Trail Days
Saturday, June 3 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Free admission for 100 hikers | General admission available
Trail Days at Powell Gardens (June 3 and September 30) waives the admission fee for the first 100 hikers interested in hiking the Byron Shutz Nature Trail System. This system, comprised of the one-mile Family Discovery Loop and 3.25 mile Prairie Ridge Trail, support regionally distinct and rare ecological communities, unique off-grid experiences, and noteworthy distance. With free admission, Trail Days provides a unique chance to explore the best kept secret of Kansas City’s botanical garden.
On June 3, Trail Days coincides with National Prairie Day & National Trails Day. Athletic Brewing, City Roots Nursery, Knob Noster State Park, and Powell Gardens’ education team will be onsite to provide tastings, plants for sale, and trail education.
Look for another Trail Days opportunity in September!
One hundred free admission tickets are available to hikers. Free admission will not be available at the door; admission must be reserved in advance. Limit 2 admissions per family. Once free admissions have been claimed, hikers must purchase general admission online.
Scouts Weekend
June 10 & 11 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Included with general admission
Join Powell Gardens to kick off our summer season! The weekend will include five activity stations to help scouts work on earning a variety of badges. Hike the Family Discovery Loop, make eco pods in the Education Building, look at botanical slides under the microscope in the Education Lab, create make-and-take crafts in the Grand Hall, and design your own garden in the Perennial Lounge.
Be sure to check out the 2023 Fortopia exhibition while you’re at Powell Gardens!
Second Saturday at Powell Gardens
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
On Second Saturdays (March – October), Powell Gardens is open late! Take advantage of extended hours and visit between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
On June 10, visit Powell Gardens for a relaxing sunset evening in the David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Garden. This serene space makes for a special after-hours experience in the Gardens, including Sunset Yoga on the Meadow Pavillion (6:30 p.m.) with Casey Haase, certified personal trainer, and fairy house building in Trigg (5-9 p.m.).
Charcuterie boxes, cocktails, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase. Admission to the yoga class is included with general admission.
Second Saturdays include June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14 in 2023.
Garden Tea
Second Saturday, March – October | 10:30 a.m. – noon
Terrace Room
Experience botanically inspired teas at Powell Gardens. On the Second Saturday of each month (March to October), enjoy a champagne tea service complete with sparkling wine, botanical tea, and a selection of sweet and savory treats. A staff member will give a short botanically focused presentation.
Tea dates are March 11, April 8, May 13 & 14, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14 in 2023.
E. Fay Jones and the Midwest Spirit of Place
Thursday, June 15 | 7-8:30 p.m.
$50 | No discounts applied
Miller Hammond Chapel Study & Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Architects Walter Jennings and Lori Yazwinski from Jennings + Santa Rita Architects will guide a discussion on E. Fay Jones’ architectural impact on Powell Gardens. After the discussion, attendees are invited to explore the Miller Hammond Chapel Study wile enjoying beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. To cap off the night, head out to the Meadow Pavilion to catch the best sunset in Kansas City!
Silk Scarf Eco Printing
Saturday, June 17 | 2-4 p.m.
$40 | 10% less for members
Conifer Room
Join artist and maker Alyx Jacobs for an eco printing workshop where attendees will take home a printed 21″x21″ silk scarf. Attendees will choose a foraged item to use to print on their scarves. Learn the process of dying and preparing silk scarves for printing.
Attendees will also receive Powell Gardens’ Midwest Foraging booklet to take home, which contains harvest, preperation, and storage information on 30+ foragable plants.
Dog Days
Select Sundays (May-September) | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17
Included with general admission | Admission is free for members
Dog Days allows you to bring your dog(s) for a stroll through Powell Gardens*. Enjoy seasonal blooms and sunshine with your furry friend! Dogs must have current vaccinations and remain on a leash at all times. (Retractable leashes are not allowed.) Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pooch.
*Please note that marked areas of the Heartland Harvest Garden are inaccessible during Dog Days because they are dedicated to food production. Otherwise, dogs and their humans are free to explore our 175 acres.
Desert Days
June 24-25
Tuesday-Wednesday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New in 2023, Desert Days (June 24-25) calls attention to Powell Gardens’ cacti and succulent collections. Look for creative displays, including a crevice garden, living walls, and combination containers in Garden Galleries.
Garden to Glass: Prickly Pear Edition
Saturday, June 24 | 3-4 p.m.
$30 | 10% less for members
Terrace Room
Join Education Manager, Caitlin Eckard, to whip up a delicious prickly pear mojito. Attendees will learn about how rum is made, shake up their own cocktails, and enjoy two mojitos. Enjoy a snack during class and take home a recipe card for the cocktail and branded glass.
This Garden to Glass is part of our #MidwestForaging exhibit and attendees will also receive Powell Gardens’ Midwest Foraging booklet, with information on 30+ plants that you can forage, harvest, and cook!
Must be 21+ to attend.
Desert Days
June 24-25
Tuesday-Wednesday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New in 2023, Desert Days (June 24-25) calls attention to Powell Gardens’ cacti and succulent collections. Look for creative displays, including a crevice garden, living walls, and combination containers in Garden Galleries.