Birding Walks
2025-08-01 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | 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!

Survival 201 Camp
2025-08-01 09:00 - 15:00
Campers will learn skills for survival in the outdoors including including shelter building, knot tying, archery and more.  After camp, they will feel more confident in the outdoors with skills to keep them safe in the wilderness.
Our professional instructors provide summer campers with top-level lessons and materials to learn with, while maintaining a supportive and fun environment in the outdoors. Give your young survivalists a reason to unplug and advance their skills this summer!
Survival 101 Camp will have some similar information to this camp, but contains new topics and activities. Campers are welcome to sign up for both camps if interested.
July 28-August 1 | Ages 10-14 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $225 | Non-Members – $250
Register Here

$5 After 5 p.m.
2025-08-01 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-08 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-15 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-22 17:00 - 20:00
Unwind at Stowe every Friday evening this summer with $5 admission to the formal gardens after 5 p.m. Enjoy golden hour in the gardens and relax at the Big Leaf Café + Patio. You can buy tickets in advance here or purchase at the door. Choose your date and amount of tickets needed – we’ll see you at the Garden!
Get Tickets Here

Trivia Night: Movies
2025-08-01 18:00 - 20:00
Friday, August 1 | 6 p.m. | Free
Stop by Big Leaf Café, grab a cold drink and settle in for some Garden Trivia! Whether you’re here to test your knowledge or simply have a fun night out, you’ll have a blast competing for the win! Prizes go out to the winners, but everyone’s a winner with $5 Garden admission so you can stroll The Gardens for a low cost before or after trivia.

Garden Photography Walk
2025-08-02 08:00 - 10:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Saturday, August 2 | 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

Pickin' on the Porch
2025-08-02 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-16 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Trailhead
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at the Trailhead Store! Our Pickin’ on the Porch music series brings talented local musical artists out to the Trailhead Store porch for some free fun every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. (Weather permitting). Pickin’ on the Porch features:

Rotating musical artists
Beverages like lattes, cold beer, wine and soda
S’mores and other tasty treats

Upcoming Line Up:
October 4 – JazzGroupProject
October 11 – McKinney Gap
October 18 – Ephraim Sommers
October 25 – Munn + Nunn
November 1 – The Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
November 8 – LorrieAnn Dalley
November 15 – Ephraim Sommers
November 22 – Alma Russ
November 29 – Chelsea Locklear

Pickin’ on the Porch and access to the Trailhead Store is free!

Pickin’ on the Porch concludes for 2025 after November 29, but we’ll be back with weekly free live music in early 2026. Stay tuned for the upcoming lineup!

Canceled: The Edible Garden of Language: Food as Poetic Invocation
2025-08-02 18:00 - 20:00
This event has been canceled; we apologize for any inconvenience.

Learning for Littles Story Time - August 5
2025-08-05 09:00 - 09:45 | Trailhead
Stowe invites you and your toddlers to join our outdoor nature-themed learning experience, including a read-aloud story, puppets and an activity for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. These learning experiences will be held 9-9:45 a.m. twice a month August-November at The Trailhead Store picnic area.
No registration is required; just stop by The Trailhead Store picnic area and grab a seat!
For more information, please contact Education Manager Rosemary Kinch.
Dates:

August 5 + 19
September 9 + 23
October 7 + 21
November 4 + 18

Birding Walks
2025-08-06 11:00 - 12:00 | 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!

Industry Professional Night: Nonprofit Professionals
2025-08-07 16:00 - 20:00
As a thank you to public servants, veterans and professionals dedicated to their industry, we’re offering the following free nights for different groups:

Thursday, July 17 – Free admission for teachers
Thursday, July 24 – Free admission for healthcare, veterinary service and first responders
Thursday, July 31 – Free admission for veterans and active military
Thursday, August 7 – Free admission for nonprofit professionals

Free admission is only applicable to the employed individual and they must show some form of ID, such as a name tag, business card or ID badge. Free admission is only valid after 4 p.m.

