Winter Wonders & Events

Visit Powell Gardens during the most wonderful time of the year! The Garden is open for exploring and creating memories all year long. Join us for a family-favorite festival, fresh air, and the quiet beauty of winter in the Midwest.

Festival of Lights 2021

November 11 –
December 30, 2021

Festival of Lights is open Thursday-Sunday (and select dates to accommodate seasonal holidays) from 4-10 p.m. Start a new family tradition and come experience the tranquil light display.

Explore The Gardens

PHOTO STREAM – #POWELLGARDENS

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🍄🍃🌤️ MIDWEST FORAGING | Inspired by The Lucky Woodland Find fort designed by UMKC’s Early Childhood Education Team for Fortopia (May 26-October 16), the new Midwest Foraging tour invites you to embrace your Midwest spirit while appreciating the natural landscape throughout Powell Gardens.
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Make your way to the Family Discovery Trail. Begin this self-guided tour by looking for BLUE plant tags that feature flower and leaf symbols to identify selections from the collection and learn fun facts about each plant or fungi along the way.
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Before you head home, stop in The Marketplace to collect the limited-edition commemorative artist-designed botanic patches to celebrate the plants you can now successfully identify. Grab a DIY foraging kit to apply what you learned at home!
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PLEASE NOTE: Foraging is not permitted on Powell Gardens property. In the interest of public health, safety, and in respect of our conservation efforts, all participants are expected to appreciate this tour for the educational content provided.
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Click the link in bio to purchase admission. #powellgardens #fortopiakc #midwestforaging #midwestspiritofplace #kansascity #botanicalgarden #botanicgarden #gardentour #selfguidedtour #foraging #getoutside #explorekc #ourgardensyourhome #grownative

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Fortopia, a playful outdoor exhibition comprised of awe-inspiring forts, invites explorers of all ages to discover Powell Gardens. This vibrant addition to summer in Kansas City encourages outdoor discovery and taps into the nostalgia of childhood fort building. (Click the link in bio to purchase tickets.)
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After opening a public request for proposals in 2021, a jury comprised of educators, architects, horticulturalists, and fabricators selected eight fort designs for inclusion in the exhibition. Designed to inspire an appreciation of the natural landscape, Powell Gardens is excited for visitors to experience its beauty through the variety of creative perspectives represented in the chosen forts. This year’s fort designers include a team of preschool children, artists, landscape designers, architects, and more.
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Fortopia opens May 26 and runs through October 16. Visit the Gardens many times to experience the forts in a different light throughout the changing seasons! Nestled on the East Lawn, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the Gardens in a new and playful way.

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Cliff, Natural Resources, is taking over our stories today! Drop any questions you have below. 🌳

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Have you noticed construction around the East Lawn? Good news: Fortopia is coming soon! 🛠️
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Eight unique forts (designed by local artists, architects, and creatives) are being built and installed for a special summer exhibition. Click the Fortopia link in bio to learn more.
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#powellgardens #fortopiakc #fortopia #kansascity #botanicalgarden #garden #kansascitygarden #kidfriendlykc #kidswelcome #forts #buildafort

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The Stumpery Garden is one of our best kept secrets! This shady space (not too far off the Visitor Center terraces) is lined with trees and makes the perfect shady picnic spot. Enjoy bird watching and contrast between logs and the file foliage of ferns. Look a bit further towards the adjacent hummingbird garden! #powellgardens

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Do you want to reduce stress, improve your mood, and grow connections to others and the world around you? Spend time outside! 🌤️🌿🌼
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Our doors are open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Click the link in bio to purchase tickets. #powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #getoutside #optoutside #moresunshine #botanicalgarden #botanicgarden #kcgarden #garden

