Guided Mountain Bike Trail Ride
2026-01-03 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
Saturday, January 3 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Free | The Trailhead Store
Did you get a new set of wheels for the Holidays? Or wanted to explore riding out in nature but not sure where to go? We would love to have you enjoy a leisurely ride through the trails at Stowe. Riders of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join for a free group ride to start the new year off right.
We will meet at the Trailhead Store where you can grab a hot beverage before hitting the grass, crushed concrete and natural surface trails on your hybrid or mountain bike. We will go at least 1-2 miles, but may go up to 5 miles depending on the group. Some areas of trails are more challenging, but walking your bike is totally acceptable.
What to bring:

Your bike + helmet
Water
Comfortable, appropriate clothing

This trail ride is free, but registration is appreciated so we don’t ride off without you:
Register Here

Guided Trail Walk
2026-01-03 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-07 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a guided trail walk on the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m.! Explore the beauty of Stowe’s trails alongside an educator who will highlight local wildlife, and unique plants along the way. Ages 12 and up. These walks are free, but pre-registration is required.
Unless otherwise disclosed, participants will meet at The Trailhead Store before heading out on the trail.
March – Registration Full!
Register for April – The Boulevard, Duke Kimbrell Trail, Stowe Connector (~3 miles)
Register for May – Pond Loop, Grass Cross Country Loop, Sidewalk (~1.5 miles)
Register for June – Pond Loop, Worrells Walk, Persimmon (~1 mile)
Register for August –Adventure Trail, Meadowood Walk (~1 mile, meet at the Garden Pavilion)
Register for September – The Boulevard, Duke Kimbrell Trail, Stowe Connector (~3 miles)

Wellness Weekend: Dance Fitness Class - Jive with Jilly
2026-01-04 09:00 - 10:00
Offered as part of Wellness Weekend
Sunday, January 4 | 9-10 a.m. | The Great Hall | $5/Members; $20/Non-Members*
Start your Sunday with our dance fitness class!
Experience a high-energy workout that combines fun dance moves with cardio exercise. Set to upbeat music, it helps improve strength, coordination and endurance while keeping you motivated.
The class is welcoming and enjoyable for all fitness levels, focusing on movement, rhythm and having fun.
Additional Info:

Wear secure tennis shoes you can move well in
Bring a water bottle
Participants of all ages and activity levels are welcome. There are modifications as well as breaks.
The Gardens open at 10 a.m. so after class you can feel free to explore the property
Registration is required

*includes admission to the Gardens for the remainder of the day
Register Here

Slow Flow Yoga
2026-01-04 11:30 - 12:30
Sunday, January 4 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | $5/Member; $20/Non-member
A slow flow yoga class after the New Year offers a gentle way to reset, reconnect and move with intention. This class focuses on smooth, mindful transitions, steady breathing and longer holds to build strength and flexibility without rushing. It’s perfect for easing back into movement, setting calm intentions and starting the year feeling grounded and refreshed.
What to bring:

Water bottle
Yoga mat or something similar
flexible, comfortable clothing

Register Here

Wellness Weekend: Sound Bath Experience
2026-01-04 14:30 - 15:30
Sunday, January 4 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Wren Room | $20/Members; $25/Non-Members
As the final element of Wellness Weekend, the Sound Bath Experience helps quiet the mental chatter, ease stress, and promote a sense of balance.
A sound bath is a relaxing experience where soothing tones from instruments like singing bowls and gongs wash over you, creating a calm, immersive atmosphere. It is a meditative experience that encourages deep rest and mindful awareness without any effort or movement.
What to bring:

yoga mat or blanket to relax on.
water

Register Here

Sprouts at Stowe Series: Snowmen + Snowflakes
2026-01-09 10:15 - 11:00
Friday, January 9 | 10:15-11 a.m. | The Gardens |$5*
We’re thrilled to welcome toddlers ages 2-5 and their parents/guardians to Sprouts at Stowe, a monthly series inside the Gardens focused on songs, stories and crafts! Engage your child with nature and art at a young age and watch their creativity bloom!
Theme for January 9: Snowmen + Snowflakes
*$5 ticket per toddler for members and non-members. Non-member adults must pay Garden admission to attend.
Register Here

Trivia at Trailhead
2026-01-09 18:00 - 19:00
Friday, January 9 | 6-7 p.m. | The Trailhead Store | Free
Trivia returns for 2026, Trailhead-style! Kick back on our cozy cabin’s porch and test your gardening and nature knowledge. Enjoy a gourmet coffee, hot cocoa or other specialty beverage from our cooler, and compete with your fellow green-thumbs to win two Garden admission passes or a Trailhead Store gift card! No registration required. See you there!