Gardening 101 Workshop
2025-08-07 18:00 - 20:00
Do you want to start gardening, but don’t know where to start?
Join us for this Gardening 101 Workshop, where one of our Horticulture staff will teach the fundamentals of gardening in containers, something that can be done indoors, on a porch or in the shade.
No gardening experience required—in fact, this is designed so that even gardening novices can develop a green thumb.
Entry fee covers the cost of gardening materials and a small plant you can take home and watch thrive!
Join us at The Farmhouse Garden Center at 6 p.m.
Register Now

Butterfly Walk - August
2025-08-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Friday, August 8 | 11 a.m.
Every second Friday of the month from June through September join us for a guided butterfly walk through The Gardens. Lead by longtime volunteer and pollinator enthusiast, Keith Camburn. Learn about local butterfly species, explore various host and nectar plants, life cycles of our fluttering friends, and so much more. The Butterfly Walks are free to garden guests and members with their general admission into The Gardens at Stowe. The walk begins at 11 a.m. at our Butterfly Bungalow patio.
If you are planning to bring a group with 6+ people to the walk, please contact our Program Director ahead of time to be sure we can accommodate your group size that date at mlong@danielstoweconservancy.org.

Hummingbird Workshop
2025-08-09 09:00 - 09:45 | Visitor Pavilion
Saturday, August 9 | Garden admission | Pre-registration is required
Three sessions hosted at 9, 10 + 11 a.m.
Join expert biologist Susan Campbell as she captures, bands and releases hummingbirds for research.
During the class Susan will be sharing about how to attract these tiny ornithological jewels, how to keep them coming back and so much more. A few participants may even get to hold and help release a hummingbird!
This event is open to all ages (attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) and the class will be outdoors.
This is a free event, but pre-registration is required. Non-members will also have to pay Garden admission.
Register Here
*We always aim to capture at least one hummingbird each class time, however we can’t guarantee there will be a hummingbird banded in every class throughout the day.
Hummingbirds are wild animals and have a mind of their own, our specialists do their best to attract and capture them each time.

Savor the Summer: Sip + Stroll
2025-08-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Saturday, August 9 | 5 p.m. + 6 p.m. | The Gardens at Stowe | $50*
Savor the Summer with a Garden Sip and Stroll!
Unwind with a summer evening of wine, nature and good company at Stowe. Each adult ticket includes admission to the Gardens and access to three unique tasting stations curated by Charlotte’s Artisan Beverage Group. Each stop features hand-selected wines perfectly paired with a bite-sized artisan cheese or sweet treat. Sip and stroll at your own pace through our blooming summer pathways: where every taste comes with a view.
*Members save 15% on tickets! Log in with your membership-associated email address to register!
Adults must be aged 21+ and must be able to provide age verification via state ID or driver’s license.
Register Here

Members Only Sustainable Swap
2025-08-09 17:00 - 19:30 | Visitor Pavilion
Saturday, August 9 | 5-7:30 p.m. | Free for members

Swap theme: Holidays! Bring holiday decor you’re ready to re-home, and refresh your collection for the upcoming season. 🎃🎄

All participants must be active members of Daniel Stowe Conservancy. Pre-registration is not required, but Members will be checked in to the event at the door. You may also renew or establish a new membership at the event. No pre-registration is required for this event.

Children are welcome to attend but must be under the supervision of an adult at all times. Not adhering to this policy will be grounds for dismissal from the event.
Bring your own 4-ft, 6-ft or 8-ft folding table, or rent one of ours for $10.00. Table rentals will be paid at the door (cash or credit card accepted). Chairs will be available to borrow if needed for comfort or mobility issues. We recommend bringing a cart or wagon for easy load in and load out. A limited number of carts will be available to borrow.
For ease of setup and takedown, please limit your swap pile to 40 items or less.
All items must be FREE to swap. No selling.
Be mindful and only take items you can use. No hoarding or taking to resell.
Suggested items: Holiday decor, clothing you’d buy secondhand, kids toys and games, baby gear, pet supplies, household items, small appliances and decor, outdoor, hobby and sports gear.
Please do not bring: Stained, ripped, unwearable clothing, undergarments, expired or recalled items, food, broken toys or games missing pieces, political items, adult-themed media or items with adult content, potential biological hazards, firearms or other weapons, or items in need of significant repair before safe use.