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It’s the LAST day to visit Painted Garden! We’re doing something special to celebrate. (You're gonna want to tag your tatted friends. 👀)
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Show your botanical tattoo or botanical name during check-in to receive a Powell Gardens botanical sticker, free drink, and one entry into a Marketplace gift basket drawing. (Promotion can only be used once per guest and only on May 15, 2022.) Purchase tickets by clicking the link in bio.
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#paintedgardenkc #powellgardens #botanicaltattoo #botanicalname #botanicalgarden #kansascity #giveaway #promoday #kclocal #getoutside #kansascitygarden #garden #tattoo #kansascitytattoo #tattookc

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We’ve got the perfect spring date planned! Head to Powell Gardens for Painted Garden (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) today or tomorrow. Enjoy new works of art, colorful spring blooms, a picturesque stroll, and drinks on the patio.
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Tickets linked in bio. #powellgardens #paintedgarden #datenightkc #kansascitydateidea #kansascity #botanicalgarden #kcgarden #garden #springfestival #artoutside #outdoorart #kansascityartwork

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After you see the artwork from Painted Garden (tickets linked in bio) this weekend, don’t forget to enjoy the grounds! Here are our favorite ways to spend a spring day at Powell Gardens:
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🍽️ Pack (or purchase) a picnic to eat outside
⚽ Bring a frisbee or soccer ball to play on the Peninsula or East Lawn
🐣 Visit animals at the Missouri Barn (10 a.m. - 2 p.m., May 14 & 15)
📚 Read a book or sketch in the Fountain Garden or Perennial Garden
⛰️ Hike the Family Discovery Loop (1 mile) or Prairie Ridge Trail (3 miles)
🌳 Enjoy shade and secluded conversation in the David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Garden
🐝 Play on the Pollinator Playground
🥂 Enjoy a drink on the Missouri Barn patio, then climb the silo for the best view
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#powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #visitmo #botanicalgarden #kansascity #garden #springfestival #artinthegardens #getoutsidekc #explorekc #localkc #outdoor #1000hoursoutside #ourgardensyourhome #makeyourdayhere

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It's the last weekend to visit Painted Garden. Purchase tickets from the link in bio. #paintedgardenkc #powellgardens

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Celebrate the emergence of spring with the season’s newest creatures at Powell Gardens (May 14-15)! From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., baby goats, bunnies, chicks, and lambs from Storm Dancer Farm will be onsite for the whole family to enjoy.
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Purchase tickets in advance by clicking the link in bio. #powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #wildlycute #animals #babygoats #botanicalgarden #kansascity #kansascitybucketlist #todoinkansascity #kclocal #thisweekendinkc

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POP UP ART CARS 🚗 Philo Northrup (@philoman) is bringing Daisy Singer and PhilCo, two art cars he designed and crafted, to Powell Gardens this weekend (May 14-15)! Click the link in bio to purchase tickets. #powellgardens #paintedgardenkc

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Miriamne Marlowe, artist and co-curator of Sapien Gallery, references the atmospheric elements of Victorian paintings through wrought iron-found objects, hand tooled metal wire installation, and natural botanic elements in her container.
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Purchase tickets in the link in bio to see this work on display. Powell Gardens’ spring festival is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., through May 15, 2022. #powellgardens #paintedgardenkc

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Container Designer: Brian Morely of Bergamot & Ivy Design.
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Morely’s design focuses on the Victorian fascination with collecting objects and materials from “exotic” locations, which included plant specimens. See the work and learn more about the inspiration behind it at Painted Garden.
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Tickets are available in the link in bio. #powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #springfestival #bergamotandivydesign

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When is your last day of school? It feels like summer is just around the corner and we're excited to see more kiddos playing in the Pollinator Playground. 🐝🐞🦋

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We’re in awe of all the artists and creatives who contributed new works to Painted Garden (April 21-May 15, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Don’t miss the celebration of art and nature! Get tickets by clicking the link in bio.
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#powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #kcart #kcartist #kansascity #artinthegarden #outdoorart #botanicalgarden #garden #springfestival #spring #peregrinehonig #ophrys

