SOLD OUT Welcome Summer Walk & Talk
2026-06-13 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
This class is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email registrar@nbgs.org.
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.
Please meet in the Baker Hall Visitor Center.
Space limited; pre-registration required. $5 per person; garden admission required. Register Online

Jr Garden Artists: Father's Day Plates & Mugs - Few Tickets Remaining!
2026-06-13 10:00 - 11:00
Paint the perfect decorative plate and mug set as a gift for someone special in your life. Each set includes one 7-inch ceramic plate and one 8 oz. ceramic mug. Recommended for children ages 4+ with some chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
All chaperoning adults must have a registered ticket.
Adults who want to participate in the program must register a child ticket.
This class will take place in a Baker Hall Visitor Center Camellia Classroom.
Walk-up tickets the day of the class or program may not be available.
Make sure to wear cloths you do not mind getting messy!
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).
All participants ages 3+ must have a registered ticket to participate. Any child under 3 who will participate in the program must have a registered child ticket. Adults who wish to participate in the program must register child tickets for the class.

Reclaimed Barnwood Succulent Planter
2026-06-13 10:00 - 12:00
Join local living artist and grower Melissa Tebbenhoff of Rusted Rabbitt Living Designs to craft your own unique reclaimed barnwood succulent planter—a rustic, eco-conscious piece that brings natural texture and beauty into your home. Using sustainably sourced, weathered barnwood with their authentic character and history you’ll select and arrange a vibrant assortment of Melissa’s homegrown succulents, lush mosses, and other organic elements to design a balanced, sculptural planter that thrives as low-maintenance living decor.
No experience necessary—Melissa will guide you step-by-step through thoughtful composition, arrangement techniques, and essential succulent care tips so your creation stays healthy and stunning long-term. Perfect for beginners, garden enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a relaxing, creative escape.
$60 ($70 for not-yet-members) Register Online

2026 Butterfly Festival
2026-06-14 10:00 - 16:00
The Butterfly Festival is from 10AM to 4PM at Norfolk Botanical Garden in partnership with the Butterfly Society of Virginia !
Join us for a day celebrating these beautiful pollinators! Here is what’s waiting for you:
Baker Hall Visitor Center: See incredible, real-life butterfly specimens on display right when you arrive.
Bristow Butterfly Garden: Explore our award-winning 2.5-acre garden and participate in family-friendly activities.
The Butterfly House: Step inside the 2026 #1 Butterfly House in the country (voted by USA Today 10BEST!) to experience the complete butterfly life cycle up close.
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 The Butterfly Society of Virginia is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our main purpose is to raise the general consciousness of our members and the public regarding the survival problems of butterflies and moths through publicity, programs and activities for both adults and children. We also promote butterfly and moth conservation, including conservation of butterfly habitats. Norfolk Botanical Garden (voted #3 Best Botanical Garden in the U.S. through Newsweek) represents an oasis of more than 65 themed gardens encompassing 175 beautiful acres. The Garden is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Virginia Green attraction. It is managed by Norfolk Botanical Garden, Inc. and supported by the City of Norfolk. The mission of Norfolk Botanical Garden is to immerse visitors in a world of beauty, lead through environmental action and inspire through education and connection to nature.

GOT Staff Celebration
2026-06-15 00:00
Garden of Tomorrow Staff Celebration
You are invited to celebrate the opening of Garden of Tomorrow. Staff are welcome to bring up to 2 guests to share this exclusive experience with. Reservations are required.
Please reserve one of the following times for you and your guests:
4PM – 5PM
5PM – 6PM
6PM – 7PM
Reserve Your Timeslot
Event Recap:
East Beach Catering will provide a variety of food options and mocktails behind the bar.
Tea and water will be available as well
Barry Art Museum will be in the Brock Entry Pavilion to chat about our collection on loan.
Our NBG Executive Leadership Team will be onsite to answer questions
Chef Steve and Chef de Cuisine, Mary will be in the Bistro to answer any questions

Little Sprout Explorers: B is for Butterfly
2026-06-15 10:00 - 11:00
Learn butterfly anatomy and lifecycle basics, then take a guided tour of the Butterfly House. Recommended for children ages 3-6 with significant chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
Adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Tickets must be pre-registered. Walk-up tickets may not be available.
Program tickets include Garden admission.
Chaperones are responsible for behavior of their attending child.
Price for NBG Members: $12/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
Price for Not-yet Members: $20/Child and $20/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).