Garden Photography Walk
2026-01-10 08:00 - 10:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Saturday, January 10 | 8-10 a.m. | Garden Pavilion | $15 member, $32 non-member
Are you ready to learn some new photography skills? From beginners to the seasoned pro come spend some time in nature with professional photographer Nelson Stegall at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
Loosely related to Forest Bathing practices, these two-hour walks are focused on being outside in nature, slowing down and creating meaningful images.
The Slow Photography Movement was created to slow down, appreciate nature, capture quality over quantity and create unique perspectives with photography.
Equipment needed: Appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather, beverages, camera (cell phones are welcome), camera gear as needed, a tripod if desired, a backpack or bag for carrying necessary gear and a positive attitude.
Register Here

Birding Walks
2026-01-16 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Embark on a nature-filled adventure with our Birding Walks at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden!
Led by longtime Garden volunteer and avid birdwatcher, Gail Ice, this guided walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse avian life that calls our Garden trails home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, join us for an educational and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors.
What to Expect:

Guided bird-walk along the Garden trails, meeting outside the Garden’s Visitors Pavilion.
Learn about local bird species, their habitats, and behaviors from an experienced birder.
Discover hidden gems and scenic spots within the Garden while observing birds in their natural environment.
Bring your own pair of binoculars if you have them to enhance your birdwatching experience.

Important Information:

This event is open to all ages and levels of birdwatching experience. Pets are not allowed to accompany on these walks.
Please dress appropriately for hiking and outdoor exploration. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and bringing rain gear, as this event is rain or shine.
Participants are encouraged to respect wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles during the walk.
Registration is not required for this event; simply meet outside the Visitors Pavilion at the designated time to join the walk.

Note: Participants without memberships who wish to explore the Garden’s interior after the Birding Walk will need to purchase tickets for Garden admission.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and discover the beauty of birdwatching at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden!

Ice Sculptures at Stowe
2026-01-16 17:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-17 17:00 - 21:00
January 16-17 | 5-9 p.m. | $30 (members receive discount) | The Gardens
Step into a magical, frozen world as Daniel Stowe Conservancy transforms into a wondrous winter wonderland! We’ve teamed up with Ice Mill + Ice Trade Sculptures to display 24 breathtaking, nature-themed ice sculptures across The Gardens at Stowe.
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Know before you go:

Food trucks, bars and our Big Leaf Café will ensure you don’t go hungry or thirsty throughout the event.
The ice sculptures will span through the entire Gardens and a majority of the Gardens will be twinkle with lights from our Holidays at the Garden exhibit – the perfect way to experience the magic one last time!
The Prairie Castle Playground will be open and lit to make the experience extra special for the little ones.
Live ice sculpting demos will wow crowds throughout the duration of the exhibit. Stop by the Four Seasons lawn to check them out!

Sprouts at Stowe Series: Ice is Nice!
2026-01-23 10:15 - 11:00
Friday, January 23 | 10:15-11 a.m. | The Gardens |$5*
We’re thrilled to welcome toddlers ages 2-5 and their parents/guardians to Sprouts at Stowe, a monthly series inside the Gardens focused on songs, stories and crafts! Engage your child with nature and art at a young age and watch their creativity bloom!
Theme for January 23: Ice is Nice!
*$5 ticket per toddler for members and non-members. Non-member adults must pay Garden admission to attend.
Sprouts at Stowe is sponsored by Sodoma Law.
Register Here

Birding Walks
2026-02-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Embark on a nature-filled adventure with our Birding Walks at Daniel Stowe Conservancy!
Led by longtime Garden volunteer and avid birdwatcher, Gail Ice, this guided walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse avian life that calls our Garden trails home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, join us for an educational and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors.
What to Expect:

Guided bird-walk along the Garden trails, meeting outside the Garden Pavilion.
Learn about local bird species, their habitats, and behaviors from an experienced birder.
Discover hidden gems and scenic spots within the Garden while observing birds in their natural environment.
Bring your own pair of binoculars if you have them to enhance your birdwatching experience.