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🌷🌤️🍃 Beetles are the main pollinators of magnolias! Flowers that are pollinated this way are characterized by their large size, white to pink tones, lack of nectar, and plenty of pollen.
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See magnolias along the Dennis and Annette Young Magnolia Walk during Painted Garden. Click the link in bio to purchase tickets. #paintedgardenkc #powellgardens #magnolias #magnoliasofinstagram

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The American Public Gardens Association presents Go Public Gardens (May 6-15), an awareness campaign aimed towards educating the public about the importance of public gardens. As a nonprofit botanical garden, Powell Gardens is excited to participate!
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Our Gardens are open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. Purchase admission in advance by clicking the link in bio.
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#powellgardens #gopublicgardens #americanpublicgardensassociation #botanicalgarden #botanicgarden #kcgarden #kansascity #gooutside #optoutside #kcoutdoors

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Painted Garden, Powell Gardens' spring festival, features new artwork from twelve different artists. This is your chance to view beautiful pieces in a picturesque Midwest setting! Get tickets by clicking the link in bio.
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#powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #springfestival #botanicalgarden #botanicgarden #kansascity #artinthegarden #outdoorart #outdoorexhibit #localkc #kclove #kansascityartist #artwork #ophrys

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Bill Jennings and Richard Triggs have been in the landscape & design business for over 40 years in the Kansas City area. With the support of a wonderful client base, they have been afforded the opportunity to design, create and build, utilizing personal garden spaces as the canvas for their creations.
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We love having their work on display at Painted Garden! Purchase tickets to visit this weekend by clicking the link in bio.
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#powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #botanicalgarden #botanicgarden #kcgarden #kcgardendesign #floraldesign #botanicdesign #springfestival #artfestival #artinthegardens

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Cody and Ariel Roelofsz are co-owners of Ursa & Vixen Seed Co., specializing in high-quality and unique heirloom seeds for the home gardener. At Painted Garden, they’ve created a botanical installation that conjures up serenity on a cool spring morning.
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See their work on view on the Visitor Center Terrace through May 15, 2022. Purchase tickets online in advance by clicking the link in bio.
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#powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #ursaandvixenseedco #kansascity #artfestival #springfestival #artinthegardens #botanicalgarden #botanicgarden

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Picnic weather is here! Check out our staff picks for your next visit. (If you're visiting Mother's Day weekend, don't forget moms get free admission May 7-8, 2022!)
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🌲 Conifer Garden. With conifers growing all around, this partially enclosed space feels like your own private garden room!
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⛲ Fountain Garden (pictured). A short walk from the Visitor Center, this spot has café seating and lovely spring blooms. Soak up all of the colorful flowers as you enjoy eating outdoors.
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☀️ Meadow Pavilion. A staff favorite, this spot remains undiscovered to most visitors. (Hint: Find the trail on your way to the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel.) Picnickers here will be rewarded with a quiet, lovely spot for lunch.
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#powellgardens #picnic #paintedgardenkc #bestpicnicspotkc #kansascitypicnic #mothersday #mothersday2022 #getoutsidekc #explorekc #localkc #botanicalgarden #botanicgarden #fountaingarden #meadow #conifergarden

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LAST DAY TO ORDER. Bloom Baking Company and Blush-Farms Cork+Board are cooking up special Mother’s Day brunches for Powell Gardens. Click the link in bio to reserve yours today. (Menu below; today is the last day to order to guarantee availability!)
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🍽️ Charcuterie for two from Blush-Farms Cork+Board
🍃 Mini Spinach Feta Pie from Bloom Baking Company
🍅 Mini Goat Cheese & Tomato Croissant from Bloom Baking Company
✨ Candied Pecans from Yummy Favorites
🍰 Dessert for Two from Bloom Baking Company
🌵 Gifts to spoil Mom, including mini potted succulent, locally-made candle, wildflower seed packet with Mother's Day greeting
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#powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #mothersday #mothersdaybrunch #brunch #ordernow #popupbrunch #kansascity #kcbrunch #kansascitybrunch #mothersday2022 #mothersday22 #momsinkansascity #freeadmissionformoms