Critter Club: Nocturnal Pollinators
2026-06-16 10:00 - 11:00
Did you know some plants rely on pollinators who are active at night? Explore the world of bats, moths, and other nocturnal pollinators as you trek through the WOW Prickly Pear Lair garden. Recommended for children ages 6-12 with some chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
Adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Tickets must be pre-registered. Walk-up tickets may not be available.
Program tickets include Garden admission.
Chaperones are responsible for behavior of their attending child.
Price for NBG Members: $12/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
Price for Not-yet Members: $20/Child and $20/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).
All child class participants ages 3+ must have a registered ticket. Children ages 2 and under who are attending to participate in the class must have a registered ticket.

SOLD OUT Tidewater Mushroom Company Field Trip
2026-06-16 10:00 - 12:00
This class is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email registrar@nbgs.org.
In this class you will learn about the day-to-day cultivation side of mushrooms. How we operate as an urban farm. As well as teaching about the composition of mushrooms along with some of their nutrients and bioactive compounds. Participants will receive information on where to meet after registration. $20 ($25 for not-yet-members) Register Online

Sunset Kayaking
2026-06-16 18:30 - 20:30
Single kayaks are sold out for this date. Please call (757) 441- 5830 (x338) to book a double kayak.
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

PROGRAM FULL - Member Exclusive: Garden to Fork
2026-06-17 10:00 - 11:00
Meet in the WOW Children’s Garden to learn about growing and caring for your own fruit and vegetable garden. Recommended for ages 3+ with adult chaperone assistance. This is an NBG Member exclusive program that requires pre-registered tickets.
NBG MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMS:
Class themes vary by week.
The same theme is offered on Wednesday and Thursday each week.
All participating children must have a pre-registered ticket.
Adult chaperones must attend with participating children.
Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children.
Walk-up tickets the day of the program may not be available.
Comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the weather are recommended.
This program is an NBG Member exclusive program and requires pre-registration. NBG Members must register their child ticket(s) to attend. Walk-up availability may not be available. Members are advised to pre-register. Upon arriving at the Garden, guests are required to show their NBG membership for entry.

SOLD OUT Butterfly Garden Walk & Talk
2026-06-17 10:00 - 11:30
This class is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email registrar@nbgs.org.
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.
Please meet by the Butterfly Garden Restrooms. Space limited; pre-registration required. $5 per person; garden admission required. Register Online

SOLD OUT Perennial Garden Walk & Talk
2026-06-18 10:00 - 11:00

Member Exclusive: Garden to Fork
2026-06-18 10:00 - 11:00

Dinosaurs in the Garden - Few Tickets Remaining!
2026-06-18 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:
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.

SOLD OUT The Fundamentals of Pizza Making
2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:00
This class is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email registrar@nbgs.org.
In this class attendees will learn the basics of making Neapolitan style pizza. You will learn various techniques in making dough, making the ideal pizza sauce, and make your own pizza for your personal enjoyment. $45 ($55 for not-yet-members) Register Online

SOLD OUT Sunset Kayaking
2026-06-18 18:30 - 20:30
This date is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email registrar@nbgs.org.
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

SOLD OUT Owl Prowl
2026-06-18 19:00 - 21:00
This class is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email registrar@nbgs.org.
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

Garden Artists: Pollinator Baths
2026-06-20 10:00 - 11:00
Paint a pollinator bath for your garden, then learn about the importance of supporting pollinators at home. Recommended for children ages 5-12 with some chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
Attending adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walk shoes are encouraged.
Tickets must be pre-registered. Walk-up tickets 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).
All child class participants ages 3+ must have a registered ticket. Children ages 2 and under who are attending to participate in the class must have a registered ticket.

Little Sprout Explorers: Winter in Australia
2026-06-22 10:00 - 11:00
In this special seasons-themed class, explore how summer in the Northern Hemisphere is wintertime in the Southern Hemisphere. Recommended for children ages 3-6 with significant chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
Adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Tickets must be pre-registered. Walk-up tickets may not be available.
Program tickets include Garden admission.
Chaperones are responsible for behavior of their attending child.
Price for NBG Members: $12/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
Price for Not-yet Members: $20/Child and $20/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).

SOLD OUT Mosaic Pollinator Watering Station
2026-06-23 09:30 - 13:00
This class is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email registrar@nbgs.org.
In this workshop, design and craft a beautiful, safe watering station. Learn the basic techniques of cutting, assembling, attaching, grouting, and sealing. Use different substrates for different climates. $115 ($125 for not-yet-members) Register Online

Critter Club: Coastal VA Snakes
2026-06-23 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for this special themed class to learn about the species, diets, and behaviors of the snakes found in Coastal Virginia! Recommended for children ages 6-12 with some chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
Adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Tickets must be pre-registered. Walk-up tickets may not be available.
Program tickets include Garden admission.
Chaperones are responsible for behavior of their attending child.
Price for NBG Members: $12/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
Price for Not-yet Members: $20/Child and $20/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).
All child class participants ages 3+ must have a registered ticket. Children ages 2 and under who are attending to participate in the class must have a registered ticket.