Important Information:

This event is open to all ages and levels of birdwatching experience. Pets are not allowed to accompany on these walks.
Please dress appropriately for hiking and outdoor exploration. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and bringing rain gear, as this event is rain or shine.
Participants are encouraged to respect wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles during the walk.
Registration is not required for this event; simply meet outside the Visitors Pavilion at the designated time to join the walk.

Note: Participants without memberships who wish to explore the Garden’s interior after the Birding Walk will need to purchase tickets for Garden admission.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and discover the beauty of birdwatching at Daniel Stowe Conservancy!

Sprouts at Stowe Series: Feelings + Emotions
2026-02-06 10:15 - 11:00
Friday, February 6 | 10:15-11 a.m. | The Gardens |$5*
We’re thrilled to welcome toddlers ages 2-5 and their parents/guardians to Sprouts at Stowe, a monthly series inside the Gardens focused on songs, stories and crafts! Engage your child with nature and art at a young age and watch their creativity bloom!
Theme for February 6: Feelings + Emotions
*$5 ticket per toddler for members and non-members. Non-member adults must pay Garden admission to attend.
Sprouts at Stowe is sponsored by Sodoma Law.
Register Here

Valentine's Trivia at Trailhead
2026-02-13 17:00 - 18:00
Friday, February 13 | 5-6 p.m. | The Trailhead Store | Free
This trivia session is all about love! In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re testing your knowledge on romantic movies, love songs, iconic couples and more. Grab your Valentine (or Galentine), warm up with a cozy drink and play some trivia! Winners will receive Garden passes and Trailhead gift cards.

Cars + Coffee: Valentine's Day
2026-02-14 08:30 - 10:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Saturday, February 14 | 8:30-10 a.m. | Free!
All makes and models are welcome (and encouraged!) to meet up at the Garden Pavilion parking lot to show off their rides and chat with fellow enthusiasts. This is a family friendly meet and no pre-registration is required.
All participants who bring a vehicle will receive a buy one get one free voucher valid for Saturday, February 14 for entry into the Gardens, so bring your Valentine for a Garden stroll! Members will receive a 30 day extension on their membership for participating. (Must check in to the event on arrival to receive coupon or extension.)

Location: Garden Pavilion Parking Lot
Event Contact: Erin Fisher, Membership Manager

Valentine's Day Vino in the Village
2026-02-14 16:00 - 18:00
SOLD OUT!
Saturday, February 14 | 4-6 p.m. | The Village | $45*
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an early-evening escape in nature. Vino in the Village invites you to sip and stroll and savor in the romantic setting of the Village at Stowe as golden hour settles in. It’s the perfect pairing with your evening dinner reservations, or as the kickoff to a Galentine’s girls-night-out!
Sample your way through three tasting stations featuring a curated selection of hand-chosen wine from Tryon Distributing, Charlotte’s premier distributor of fine wine. Live music from JazzGroupProject sets the mood, creating the coziest atmosphere to savor flavors and tunes.
Adults must be 21+ to register. Join us in raising a toast to love!
*Members save 15% on tickets!

Coffee + Crafts: Punch Needle Embroidery
2026-02-15 09:00 - 10:30
Sunday, February 15 | 9-10:30 a.m. | The Trailhead Store | $25
Start your morning with creativity and connection at Coffee + Crafts, a recurring class held at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. Each session features a new hands-on craft project, guided by instructors, with all materials provided—no prior experience needed.
Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, latte or tea from The Trailhead Store as you craft, relax and mingle with fellow participants in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to spark your creativity and begin your day on a bright, inspired note.
Classes will take place in The Village at Stowe – group meetup will occur at The Trailhead Store each time and disperse to class location from there.
December 15 Craft: Punch Needle Embroidery

Learn the basics of punch needle embroidery while creating a textured, modern design. Participants will practice simple techniques and gain the skills (and materials) to continue at home.