The goal of this event is to bring our member community together to promote repurposing items, extending their lifespan and minimizing waste. By doing so, we aim to lessen our environmental impact and promote sustainability!

Swappers are free to bring their untaken items home with them at the end of the event or leave them to be donated to local Gaston charities.

Location: Indoors in the Garden Pavilion.
Event Contact: Erin Fisher, Membership Manager

Hummingbird Workshop
2025-08-10 09:00 - 09:45 | Visitor Pavilion
Sunday, August 10 | Garden Admission | Pre-registration is required
Three sessions hosted at 9, 10 + 11 a.m.
Join expert biologist Susan Campbell as she captures, bands and releases hummingbirds for research.
During the class Susan will be sharing about how to attract these tiny ornithological jewels, how to keep them coming back and so much more. A few participants may even get to hold and help release a hummingbird!
This event is open to all ages (attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) and the class will be outdoors.
This is a free event, but pre-registration is required. Non-members will also have to pay Garden admission.
Register Here
*We always aim to capture at least one hummingbird each class time, however we can’t guarantee there will be a hummingbird banded in every class throughout the day.
Hummingbirds are wild animals and have a mind of their own, our specialists do their best to attract and capture them each time.

Free Night at Stowe - August
2025-08-13 16:00 - 20:00
Wednesday, August 13 | 4-8 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of The Gardens at Stowe with free admission on the second Wednesday of June, July and August. From 4-8 p.m., visitors are invited to explore the stunning gardens, unwind in the serene environment, explore our new Adventure Trail and discover the diverse plant collections without any admission fee.
While admission is free for these evenings, annual fund donations and purchases in our retail spaces are encouraged and will allow us to continue offering this program. Pre-registration is also encouraged via the link below.
The Big Leaf Café + Shop will be open as well as our bars with meals, treats and refreshments available for purchase, as well as merchandise.

Know Before You Go:

Outside alcohol is not permitted in the Gardens.

Dogs are not allowed into the Gardens. (Service animals are welcomed.)

The Butterfly Bungalow will not be open during this event.

Register Here

Birding Walks
2025-08-15 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 Garden 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!

Dog Days of Summer
2025-08-16 10:00 - 14:00
Saturday, August 16 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Stowe Dog Park | Free
Bring your four-legged friend and join us for a tail-wagging good time as we celebrate the grand re-opening of the Daniel Stowe Conservancy Dog Park and announcement of an exciting new partnership! This special event is packed with fun for both pups and their people, including a group dog walk through the scenic trails, a playful meet-up in the dog park and treats for all—specialty drinks for the humans and pup-approved whipped cream cups for our furry guests. Whether you’re a longtime visitor or it’s your first wag through the gate, this is the paw-fect opportunity to explore, connect and unleash some fun!

