Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Pickin' on the Porch
2026-05-02 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-16 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-30 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Trailhead
Saturdays | 2-4 p.m. | The Trailhead Store Porch | Free!
Join us for a free afternoon of music and fun to liven up your Saturday afternoons. All performances run from 2-4 p.m. on The Trailhead Store porch (weather permitting). Enjoy a talented rotation of musical artists, good food, coffee, wine, craft beer and good vibes all year long!

March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026

March 7 – Nathan Dowdy
April 4 – Chelsea Locklear
May 2 – Elonzo Wesley
June 6 – Ephraim Sommers

March 14 – Ephraim Sommers
April 11 – Key of D
May 9 – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
June 13 – Peregrine North

March 21 – Tim Hong
April 18 – Ephraim Sommers
May 16 – Chelsea Locklear
June 20 – Alma Russ

March 28 – Anna Patterson
April 25 – Anna Patterson
May 23 – Wagon Load A Trouble
June 27 – McKinney Gap

May 30 – Christ Vercauteran

Free Guided Docent Tour
2026-05-03 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-10 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-17 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-24 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-31 13:30 - 14:30
Join us every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the Garden Pavilion April-September for a free guided docent tour!
One of our expert docent volunteers will lead you through a guided tour of the garden, covering Stowe’s history, habitats, plants, gardens and more.
This is a completely free tour and no pre-registration is necessary. Just meet us in the Garden Pavilion lobby at 1:30 p.m. on Sundays!
Tour capacity is 20 people. Ages 5+ recommended. Please note that non-members will need to pay Garden Pavilion admission to attend.

Learning for Littles
2026-05-06 09:00 - 09:45, 2026-05-15 09:00 - 09:45, 2026-05-20 09:00 - 09:45, 2026-05-29 09:00 - 09:45, 2026-06-03 09:00 - 09:45 | Trailhead
Thank you Sodoma Law Belmont for sponsoring Learning for Littles!
Alternating Wednesdays and Fridays | March-October | The Trailhead Store Picnic Area | Free!
Stowe invites you and your toddlers to join our free, 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. on alternating Wednesdays and Fridays from March-October.
No registration is necessary; just join us for 45 minutes of fun outside of The Trailhead Store. In cases of inclement weather, we will move into The Trailhead Store porch.
Dates:
Wednesday, March 11
Friday, March 20
Wednesday, March 25

Friday, April 3
Wednesday, April 8
Friday, April 17
Wednesday, April 22

Friday, May 1
Wednesday, May 6
Friday, May 15
Wednesday, May 20
Friday, May 29

Wednesday, June 3
Friday, June 12
Wednesday, June 17
Friday, June 26

Wednesday, July 1
Friday, July 10
Wednesday, July 15
Friday, July 24
Wednesday, July 29

Friday, August 7
Wednesday, August 12
Friday, August 21
Wednesday, August 26

Friday, Sept 4
Wednesday, Sept 9
Friday, Sept 18
Wednesday, Sept 23

Friday, Oct 2
Wednesday, Oct 7
Friday, Oct 16
Wednesday, Oct 21
Friday, Oct 30

Free Community Night
2026-05-07 16:00 - 19:00
Thursday, May 7 | 4-7 p.m. | The Gardens
Join us for a free evening of community fun! The Gardens at Stowe open their doors after hours for all to enjoy the beauty of The Gardens free of charge. Check out our Gardens in spring bloom, the new Adventure Trail and Prairie Castle Playground and an opportunity for family fun in nature.
Thank you to Duke Energy for sponsoring Free Community Nights at Stowe!
While free, pre-registration is required for attendance:
Free Pre-Registration

Garden Photography Walk
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Saturday, May 9 | 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

Free Guided Docent Tour
2026-05-09 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-16 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-23 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-30 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-06 11:00 - 12:00
Join us every Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Garden Pavilion March-September for a free guided docent tour!
One of our expert docent volunteers will lead you through a guided tour of the garden, covering Stowe’s history, habitats, plants, gardens and more.
This is a completely free tour and no pre-registration is necessary. Just meet us in the Garden Pavilion lobby at 11 a.m. on Saturdays!
Tour capacity is 20 people. Ages 5+ recommended. Please note that non-members will need to pay Garden Pavilion admission to attend.

Birding Walks
2026-05-15 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!

Coffee + Crafts: Hammered Flower Totes
2026-05-17 09:00 - 10:30
Sunday, May 17 | 9-10:30 a.m. | The Trailhead Store | $25
Start your morning with creativity and connection at Coffee + Crafts, held at Daniel Stowe Conservancy every third Sunday of the month. Each session features a hands-on craft project, guided by instructors, with materials provided—no prior experience needed.
Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, latte, or tea from our coffee shop 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.
Class locations will vary by season and we encourage you to arrive a bit early to get your coffee order in!
May 17 Craft: Hammered Flower Totes

Use fresh flowers and natural pigments to create botanical prints on fabric tote bags. This process transfers plant shapes and color directly onto the fabric, resulting in a one-of-a-kind, nature-inspired design.

