($6) available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.
Snacks, beer and wine available. The Magnolia Café serves hot evening meals nightly from 5:00–8:00 PM.
Gift Shop open until 9:00 PM. Members receive 10% off with a valid membership card at checkout.
Gnats and mosquitoes can be present in warm, humid Gulf Coast weather. Bring bug spray.

Garden Walk & Talk
2026-04-29 10:30 - 11:30
Experience the beauty of Bellingrath Gardens in every season during our Garden Walk & Talk, held on the last Wednesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This engaging monthly garden tour is led by our knowledgeable horticulture experts, who share insights into what’s blooming, garden care tips, and behind-the-scenes details about our historic landscape.
Garden Walk & Talk is open to the public – the tour is included with regular Gardens admission, and it’s free for Bellingrath members. No advance registration required.
Join us each month to connect with nature, learn something new, and enjoy the ever-changing beauty of the Gardens!

Date: April 29, 2026
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Purchase Tickets

Mother's Day Plant Market
2026-05-09 08:00 - 2026-05-10 16:00
Browse a vibrant selection of plants and garden-themed merchandise, all conveniently located in the parking lot in front of the Café and Gift Shop. Members of our horticulture team will be on hand to answer your gardening questions and help you choose the perfect additions to your landscape. This is a free event. View plant list here.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on beautiful plants and gardening essentials for the season.

Date: May 9- 10
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Mother's Day Brunch
2026-05-10 10:00 - 15:00
Celebrate Mom with a relaxed and delicious à la carte Mother’s Day Brunch at the Magnolia Café featuring a comforting spread of Southern favorites. Enjoy creamy cheese grits, fluffy scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, Conecuh sausage, bacon, and Southern biscuits served with rich sausage gravy. Sweet offerings include blueberry muffins, assorted danishes, fresh fruit, and yogurt. To complement the meal, guests will enjoy coffee, tea, lemonade, and orange juice.
Guests can enjoy a live performance by the Camellia Quintet at 12:30, featuring classical pieces and familiar covers. Their elegant sound creates a relaxed and inviting backdrop, perfect for lingering over brunch, sharing conversation, and making the day feel even more special for Mom.
Enjoy an à la carte brunch in the Magnolia Café. No reservations needed. Gardens admission is not required for brunch, but is required to explore the Gardens.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this opportunity to treat Mom to a thoughtfully prepared brunch and a well-deserved moment of celebration.

Date: May 10th
Time: 10:00 – 3:00 PM

Kokedama Workshop
2026-05-13 10:30 - 12:00
An Ancient Japanese Art
Discover the ancient Japanese art of kokedama, a unique and beautiful way to display plants without the use of traditional pots. In this hands-on workshop at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, you’ll learn how to create your own kokedama—literally translated as “moss ball”—by shaping a special soil mixture around the roots of a plant, wrapping it in moss, and securing it with twine. Kokedama can be displayed on decorative trays or suspended for a striking hanging garden effect. This centuries-old technique is rooted in the Japanese tradition of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and natural simplicity. All supplies are included, and each participant will take home their own handcrafted kokedama. Admission to the Gardens is also included, so you can spend time exploring the seasonal beauty of Bellingrath before or after the workshop.
Member: $25 | Non-member: $30 (Gardens Admission included)
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn a timeless Japanese garden art and enjoy a day of creativity.

Date: May 13, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Magnolia Room
Purchase Tickets

Unearthing a Forgotten History: Life on the Land Before Bellingrath Gardens & Home
2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:00
Before the Gardens became Bellingrath Gardens & Home, this land held centuries of untold history. Join Dr. Philip Carr of the Center for Archaeological Studies for an engaging presentation exploring the lives, landscapes, and forgotten stories that existed here long before the Gardens opened to the public.
In 2000, the Center for Archaeological Studies conducted an exploratory dig that uncovered the sites of the 1760s Lisloy Plantation Home and the 19th-century Parker Place. As part of Bellingrath’s Centennial Master Plan process, archaeologists have returned to the area to continue researching these significant sites. During this presentation, Professor Carr will share artifacts discovered during the original excavation and discuss what his team has uncovered during the latest phase of research, offering a fascinating glimpse into the layered history beneath the Gardens we know today.
Plan Your Visit

