Saturday, September 21-October 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and into the magical world of Wonderland where things are not always as they seem! Enjoy an artistic display of nearly 800 pumpkins and other fall botanical favorites, arranged to tell the story of Alice and her topsy turvy trip into Wonderland. Enjoy additional Garden activations, included with festival admission, on specific days.
Spend a day at Powell Gardens experiencing salsa making, salsa music, salsa dancing, and all things, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Enjoy live music performed by Pablo Sanhueza & KC Latin Jazz Orchestra who will feature live salsa dancing and free salsa dancing tips. All the festivities take place in the Heartland Harvest Garden under the eaves of the Missouri Barn, and in the education building —rain or shine. Food, beer, and a Mean Mule Distilling agave cocktail, and product vendors selling salsa-related items will be on-site. Check in with a gardener to learn more about growing salsa ingredients and other spicy items at home. Be sure to stroll through the outdoor garden display Through the Looking Glass on view in the gardens surrounding the Visitor Center. All festivities are free with garden admission (festival admission applies).
Embark on a journey through the Gardens with Trail Tales, a literacy-in-nature project. Follow the children’s story Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move through the Perennial and David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Garden, and enjoy interactive children’s activities that bring the story to life. Visit September 7 and show your Mid-Continent Public Library card (only one per family is needed) to receive free garden admission. This special day will include storytime led by Mid-Continent Public Library staff and a seed-bomb making activity (featuring native plant seeds) with Powell Gardens staff.
Included with Garden Admission
September 1-September 20: General Admission Applies
September 21-October 20: Festival Admission Applies
October 21-October 31: General Admission Applies
In partnership with Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Hedge Apple Days will feature seed-themed scavenger hunts, nature games such as hedge apple bowling, and the iconic Hedge Apple Goblin art activity. Search for, collect, and play with the unique seeds and seed pods from Missouri’s native plants. Fun family-friendly activities will be held at both gardens on different weekends, so pick the weekend that fits your schedule or visit both to have twice the fun. Bring the family to Hedge Apple Days at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens on September 21st and Powell Gardens on September 28th.
Powell Gardens’ “Global Flavors” chef-in-residence Anourom Thomson of Anousone’s Laotian cuisine is teaming up with Tyler Harp of Harp Barbecue, for one of the hottest East-Meets-Midwest barbecue tickets in Kansas City!
Join us for an evening of star gazing and grazing in the Gardens that features the expertise of Kansas City Skyentist Patrick Hess.
Saturday, September 21-October 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and into the magical world of Wonderland where things are not always as they seem! Enjoy an artistic display of nearly 800 pumpkins and other fall botanical favorites, arranged to tell the story of Alice and her topsy turvy trip into Wonderland. Enjoy additional Garden activations, included with festival admission, on specific days.
Learn the art of decorating with gourds, pumpkins, and dried natural materials and get design inspiration for making gorgeous seasonal displays for your home from an expert.
Have you ever noticed that plants “past their prime” are often just like people–at their most beautiful phase in life? Join docent Bob Kendrick for a tour that explores the beauty in plants as they prepare for winter. Learn which varieties are show stoppers in the fall season. This seasonal tour will allow you to consider the end of the season in a whole new light. Meet in the Grand Hall. Free with garden admission. (festival admission applies)
Celebrate the exhibition Micro/Macro: Works by Craig Auge and Lorie Kellogg and investigate firsthand the unique processes and inspiration for their works. Refreshments provided. Free with garden admission. (festival admission applies)