Register Here

Leaves of Literature Book Club
2026-05-21 18:45 - 20:00
The third Thursday of each month | 6:45-8 p.m. | Free
March-October – The Village
January, February, November, December Location – The Garden Pavilion

Dive into stories and the beauty of conversation at Leaves of Literature, Daniel Stowe Conservancy’s book club. Each month, we explore a thoughtfully selected book—often inspired by nature, conservation or the botanical world—and gather to share insights, discuss themes and connect with fellow readers in a welcoming, relaxed environment.
Whether you’re an avid reader or simply looking for a way to engage with stories and the outdoors, Leaves of Literature offers a cozy space to explore new ideas, exchange perspectives and enjoy meaningful conversation among friends and nature lovers alike.
The group will focus on reading a book a month from various genres – both fiction and nonfiction!

No pre-registration or previous participation is required; simply read the book of the month by the book club date and bring your curiosity, a blanket or lawn chair and the book!
If you plan on attending, please sign up for our Book Club Email List to stay informed on upcoming meetings:
Join the List
March 19 Book Discussion – The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
April 16 Book Discussion – Wild by Cheryl Strayed
May 21 Book Discussion – The Twilight Garden by Sara Adams
June 18 Book Discussion – The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

Jazz at the Garden: Memorial Weekend Kick Off and Outside White Party
2026-05-22 19:00 - 22:00
Friday, May 22 | 7-10 p.m. | The Gardens | $49 (Members save 15%)
On Stage Concerts is pleased to present Jazz at the Garden on the beautiful grounds of Daniel Stowe Conservancy! Join us Friday, May 22 at 7 p.m. for our 5th Annual Memorial Weekend Kick Off and Outside White Party! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and savor the start of summer.

Get ready for a fantastic evening of live music with guitar icon Jubu Smith! Former lead guitarist of 25 years with the legendary Frankie Beverly and Maze, Jubu has toured and recorded with other music legends including Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, George Benson, Lalah Hathaway and George Duke. Jubu now enjoys a successful solo career playing for audiences around the globe.

In celebration of Memorial Day, you will also enjoy an After-Show Jam from 9-10 p.m. on the Garden grounds with Mr. EZ-E of SGL Productions DJing your favorite tunes. Be sure to wear your coolest white linens for our Outside White Party– your last chance before Labor Day!

Get Tickets

Bars will be open for cash and credit sales with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, as well as grab-and-go food options from our Big Leaf Café! Outside food and alcohol is not permitted at the Garden; see our Alcohol Policy below.

What to Know:

Attendee (all ages) | $49
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. | Show at 7:00 p.m.
Members save 15% on tickets! Be sure to log in with your membership-associated email address to see your discount at checkout!
Alcohol Policy: For the safety of all our guests and the garden, outside food and alcohol are prohibited. All bags are subject to search by security. As required by North Carolina law, vendors, employees and guests are not permitted to bring outside alcohol onto Stowe premises. Alcohol is sold at our bars for event guests, and we encourage interested guests to enjoy responsibly. Thank you for your understanding!

Free Nature Photography Walk
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Visitor Pavilion
Thursday, May 28 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Trailhead Store | Free
Join us for Nature Photography Walks led by professional photographer Nelson Stegall! These 1.5 hour walks are typically hosted the fourth Thursday of each month and are designed to immerse you in nature, slow down and capture meaningful images inspired by the Slow Photography Movement.
Program Highlights:

Slow Photography: Embrace the Slow Photography Movement and focus on quality over quantity, capturing unique perspectives and appreciating the beauty of nature.
Guided Walks: Explore different natural areas while learning photography skills and techniques from Nelson Stegall.
Community Engagement: Share your photography experiences, assist fellow members in learning new skills and discover new photography locations together.

Equipment Needed:

Appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather
Beverage and snacks
Camera (cell phones are welcome)
Camera gear as needed
Tripod (optional)
Backpack or bag for carrying gear
Positive attitude

Important Note: Participants agree that Stowe can use all photographs for marketing purposes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to slow down, connect with nature and hone your photography skills with Nelson Stegall and fellow nature enthusiasts. Though these events are free, space is limited! Reserve your spot today and get ready for a memorable exploration of the great outdoors through the lens of your camera!
Register Here

Members Only Sustainable Swap: Spring Cleaning
2026-05-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Visitor Pavilion
Friday, May 30 | 4-6 p.m. | Free for members

Swap theme: Spring Cleaning, Anything Goes! Swap out items that you set aside to donate during your spring cleaning.

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: Clothing you’d buy secondhand, kids toys and games, holiday decor, 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

Birding Walks
2026-06-05 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!

Guided Trail Walk
2026-06-06 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)