Jazz at the Garden: Summer Concert Series
2025-08-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Saturday, August 16 | 6-9 p.m.
Embrace the steamy summer of jazz at Daniel Stowe Conservancy as part of our Jazz at the Garden Summer Series, in partnership with our friends at On Stage Concerts!
Join us on Saturday, August 16 at 6 p.m. for an evening of music featuring nationally-renowned guitarist Steve Oliver and the Southeast’s own Queen of Strings JaVonne Jones! Plus, open your evening with the talents of the John Dillard Group!
Doors open at 5 p.m. (come on in and grab a drink early!) and live music begins at 6 p.m.
Plan for date night or a family outing, or treat yourself to a night in nature! Pack your lawn chairs and blankets for an outdoor summertime show, and enjoy world-class jazz surrounded by our beautiful botanical garden. This event is rain or shine! In the event of inclement weather, the show moves indoors!
🍽 Grab-and-go food and gourmet coffee is available in our Big Leaf Café, or at the Trailhead Store. Check back in July for any additional pre-purchase food options!
🍷 Bar service will be available for cash or credit. Outside food and alcohol is not permitted at the Garden.
Get Tickets
About the Artists
Steve Oliver
With nearly 30 years in music, Steve Oliver is a world-touring multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer whose smooth jazz hits are heard daily on radio stations worldwide. His latest album, A New Light, brings fresh originals full of memorable melodies and jazz artistry. Steve has headlined major festivals like the Playboy Jazz Festival, Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival and more. Experience the music of an acclaimed artist celebrated by jazz fans everywhere! Steve’s career has produced 14 full-length albums, achieving multiple #1 Billboard hits, Amazon sales charts and over a dozen Top Ten hits as solo artist and producer in the smooth or contemporary jazz formats.
JaVonne Jones
Known as the “Queen of Strings,” JaVonne Jones is a dynamic violinist who lights up stages across the Southeast. Starting at age 9, JaVonne’s explosive electric violin performances in smooth jazz, R&B, pop, gospel and even country have earned her a devoted following. Her infectious energy and genre-blending style promise an unforgettable, high-energy show—don’t expect to stay in your seat for long!
Pricing

Tickets: $49

Members save 15% on tickets! Be sure to log in with your membership-associated email address to see your discount at checkout!

Hummingbird Photography
2025-08-17 10:30 - 13:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Sunday, August 17 | 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Garden Pavilion
Join us for an unforgettable opportunity to learn the art of photographing hummingbirds in flight at Daniel Stowe Conservancy’s Hummingbird Photography Classes!
Led by Wildlife Photographer and Adobe Certified Instructor, Dave Kelly, these classes will teach you techniques to capture these small, fast-moving jewels through your camera lens.
What to Expect:

Photograph Hummingbirds in Flight: Learn how to capture stunning images of hummingbirds as they hover near flowers and feeders.
Techniques for Success: Discover tips and tricks to improve your ability to photograph these elusive creatures, from adjusting camera settings to mastering timing and composition.
Flash Photography Essentials: Participants will need to have a flash for their camera. While the built-in popup flash can be used, an optional flash that fits on the camera’s hot shoe is recommended. A tripod is optional but can be useful for stabilizing your shots.

About the Instructor: Dave Kelly is a seasoned Wildlife Photographer and Adobe Certified Instructor with years of experience capturing the beauty of nature through his lens. As the owner of DEK Photography, Dave is passionate about sharing his expertise and helping others develop their photography skills.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hone your photography skills in the classroom and learn how to capture breathtaking images of hummingbirds in flight! Spaces are limited, so register today to secure your spot.
Register Here

Learning for Littles Story Time - August 19
2025-08-19 09:00 - 09:45 | Trailhead

Music Trivia at Big Leaf Café
2025-08-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Friday, August 22 | Big Leaf Café | Free
Come back for more trivia at Big Leaf Café! Bring your music trivia knowledge because you have the chance to win a dual membership, Garden admission tickets or ticket to Holidays at the Garden. Everyone’s a winner because Garden admission is $5, so you can explore The Gardens before or after trivia.

Village Farmers Market
2025-08-27 17:00 - 20:00
Wednesday, August 27 | 5-8 p.m. | Free
Stop by The Village at Stowe after work for a brand new Farmers Market! Browse local produce, honey, wellness products, sourdough, native plants, coffee and much more in the scenic Village setting. The Farmhouse Garden Center will have extended hours, so you can take your shopping indoors, too! Finish off your evening with a glass of wine as you watch the sun set over our ponds.
