Things To Do
Open year-round, the Huntsville Botanical Garden contains diverse ecosystems to explore within its 118 acres. From grassy meadows to woodland paths, aquatic habitats to stunning floral collections, the Garden invites guests of all ages to discover the beauty and wonder of the natural environment. Stroll along the nature trails while admiring collections of Alabama’s native plants. Play freely in the Wicks Family Garden after encountering the fluttering butterflies in the Purdy Butterfly House. Find serenity in the cool shade of the trees, surrounded by the sounds of nature. With additional events, exhibits, and programs throughout the year, the Garden is a source of plant conservation, education, and celebration for all.
Garden Soiree
The Garden Soirée is an enchanting evening of philanthropy outside at the Garden, featuring cocktails, a three-course dinner by James Boyce, and a live auction. Guests enjoy a night of natural elegance, all to benefit the mission activities of the Garden.
Butterfly Release
Guests of all ages will enjoy sharing in the magic of safely releasing live butterflies into the Purdy Butterfly House.
Butterfly Releases take place throughout the summer
Festifall
It’s harvest time, and nothing says FALL quite like Festifall at the Garden! Our two-month celebration of the changing seasons features pumpkins, scarecrows, campouts, nature hikes, and more. As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change color, there’s no better place to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of autumn.
Monarch Tag and Release
On September 30, we will be “tagging” 100 monarch butterflies (putting a tiny sticker on their dorsal wings) and then releasing them into the Garden, and we need your help! Join us for a presentation about monarchs and their migration, followed by a hands-on tagging of the butterflies.
Fall Plant Sale
Did you know that fall is the best time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials in your garden? The season brings a mix of warm soil and cool air for grass, and the moisture helps trees and shrubs establish their root system. Here’s your chance to purchase what you need for your autumn planting!
Pooches and Pupkins: Featuring the Pooch Parade
Ghosts and Ghouls aren’t the only ones up and about this Halloween season! Come see what’s got all the dogs barking for the Pooch Parade. Dress up your pup and come show off your tail-wagging friends, and if you’re pawsome enough, you could win at the doggy costume contest! Bark or Treat!
Galaxy of Lights Races
The Galaxy of Lights 5k Race and 3k Fun Run are your chance to experience Galaxy on a one-of-a-kind run (or walk!) through the displays.
BOOtanica
Join us at the Garden for spooky (not scary!) fun at BOOtanica, the best Huntsville Halloween event recommended for little ghosts and goblins ages 2-10 and their favorite adults.
Hamburgers and Hayrides
Enjoy a delicious Grilled Lunch before setting off on a hay-bound journey to the back of the Garden! Relax as you trundle along on your visit to the autumnal Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Join us as members of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with their Music in the City program to delight us with beautiful music in the Garden Atrium.
Raptor Show
This all-ages program is an excellent opportunity to experience live raptors up close while learning about their natural history and vital ecological roles. The show features a selection of the Center’s raptor ambassadors and may include owls, falcons, hawks, kites, vultures, and eagles.
Family Campout in the Garden
Join us for our Garden campout presented by Bankston Motor Homes! We will have a hot dog dinner, s’mores to roast over the fire, a story at bedtime, and a chance to experience the Garden on a guided night hike.
Fall Family Field Trip: Pollinators
Come learn about a variety of pollinators, how they can be supported in gardens, and the Monarch migration.
Fall Family Field Trip: Habitats
Come explore the unique habitats of birds, pollinators, plants, animals and more! Families will learn about the habitats in their own backyard and what they can do as a family to conserve them while having a beautiful garden.
Fall Family Field Trip: Looking at Leaves
Families will learn about the parts and shapes of leaves and then put that knowledge to work with some basic Tree Identification.
Fall STEM Camp
Garden Explorers will investigate the Garden from the ground up and get the real “dirt” on plants, life cycles, composting, garden critters, and more! Join us for a week filled with games, explorations, snacks from the garden, and take-home garden projects.
Nature Academy
Nature Academy provides hands-on science classes at the Garden to enrich STEM learning for students in grades K-8. Classes are new and improved every year, and registration is open to all homeschool, public school, and private school students in the area.
Adult Education
The Garden provides a variety of opportunities for adults to expand their knowledge of plants and their place in nature. From Bird walks, to virtual series, to hands-on classes, there are Adult Education classes for every interest.
Event Calendar
Peruse our calendar by using the categories to find perfect activities for families, adults, or kids.
Our Garden
Our 118-acre garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, wetlands, and a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections.