Date: May 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Purchase Tickets

Unearthing a Forgotten History: Life on the Land Before Bellingrath Gardens & Home
2026-05-23 10:00 - 11:30
Join Dr. Philip Carr of the Center for Archaeological Studies for a continuation of his fascinating lecture series exploring the forgotten history of the land before it became Bellingrath Gardens & Home. Building on the first presentation, Professor Carr will share additional artifacts uncovered during earlier excavations and discuss what archaeologists have learned through the latest phase of research tied to Bellingrath’s Centennial Master Plan.
In 2000, the Center for Archaeological Studies conducted an exploratory dig that uncovered the sites of the 1760s Lisloy Plantation Home and the 19th-century Parker Place. As archaeologists return to further study these significant sites, guests will gain a deeper understanding of the lives, landscapes, and layered history that existed here long before the Gardens opened to the public.
Plan Your Visit

Date: May 23, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Purchase Tickets

Garden Walk & Talk
2026-05-27 10:30 - 11:30
Experience the beauty of Bellingrath Gardens in every season during our Garden Walk & Talk, held on the last Wednesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This engaging monthly garden tour is led by our knowledgeable horticulture experts, who share insights into what’s blooming, garden care tips, and behind-the-scenes details about our historic landscape.
Garden Walk & Talk is open to the public – the tour is included with regular Gardens admission, and it’s free for Bellingrath members. No advance registration required.
Join us each month to connect with nature, learn something new, and enjoy the ever-changing beauty of the Gardens!

Date: May 27, 2026
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Purchase Tickets

Members' Morning Coffee
2026-05-30 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for a peaceful start to the day at our Members’ Morning Coffee. This special gathering is a chance for members to enjoy complimentary coffee, light refreshments, and friendly conversation while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Gardens. Take time to unwind, connect with fellow members, and experience the charm of Bellingrath in the morning hours.
This is an exclusive members-only event. Not yet a member? Discover the perks here.
Plan Your Visit

Date: May 30th
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Purchase Tickets

DIY Tiny Greenhouse Workshop | Canceled
2026-06-03 10:30 - 12:00
During this unique class, you’ll begin creating your very own tiny greenhouse—a charming addition to your home or fairy garden collection. We will provide the tiny greenhouse kit along with all necessary tools and materials, and Sheree will guide you step by step, sharing tips and techniques to help you confidently get started. While the project will not be completed during class, you’ll leave with everything you need to finish at home. Admission to the Gardens is included, giving you the opportunity to explore the seasonal beauty of Bellingrath before or after the workshop. Registration is required by May 20, 2026.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this opportunity to craft something charming and fun.

Date: June 3, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Location: Magnolia Room

Kombucha Workshop
2026-06-10 10:30 - 12:00
Ever picked up a $5 bottle of kombucha and thought, “I could totally make this myself”? You absolutely can.
This is your sign to take back your pantry. Brewing your own kombucha is surprisingly simple, budget-friendly, and one of the easiest low-waste swaps you can make. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a steady supply of fizzy, gut-friendly goodness at a fraction of the cost.
It’s low-maintenance. It’s sustainable. And honestly? Watching that first bubbly batch come to life is pretty magical.
Member: $25 | Non-member: $30 (Gardens Admission included)
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this opportunity to turn simple ingredients into something delicious, sustainable, and uniquely yours with Jack Upton.

Date: June 10, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Magnolia Room
Purchase Tickets

NatureNauts Garden Sprouts Camp
2026-06-16 09:00 - 2026-06-18 13:00
Garden Sprouts Camp is an introduction to the world of plants for young nature lovers ages 5 – 7 years. Campers will discover and explore gardens, water, and wildlife while developing observation skills and an appreciation for the outdoors. Campers can look forward to hands-on activities, nature walks, games, and crafts.
Registration & Fees:

June 16 – 18 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Members: $75
Non-Member: $100
Register Now
Learn More: Camp Details

For any questions, reach out to Felicia Henderson at fhenderson@bellingrath.org.