Register Here

Adult Field Trip: Tropical Life
2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:00
Immerse yourself in the tropics on this adult-friendly field trip to the William H. Williamson Conservatory at Daniel Stowe! Wander beneath lush canopies, get up close with extraordinary tropical plants and uncover the clever adaptations that make rain forest life possible!
Designed as fun continuing education for grown-ups, this guided experience blends curiosity, conversation and discovery at a relaxed pace. While suitable for curious learners ages 12 and up, this field trip is tailored for adults who want to introduce learning back into their routine, and deepen their appreciation of the tropics in an immersive setting.
Ticket includes admission to the Gardens at Stowe. Members save 15% on tickets! Please sign in with your membership-associated email address when registering to receive your discount.
Register now!

Sprouts at Stowe Series: Snowmen + Snowflakes
2026-02-20 10:15 - 11:00
Friday, February 20| 10:15-11 a.m. | The Gardens |$5*
We’re thrilled to welcome toddlers ages 2-5 and their parents/guardians to Sprouts at Stowe, a monthly series inside the Gardens focused on songs, stories and crafts! Engage your child with nature and art at a young age and watch their creativity bloom!
Theme for February 20: Snowmen + Snowflakes
*$5 ticket per toddler for members and non-members. Non-member adults must pay Garden admission to attend.
Sprouts at Stowe is sponsored by Sodoma Law.
Register Here

Guided Conservatory Tour
2026-02-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-21 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-22 13:30 - 14:30
Step inside the William H. Williamson Conservatory for a guided tour of this tropical greenhouse led by a member of Stowe’s Horticulture team! This in-depth experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Conservatory’s past, present, and future: from our evolving plant collections to the care, research and planning that shape this special space. Learn how our approach to the Conservatory has adapted to bring it new life, hear firsthand stories from those who steward the space and gain insider insight into what’s ahead for this iconic part of Stowe. This tour is perfect for experienced tropical plant hobbyists and curious newcomers alike.
Members save 15% on tickets! Please sign in with your membership-associated email address to secure your discount.
Purchase your tickets now!

An Evening in the Tropics
2026-02-20 16:30 - 18:30
See our Conservatory in a whole new light during An Evening in the Tropics. This Friday evening experience offers guests exclusive access to the Conservatory after hours, with market lighting adding warmth to the atmosphere as it gets dark. Explore at your own pace or join an informal Q&A with a member of our Horticulture team to learn about unique displays, seasonal highlights and ongoing Conservatory updates.
Make an evening of your visit before your dinner plans! Enjoy the brand new Great Hall lounge, featuring live music with a tropical twist from Jonah Bacon, a pop-up plein air art gallery painted in our Conservatory by the Gaston County Art Guild, and a cash bar with unique specialty cocktails to match the tropical vibe!
Your ticket gets you access to the after-hours Conservatory, live music, and the Great Hall lounge for a cozy evening. Beverages will be available for purchase at our bar. Light snacks will be provided. Artwork may be marked for sale at the discretion of the artist– take home a piece of the tropics!
Members save 15% on tickets! Log in with your membership-associated email address to secure your discount at checkout.
Purchase tickets here!

Garden Photography Walk
2026-02-21 08:00 - 10:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Saturday, February 21 | 8-10 a.m. | Garden Pavilion | $15 member, $32 non-member
Are you ready to learn some new photography skills? From beginners to the seasoned pro come spend some time in nature with professional photographer Nelson Stegall at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
Loosely related to Forest Bathing practices, these two-hour walks are focused on being outside in nature, slowing down and creating meaningful images.
The Slow Photography Movement was created to slow down, appreciate nature, capture quality over quantity and create unique perspectives with photography.
Equipment needed: Appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather, beverages, camera (cell phones are welcome), camera gear as needed, a tripod if desired, a backpack or bag for carrying necessary gear and a positive attitude.
Register Here

Best in Grow: Indoor Plant Show
2026-02-21 16:00 - 18:00
Have you ever wanted to show off your green thumb, meet fellow plant-lovers and be a real part of Stowe? Put your favorite plant in the spotlight at Best In Grow!
This indoor plant show is a community-centered celebration of indoor plants held in the Great Hall as part of Trip to the Tropics! Guests are invited to bring one unique indoor plant, tropical or otherwise, to be entered into a friendly competition judged by Stowe staff and Horticulturalists. Think about plants that are rare, quirky, unique in size or color, or simply beloved by those who care for it! All styles and skill levels are welcome.
Participants will enter into one of two categories: Novice Grower or Expert Grower.