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Katie Mabry van Dieren, curator of beloved @strawberryswingkc, lends her artistic eye to Painted Garden! As one of ten featured container artists, Mabry van Dieren uses bright, vibrant hues to transport views to the countryside of her inspiration artwork.
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See her installation in person at Painted Garden. Powell Gardens’ spring festival is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., through May 15, 2022. Purchase tickets online at powellgardens.org/painted.
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#powellgardens #paintedgarden #strawberryswing #kansascityartist #kansascity #botanicalgarden #botanicgarden #artfestival #springfestival #todothisweekend #kctodolist #kcbucketlist #getoutsidekc #explorekc #thestrawberryswing

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John Rufenacht, last year’s conservatory artist, is back sharing his Midwest sensibilities at Painted Garden! Catch a glimpse of his botanical installation on the Visitor Center Terrace. Painted Garden (April 21-May 15) is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Click the link in bio to purchase tickets online.
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#powellgardens #paintedgarden #johnrufenacht #rufenachtinteriors #kansascity #kcartist #kclocal #localkc #springfestival #artfestival #outdoorart #botanicalgarden #kcbotanicalgarden #botanicgarden #artinthegarden

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Spend Mother’s Day at Powell Gardens! Our grounds have plenty of space for picnics and play, and great scenery for a family selfie. All generations welcome! 🌳🍷🥐
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Reserve your brunch for two by clicking the link in bio. (Moms get free admission May 7-8, 2022!) #powellgardens #mothersday2022 #mothersday #thanksmom #familyfun #kansascity #kansascityfamily #thingstodothisweekend #kc #localkc

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Fortopia (May 26-October 16), a playful outdoor exhibition comprised of awe-inspiring forts, invites explorers of all ages to discover Powell Gardens. This vibrant addition to summer in Kansas City encourages outdoor discovery and taps into the nostalgia of childhood fort building.
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Click the link in bio to learn more and purchase tickets. #fortopia #powellgardens #fortopiakc #getoutside #optoutside #summerexhibition #outdoorexhibition #letsbuildafort #summerbucketlist

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There's still time to make the most of this weekend! See Tuzzy-Muzzy, an animated sculpture by @rachelyoun, in the Garden Gallery breezeway. (Tickets linked in bio.) After seeing 11 other works of art, we suggest ending the day with a drink on the Visitor Center terraces. No #sundayscaries here!
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#powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #botanicalgarden #tuzzy-muzzy #rachelyoun #artinthegardens #outdoorart #sculpture #animatedsculpture #kansascity #kcgarden #getoutsidekc #explorekc #ourgardensyourhome #kansascitybackyard

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Thank you for celebrating #NationalNativePlant Month with us! To keep the party going, we encourage you to:
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☀️ Sign up for a class within the Native Prairie Series, taught onsite at Ona’s Prairie. Register for the first installment (Native Prairie Series: Tall Grass Prairie, May 10) by clicking the link in bio.
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🐝 Plant a few of Missouri’s native plants in your garden. Many of Missouri’s birds, bees, and butterflies survive on specific native plants. (For example, monarch butterflies feed on the foliage of milkweed plants.) Incorporating native plants at home can support our ecosystem!
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📸: Hoary Puccoon. #powellgardens #grownative #ourgardensyourhome #missourinativeplants #nativeplants #mdc #botanicalgarden #kansascity #growmissouri #hoarypuccoon #prairie #prairieplants #plantsofinstagram

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After a rainy week, stretch your legs at Powell Gardens! We suggest you make a day of it. (Tickets linked in bio.)💚
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Bring a picnic, take a stroll, interact with art installations, and listen to live music in the conservatory and on the Visitor Center terraces from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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#powellgardens #paintedgardenkc #getoutsidekc #explorekc #kansascity #art #artinthegardens #botanicalgarden #botanicalgardenkc #kansascitygarden #kansascitybotanicalgarden #music #livemusickc