2026 Festival Facts
Our 2026 Festival of Gardens will be May 15th and 17th (rain or shine) and features 13 gorgeous gardens in the Forest Hills Neighborhood. Homeowners are busy preparing to welcome you into their gardens to share the joy of gardening and outdoor living. Please join us! Your ticket purchase supports our grant program to help nonprofits enhance green spaces in/around greater Columbia. To see our grants in action, please visit our Grants page.
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Festival of Gardens
Location
This year’s Festival of Gardens is in the Forest Hills Neighborhood off of Gervais Street.
Dates and Times
Saturday, May 16th, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Registration will close at 4:00)
Sunday, May 17th, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Registration will close at 3:00)
Weather Policy
Event will be held rain or shine. No refunds.
Registration
Registration location is still to be determined.
Everyone attending the Festival must check in at the Registration Table to receive the brochure ticket with garden locations and descriptions.
Advance Tickets & Brochure Tickets
Tickets to the event will go on sale in April
Advance tickets will be discounted $10
Same-day tickets at the gate are $10.00 more than advance tickets
Sponsorship Tickets
If you receive a ticket from an event sponsor, you must exchange it at Registration for a brochure ticket, which includes garden descriptions and a map of the tour.
How the Brochure Tickets Work
Keep your brochure ticket with you at all times. It provides you with one-time access to the gardens in any order and on either day. When you visit a garden, the greeter will check off that garden on your ticket.
More Festival Facts
Where Does Your Money Go?
The Festival of Gardens is the primary fundraiser for Columbia Green, a nonprofit that recently celebrated its 41st-year anniversary. In 2025, our 32nd Festival of Gardens raised over $25,000, which was distributed back to the community in the form of grants to help nonprofits enhance green spaces in/around greater Columbia. From school gardens, to nature trails and hospital meditation gardens, grants from Columbia Green help to improve quality of life. To see Columbia Green grants in action, please visit columbiagreen.org. If you know a nonprofit considering a green project involving soil and plants, please have them email hello@columbiagreen.org or visit https://columbiagreen.org/grantsandprojects.
Master Gardeners and Greeters
Each garden will be staffed with a greeter who will welcome you, provide directions, and mark your ticket and a Master Gardener who will be available to answer your questions about plants and gardening.
Homeowners
Families who participate in the Festival of Gardens receive a membership to Columbia Green and our eternal gratitude. They work hard to prepare their yards for visitors and look forward to sharing their private spaces with fellow garden lovers. Please be respectful of their property, pets, and family.
See you at the Festival!