Unearthing a Buried History: Preliminary Findings from Archaeological Excavations at Bellingrath
2026-06-22 10:00 - 11:00
Join Dr. Philip Carr of the USA Center for Archaeological Studies for a preliminary report on the recently completed Phase II testing at Bellingrath. Professor Carr will bring artifacts found on the property when he and his team revisited past dig sites and explored an area that will become a new garden. In his presentation, he’ll help us have a deeper understanding of the lives, landscapes, and layered history that existed here long before the Gardens opened to the public.
Plan Your Visit

Date: June 22, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Purchase Tickets

NatureNauts Garden Guardians Camp
2026-06-23 09:00 - 2026-06-25 15:00
Garden Guardians Campers ages 8-11 will investigate garden ecosystems, water, and wildlife while learning how to care for and protect the natural world. Campers can look forward to hands-on investigations, outdoor exploration, teamwork, and stewardship projects.
Registration & Fees:

June 23 – 25 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Members: $100
Non-Member: $125
Register Now
Learn More: Camp Details

For any questions, reach out to Felicia Henderson at fhenderson@bellingrath.org.

Garden Walk & Talk
2026-06-24 10:30 - 11:30
Experience the beauty of Bellingrath Gardens in every season during our Garden Walk & Talk, held on the last Wednesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This engaging monthly garden tour is led by our knowledgeable horticulture experts, who share insights into what’s blooming, garden care tips, and behind-the-scenes details about our historic landscape.
Garden Walk & Talk is open to the public – the tour is included with regular Gardens admission, and it’s free for Bellingrath members. No advance registration required.
Join us each month to connect with nature, learn something new, and enjoy the ever-changing beauty of the Gardens!

Date: June 24, 2026
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Purchase Tickets

Members' Morning Coffee
2026-06-27 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for a peaceful start to the day at our Members’ Morning Coffee. This special gathering is a chance for members to enjoy complimentary coffee, light refreshments, and friendly conversation while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Gardens. Take time to unwind, connect with fellow members, and experience the charm of Bellingrath in the morning hours.

This is an exclusive members-only event. Not yet a member? Discover the perks here.
Plan Your Visit

Date: June 27th
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Purchase Tickets

NatureNauts Eco Kids Camp
2026-06-30 09:00 - 2026-07-02 13:00
Eco Kids Camp introduces young nature explorers ages 5 – 7 years to the basics of caring for the environment. Campers will explore plants, water, and wildlife while developing observation skills and learning simple ways to help protect the natural world. Campers can look forward to hands-on activities, nature walks, games, and creative projects.
Registration & Fees:

June 30 – July 2 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Members: $75
Non-Member: $100
Register Now
Learn More: Camp Details

For any questions, reach out to Felicia Henderson at fhenderson@bellingrath.org.

China Mania with Tom McGehee
2026-07-08 10:00 - 11:30
As our visitors enter the Bellingrath Kitchen there seems to be a magnetic pull towards the glittering wall of china displayed in the Butler’s Pantry. Here are dinner and tea services, gumbo bowls, a hot chocolate set and elegant service plates. They date from the start of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th and were created in England, France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and the United States.
When were they made, where were they purchased and how were they used in the Bellingrath Home? How did the sale of china in the United States evolve and how did the establishment of the bridal registry add to its explosion?
Join Museum Director Tom McGehee as we explore this colorful collection.
Member: Free | Non-member: Gardens Admission
Plan Your Visit

Date: July 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Location: Magnolia Room
Purchase Tickets

NatureNauts Eco Leaders Camp
2026-07-14 09:00 - 2026-07-16 15:00
Eco Leaders Camp (Ages 8 – 11 years) builds on environmental awareness for curious
explorers ages 8-11. Campers will investigate ecosystems, water, and wildlife while learning how humanactions impact the environment and how they can help protect it. Campers can look forward to hands-on investigations, outdoor exploration, teamwork, and conservation projects.
Registration & Fees:

July 14 – 16 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Members: $100
Non-Member: $125
Ensure your child’s participation by registering two weeks before
Register Now
Learn More: Camp Details

For any questions, reach out to Felicia Henderson at fhenderson@bellingrath.org.