Those without formal training or experience in horticulture, casual hobbyists or simply looking to mingle and learn with others at the event should enter the Novice category.
Those with experience working in horticulture, longstanding members of gardening groups or contributors to community gardening projects, members of plant societies or certified Master Gardeners should enter the Expert category.

Three standout plants from each category will receive one-of-a-kind Stowe ribbons, and the Best In Grow winner will take home a one-year Family membership to Stowe, plus a free houseplant to add to their collection!
While the judges deliberate, enjoy the tropical lounge atmosphere and unwind with a specialty tropical cocktail from our cash bar. Mix and mingle with your community, visit our Conservatory after-hours to see stunning new plant displays and enjoy an evening with nature’s best friends.
Event Schedule:

2-4 p.m.: Plant drop-off and setup. Please bring your plant to the Great Hall and speak with a member of Stowe staff. We will perfectly place your plant and secure an informational card with your name. Feel free to browse our garden and gift shop until 4!

4 p.m.: Plant entry cut-off and judging begins. Grab a glass and have fun!

5 p.m.: Winners announced and prizes awarded!

This event is free for members! We request that even members pre-register: when you sign in with your membership-associated email address, you will see the price for members reduced to $0.00.
Please register if you plan to enter a houseplant into the competition by selecting the Attendee Entering Houseplant or Member Entering Houseplant ticket option! Please fill out this registration form (it’s quick, we promise!) to register your name, category, and optionally the type of plant you will be bringing.
Those who will not be entering a plant but wish to view the show are more than welcome, and may register using the Attendee or Member ticket options.
All plants will return home with their grower by the end of the event (unless you wish to donate an indoor plant to our lobby!)
Come to compete, come to admire, or just come to soak in the tropical atmosphere and celebrate unique plants and the people who love them!
Register now!

Orchid 101
2026-02-22 11:00 - 12:00
There is no flower that cannot bloom with the right knowledge and resources, even the fickle orchid! We invite you to enroll in an introductory lesson with a member of our Horticulture team to learn what makes orchids tick!
Orchids may have a reputation as daunting plants to care for, but with the tips and tricks you’ll discover in Orchid 101, you’ll leave feeling ready to jump right into the world of specialized plant care! Learn about subjects like the proper potting medium, when and why we fertilize, how to repot a root-bound orchid and more! You’ll walk away with loads of knowledge and a plant in-hand.

Students will join us in the new pop-up classroom in our Great Hall; your ticket includes admission to the garden.

Members save 15%! Remember to sign in with your membership-associated email address to secure your discount.

Register now!

Forest Bathing: Tropical Conservatory
2026-02-22 16:30 - 18:30
Join ANFT Certified Guide Angie Stegall for this soothing 2-hour exploration into our Orchid Conservatory. Experience a unique setting and discover a quiet path to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with yourself and the natural world around you through this vibrant pocket of tropical bliss.
Forest Bathing (also known as the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku) invites you to explore the natural world using your five senses. This is not a hike or naturalist walk; it’s a meditative, guided wander in nature that benefits participants as a wellness practice.
We encourage you to explore and enjoy our Conservatory this February in a myriad of ways, with this class offering a private evening experience after the gardens close. Simply check in at the front desk in our Garden Pavilion, and our staff will direct you toward the iconic glass Conservatory. Space is limited to preserve the serenity of this setting, so register today!
When and Where

Sunday, February 22 at 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
The Williamson Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Tickets

$55 for non-members

Members save 15%! Remember to sign in with your membership-associated email address to receive your member discount. (Note: After you have added your ticket to your cart, you should see your membership discount deducted from the ticket total at checkout.)
Register now!
