Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
November 18, 2024 – January 5, 2025
A favorite tradition featuring more than a million lights, botanical decorations, model trains, hot chocolate and s’mores (for purchase)! Advance tickets will be required and available online only. Tickets will be limited and have timed arrivals.

In Conversation with Rich Soil Artist Kristine Mays
January 17, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Attend a special talk with Kristine Mays, the artist behind the hit Rich Soil sculptural exhibit opening at the Garden on January 18. Ms. Mays will speak to the inspiration, meaning, and process behind creating the 29 life-size sculptures, and will be joined by Saajida Chohan, Director of Education and Visitor Experience at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, to discuss why Rich Soil is particularly important for Richmond. This event is free for Garden members and $8.00 for non-members, with tickets sold at the door. Attendance is also free for members of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

Rich Soil
January 18 – March 9, 2025
Inspired by the movements and gestures of Alvin Ailey’s dance composition "Revelation", Kristine Mays’ expression of the human form through wire pays honor to the ancestors — those that walked, lived and tended to this land.

Seed Swap Day at the Garden
Saturday, January 25, 2025
The Garden is celebrating Seed Swap Day! Our seed library will be highlighted with a seed focused Storytime. There will also be a seed-related class in the afternoon, Cutting Gardens: Prep, Planning, and Seed Starting.

Garden Ink
Saturday, February 8, 2025 (ticketed event for ages 18+)
Join us for an evening celebrating botanical tattoos with local artists and vendors. Explore stunning artwork, meet tattoo artists, and discover unique items. Enjoy drinks, small bites, and hear from local tattoo artists. 18+ only.

Winter Symposium & CVNLA Short Course
Wednesday, February 12 – Friday, February 14, 2025
Learn from a variety of experts! Explore the intricate relationships that exist between ecosystems, communities, and humankind, focusing on the importance of the reciprocal relationships between plants, animals, and humans. Learn how we, as gardeners and landscape professionals, can steward the land to support our natural ecosystems, foster biodiversity and build resiliency in our changing climate.

Great Backyard Bird Count
Monday, February 17, 2025
Enjoy this community science event that brings awareness to bird activity in the area through local partners, activities like a special Storytime with our Library, and self-guided experiences!

Virginia Orchid Society Show & Sale
Friday, February 28 – Sunday, March 2, 2025
Experience a weekend of orchids with the Virginia Orchid Society Show and Sale. Event admission is free.

Celebrating Rich Soil
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Join us for a celebration of the final weekend of Kristine Mays' sculpture series at the Garden. Events will include a special storytime, dance performances, and live art.

Garden Ink: A Staff Tattoo Showcase
January, 31 - March 27, 2025 
Garden Ink brings together the stories behind the tattoos that adorn our staff members. In a city like Richmond—one of the most tattooed in America—this showcase celebrates the powerful connection between tattoo art and our community. This exhibition in the Lora M. Robins Library is a celebration of art, identity, and how personal expression is rooted in our surroundings.

Soul for Soil
January, 31 - March 27, 2025
“Soul for Soil” is an artistic exploration of the profound historical and spiritual connection between African American culture and the natural world. This exhibit delves into the deep-rooted relationship with the earth—one that is both ancestral and contemporary, shaped by resilience, creativity, and renewal. This exhibition is located in the Community Art Gallery in the Kelly Education Center and was curated by The Art Seen. 

Virginia Daffodil Society Show
Saturday, March 22 – Sunday, March 23, 2025
The Daffodil Show features hundreds of delightful prize-worthy daffodils and expert growers.

Richmond African Violet Society Show & Sale
Friday, April 4 – Sunday, April 6, 2025
Interesting and unusual African violet varieties on display and for purchase (until supplies last)!

The Big Bloom
Friday, April 11, 2025
This fun and festive, adults-only garden party celebrates the joys of spring. Enjoy food, drinks, art, and entertainment while surrounded by the beauty of the Garden in full bloom.

RVA Tropical and Exotic Plants Plant Swap
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Immerse yourself in a world of uncommon plants and plant products and discover the beauty of nature.

Meet the Diggers! 
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 
Come explore some of the equipment making our THRIVE expansion possible! Our partners at Hourigan Construction and CT Purcell will bring diggers for children and families to interact with. There will also be a special Construction Themed Storytime at 10:00 a.m.