Lucky Leaves Bingo Night
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for Lucky Leaves Bingo Night, a lively evening of plant-themed bingo, garden fun, and exciting prizes at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Gather your friends and enjoy a fun night surrounded by the beauty of the Gardens. Complimentary refreshments, including tea, coffee, and water, will be provided, while beer and wine will be available for purchase. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, bingo champion, or simply looking for a fun night out, this is your chance to get lucky among the leaves!
Member: $15 | Non-member: $20
Plan Your Visit

Date: July 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Magnolia Room
Purchase Tickets

Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators K-2 Session
2026-07-21 08:00 - 11:00
Cultivate Your Teaching Skills: Professional Development at Bellingrath Gardens
Cultivate is a PD-certified teacher development program that provides Alabama’s PreK-8 educators with the foundation and plant science and literacy lesson plans they need to grow excited, confident, and engaged students in STEM. Leave with three PD credit hours, plant science curriculum, a variety of STEM resources, and the confidence to build future plant scientists. BGH is an AMSTI Affiliate.
Why Attend?

Enhance Your STEM Teaching: Immerse yourself in practical, plant science-based STEM lessons tailored to the Alabama Course of Study.
Professional Development Hours: Receive a certificate for three PD credit hours as you broaden your professional expertise.
Take Home Resources: Leave not just with knowledge, but with a bin of STEM resources to bring your lessons to life.
Incredible Scholarship Opportunity: Get 90% off the program cost by completing a simple scholarship appreciation.

Quick Details

Price: The cost is $10 with the expectation that a pre-survey will be completed upon receipt of email confirmation.
Deadline: Register one week prior to the event.
Venue: Magnolia Room, next to the Café.
Preparation: Bring a notebook, pen, and your cell phone for photos.
Attire: Comfortable clothing suitable for a garden walk.

Need Assistance? We’re Here to Help!
For any questions, reach out to Felicia Henderson at fhenderson@bellingrath.org. Your educational journey is important to us!
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to our sponsors, including the State of Alabama Legislature, The Daniel Foundation of Alabama, BAE Systems, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Alabama, for their unwavering support of the Cultivate program.
Join the Cultivate Experience
Don’t miss out on this transformative professional development opportunity. Register today, and let’s cultivate the future of STEM education together!
TICKETS

Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators 3-5 Session
2026-07-21 12:00 - 15:00

Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators 6-8 Session
2026-07-22 08:00 - 11:00

Members' Morning Coffee
2026-07-25 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for a peaceful start to the day at our Members’ Morning Coffee. This special gathering is a chance for members to enjoy complimentary coffee, light refreshments, and friendly conversation while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Gardens. Take time to unwind, connect with fellow members, and experience the charm of Bellingrath in the morning hours.

This is an exclusive members-only event. Not yet a member? Discover the perks here.
Plan Your Visit

Date: July 25th
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Purchase Tickets

Garden Walk & Talk
2026-07-29 10:30 - 11:30
Experience the beauty of Bellingrath Gardens in every season during our Garden Walk & Talk, held on the last Wednesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This engaging monthly garden tour is led by our knowledgeable horticulture experts, who share insights into what’s blooming, garden care tips, and behind-the-scenes details about our historic landscape.
Garden Walk & Talk is open to the public – the tour is included with regular Gardens admission, and it’s free for Bellingrath members. No advance registration required.
Join us each month to connect with nature, learn something new, and enjoy the ever-changing beauty of the Gardens!

Date: July 29, 2026
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 PM
Purchase Tickets