SOLD OUT The Art of Pressing Flowers
2026-06-23 18:00 - 20:00
This class is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email registrar@nbgs.org.
Have you always wanted to press flowers but weren’t sure where to start, or have tried pressing flowers and not gotten great results? In this class you will learn tips and tricks from an experienced flower preservationist about how to successfully press flowers! You will receive your own small flower press that we will fill with flowers, and we will also make a small frame with already pressed flowers to give you some ideas of what you can create! $70 ($80 for not-yet-members) Register Online

Sunset Kayaking
2026-06-23 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-06-25 18:30 - 20:30
Single kayaks are sold out for this date. Please call 757-441-5830 ext. 338 to reserve a double kayak.
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

Every Brilliant Thing
2026-06-23 18:30 - 20:30
Reserve Your Tickets – Event Admission is FREE The premier professional theatre in southeastern Virginia, Virginia Stage Company was founded in 1978 by members of the Hampton Roads community who had a deep desire to make live theatre a part of the area’s cultural life. For its home, VSC chose the Wells Theatre in downtown Norfolk, which was fully restored in 1986 and is now a National Historic Landmark. Learn More The Up Center provides more than 20 critical support services for children and families in our community, including mental health counseling, parenting education and support, youth mentoring, foster care and adoption, housing and financial counseling, and services for people with disabilities Learn More Rotary Club Norfolk is a vibrant group of community leaders who enjoy being part of southeastern Virginia’s oldest and largest service club. They have nearly 100 members come from throughout Hampton Roads and share a passion for community service and fellowship. They value always learning something new, having fun, and working together to make our community and world better. Learn More Norfolk Botanical Garden (voted #3 Best Botanical Garden in the U.S. through Newsweek) represents an oasis of more than 65 themed gardens encompassing 175 beautiful acres. The Garden is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Virginia Green attraction. It is managed by Norfolk Botanical Garden, Inc. and supported by the City of Norfolk. The mission of Norfolk Botanical Garden is to immerse visitors in a world of beauty, lead through environmental action and inspire through education and connection to nature. Directions We are located at:
6700 Azalea Garden Road
Norfolk, Virginia 23518-5337
Get Directions »
Next to Norfolk International Airport. Minutes from Downtown Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Member Exclusive: Garden to Fork
2026-06-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-25 10:00 - 11:00
Meet in the WOW Children’s Garden to learn about growing and caring for your own fruit and vegetable garden. Recommended for ages 3+ with some chaperone assistance. This is an NBG Member exclusive program that requires pre-registered tickets.
NBG MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMS:
Class themes vary by week.
The same theme is offered on Wednesday and Thursday each week.
All participating children must have a pre-registered ticket.
Adult chaperones must attend with participating children.
Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children.
Walk-up tickets the day of the program may not be available.
Comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the weather are recommended.
This program is an NBG Member exclusive program and requires pre-registration. NBG Members must register their child ticket(s) to attend. Walk-up availability may not be available. Members are advised to pre-register. Upon arriving at the Garden, guests are required to show their NBG membership for entry.

Who Shapes the Land? Grazers and Human Stewardship with Living Soil
2026-06-24 13:00 - 15:00
What if the ground beneath our feet could hold more water, grow healthier plants, support wildlife, and feed families — all at the same time? This interactive program examines how bison—North America’s historic keystone grazing species—soil health, and regenerative agricultural practices work together to restore ecosystem function. Using real-world examples from both the American prairie and coastal Virginia, participants will explore how land management influences water retention, plant vitality, and ecological resilience. Through hands-on demonstrations and locally sourced soil comparisons, the program connects soil health directly to flooding. $20 ($25 for not-yet-members) Register Online

SOLD OUT Bread Making Workshop
2026-06-25 18:00 - 20:00
This class is sold out. To be added to the waitlist please email registrar@nbgs.org.
Join Pilgrim Bread’s owner and head baker Tylor Alexander in a class on naturally leavened bread using fresh milled flour. In this workshop we will explore fermentation, mix flour with water, fold, and shape dough that you will take home and bake the next day. Students will also take home their own bread making kits which include, fresh milled flour, starter, proof basket, dough scraper, lame (scoring tool), and instruction manual. $85 ($95 for not-yet-members) Register Online

Garden Stars
2026-06-25 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
