Evening Garden Stroll

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 — 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Free Public Tour at 6 pm.

Join us for our second Evening Garden Stroll of the season! This month’s event takes place during Go Public Gardens Week, a celebration of public gardens and the many ways they enrich our communities. Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a mindful escape, or expert gardening advice, there’s something for everyone.

We have a variety of activities designed to help you get out and explore the gardens. Join us on the Gathering Lawn at 5:30 pm to explore mindfulness as you create nature mandalas using materials found in the garden.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, mindful way to connect with nature, we invite you to experience one of our free Forest Bathing mini-sessions. Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Shawn Ramsey, these sessions will take place in the serene Japanese Garden at 5:45 pm and 6:15 pm

For those interested in learning more about the gardens or gardening in general, we will also offer a free public tour led by our volunteer tour guides. The tour will depart from the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center at 6 pm.

Additionally, Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be available at the Visitor Center to answer any plant-related questions you may have.

On Evening Garden Stroll nights, the JCRA gardens remain open until 7:30 PM. Whether you join one of our activities or simply enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens, we hope you will join us for our May Evening Garden Stroll!

Some evenings include optional pop-up activities, while others are simply an open invitation to explore and unwind. Check each month's calendar announcement to find out what's happening.

Upcoming Evening Garden Strolls:

• Tuesday, June 9 — 4:30 pm — 7:30 pm
• Tuesday, July 14 — 4:30 pm — 7:30 pm
• Tuesday, August 11 — 4:30 pm — 7:30 pm
• Tuesday, September 8 — 4:30 pm — 7:30 pm
• Tuesday, October 13* — 4:30 pm — 7 pm
  *note the earlier closing time due to earlier sunset

Cost

Free.

Location

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Directions

Get directions to the JC Raulston Arboretum.

Parking

Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.

Questions

Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.