Sunset Kayaking
2026-08-18 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-25 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-27 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Enjoy a relaxing paddle on Lake Whitehurst with experienced guides. No experience necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I bring my own kayak?
No, we do not allow guests to bring their own equipment. We partner with Tula Paddle Sports, they will supply all of the equipment needed.
Is the price per person?
Yes, kayaking is $50/person for members and $65/person for not-yet-members.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, we allow children 10 and up, as long as they are in a double kayak with a parent or guardian.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations 5 or more business days prior to the program state date: refund, less 20% processing fee. Cancellations 1-4 business days prior to the program state date: No refund. $50 ($65 for not-yet-members)
Register Online

Dinosaurs in the Garden
2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:30
Join us in the WOW Children’s Garden to learn about the dinosaur plants and animals who live in the Garden, then make your own dinosaur terrarium to take home. Each dinosaur terrarium includes an air plant! Recommended for children ages 8+ with some chaperone assistance. Moderate walking required.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Dinosaurs in the Garden is strictly recommended for children 8+ due to the extensive content topics included in the class.
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
All attending adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walk shoes are encouraged.
Walk-up tickets the day of the class may not be available.
Program tickets include Garden admission.
Price for NBG Members: $14/child. Adult members may attend for free with a registered child.
Price for Not-yet Members: $22/child and $20/adult. Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG.

Owl Prowl
2026-08-20 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for a guided tour of the Garden in search of these magnificent night hunters–after meeting them in person! Walking required. $25 ($35 for not-yet-members)
Register Online

Plant Propagation
2026-08-21 10:00 - 12:00
Ever wish you could make more of your favorite plants—for free? Welcome to the magic of plant propagation! In this hands-on talk, we’ll dig into the basics of making new plants from seeds, cuttings, divisions, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, you’ll learn simple, practical techniques to multiply your plants and grow your garden. $20 ($25 for not-yet-members) Register Online

Beginning Beekeeping (3-Week Class)
2026-08-25 18:30 - 20:30
Learn about bee biology, equipment and management before you start you own beehive!
This is a 3-week class that meets on Tuesdays, August 25, September 1, and September 8 from 6:30-8:30 PM. $50 ($65 for not-yet-members) Register Online

Meadow Walk & Talk
2026-08-27 10:00 - 11:30
These casual informative walks allow plenty of time for questions and photos. Outdoor program with moderate walking, weather permitting. Mobility scooters available upon request-call to reserve when registering. Space limited; pre-registration required. $5 per person; garden admission required. Register Online

SOLD OUT Bespoke Arrangement
2026-08-27 13:00 - 14:30
This class is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email registrar@nbgs.org.
Create a beautiful centerpiece to enjoy. All supplies included. $65 ($80 for not-yet-members) Register Online

Garden Stars
2026-08-27 20:30 - 22:00
Come out for an evening under the stars with the Back Bay Astronomers and their powerful telescopes. Walking required. $10 ($20 for not-yet-members) Register Online

Setting up Young Trees for Success: A Guide to Structural Pruning
2026-08-28 10:00 - 12:00
In many landscapes, tree pruning is often a reactive process where trees are pruned only after they start to interfere with traffic, structures, utilities, or pose an unacceptable level of risk due to decay or structural defects. Much of this can be prevented or mitigated through proper pruning. Structural pruning in particular focuses on training young trees to have a strong structure beforehand. By focusing on future branch placement and structure while a tree is young, we can train trees to be stronger and healthier while avoiding conflict with structures or clearance requirements. Attendees will learn proper pruning techniques for everyday gardening as well as the specifics behind structural pruning. Indoor presentation followed by an outdoor tour. Walking required. $20 ($25 for not-yet-members) Register Online

WOW End of Summer Celebration!
2026-08-28 19:00 - 20:30
Join us to celebrate 20 years of the WOW Children’s Garden by completing crafts, games, and other activities. Make sure to come out early to play in the splash fountains! Recommended for ages 3+ with some chaperone assistance. Moderate walking required. All child and adult participants must have a registered ticket. The WOW Splash Fountains turn off at 6PM. Price for NBG Members: $12/child & $5/adult. Tickets must be purchased for both children and adults.
Price for Not-yet Members: $20/child & $16/adult. (Tickets for program include admission for the attending children and adults and program supplies for the participating children).
Members and Not-Yet-Members: Any attendants 2 years old and younger do not require a ticket; however, if they are to participate in the program’s activities, they are required to have a registered child ticket. REGISTER ONLINE – WOW End of Summer Celebration

Watercolors: Sunflower and Carolina Wren
2026-08-29 09:00 - 12:00
Attention beginning and aspiring artists! Join us for this half day workshop and expand your artistic palate through watercolor. Class includes hands on instruction with instructor Diana Davis. Diana is an award winning artist and art instructor with more than 30 years of experience. Her original pieces featuring flowers, butterflies and birds can be found in galleries across the state. Her passion for watercolor is evident in her work and instructional workshops, in which she incorporates traditional watercolor methods as well as a few unique techniques that will make your artwork spring to life. All supplies included. $60 ($75 for not-yet-members) Register Online

A Few Great Native Plants and Why You Should Plant Them
2026-08-29 09:30 - 11:00
More and more gardeners are becoming aware of the importance of incorporating native plants into their landscapes. This talk discusses their value, and will introduce attendees to some of the best native perennials, shrubs, and trees that not only thrive in the climate of Coastal Virginia, but also benefit local insects, birds, and mammals. $20 ($25 for not-yet-members) Register Online

18th Annual WPA Heritage Day Celebration
2026-09-20 14:00 - 15:00
Join us in honoring the Works Progress Administration (WPA) original gardeners who cleared the land and planted the first azaleas in 1938. The ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m. in Rose Garden Hall followed by light refreshments served in the Baker Hall Visitor Center. Additionally every year, Norfolk Botanical Garden President’s Council on Inclusion and Diversity (PCID) presents the Groundbreaker Award – inspired by the WPA statue entitled Breaking Ground. The award honors individuals, groups, or organizations who demonstrate groundbreaking leadership and service to the community.
The Garden is offering complimentary admission 1-5PM
GET TICKETS

Fall Plant Sale
2026-10-02 10:00 - 2026-10-04 16:00
Norfolk Botanical Garden Third Annual Diversity Gallery, in partnership with Norfolk’s Barry Art Museum, showcases art from underrepresented communities in Hampton Roads. This community initiative was launched by NBG’s President’s Council on Inclusion and Diversity and is displayed in Baker Hall Visitor Center.
Diversity Gallery Artist Reception:
February 28th in the Baker Hall Visitor Center and in the EDU hallway. This event provides an excellent opportunity for the community to connect with the artists and serves as the moment when winners of the juried show are announced.
Reserve Your Daytime Ticket

Camellia Society Show and Sale
2026-11-07 10:00 - 16:00
More info TBA
