Summer in America’s Garden Capital is a vibrant season brimming with lush greenery, colorful blooms, and a plethora of special exhibits, tours, and events. This summer visitors can enjoy dazzling fountain shows and unique summer exhibits, or explore the diverse plant collections at the more than 30 gardens within the Philadelphia region. Seasonal outdoor festivals, evening garden walks, and educational programs abound, making summer in Philadelphia a paradise for nature lovers and a testament to the region’s dedication to botanical beauty and conservation.
Some events require pre-registration or additional paid admission, please check each garden’s website for complete events details.
What's Happening June - August 2024
All Summer Long
Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens kicks-off a summer season to remember with the debut of new garden spaces, the return of its popular Fireworks & Fountains Shows, dazzling Illuminated Fountain Performances, vibrant gardens, and a variety of fun performances under the stars. On view now through October 27. Get tickets.Summer of Dinos at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
The Morris goes Mesozoic with Plants in the Age of Dinosaurs, a self-guided exhibition featuring plants in our collection with roots that go back to prehistoric times. Learn more.Slow Motion at Grounds for Sculpture
An indoor and outdoor exhibition featuring five artists, open May 5, 2024 to September 1, 2025. Learn more.Exuberant Blooms at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Opening June 27, 2024. A modern take on Victorian flower carpets, with eight beds spread over more than a quarter acre of open garden. The large paisley-shaped floral “islands” contain more than 10,000 plants with heights ranging from 8 inches to 8 feet. Learn more.
Tram Tours at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
See highlights of the garden and learn the history of Winterthur on this 30-minute narrated tour. The tour begins at the Visitor Center and ends at the museum, with a stop at Enchanted Woods. Learn more.Wildflower Walks at Tyler Arboretum
Join wildflower expert Dick Cloud on an informative two-hour hike that takes you through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside. Although the focus is on plants, we will talk about whatever we might see while we are out! Learn more and register.- Wednesday Walkabouts at Jenkins Arboretum
Each week’s tour will have a different focus depending on the seasonal landscape and staff leader. Topics may include spring wildflowers, flowering trees, or our nationally accredited collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, and mountain laurels. Learn more and register. - Guided Trail Hikes at Mt. Cuba Center
Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Weekly Guided Trails Hikes are offered Saturdays & Sundays from 10:30 am-12:30 pm, May – November. Learn more and register.
June
Kick off the summer season by joining a guided garden tour, taking a nature photography class, or enjoying an outdoor concert with friends and family.
Saturday, June 8, 2024—A Tour of the Roses at Andalusia
Saturday, June 8, 2024—Tour: Plants in the Age of Dinosaurs at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Thursday, June 13, 2024—Tour: Shade Trees of Summer at Laurel Hill West
Saturday, June 15, 2024—Weekend Bird Walk at Tyler Arboretum
Saturday, June 15, 2024 (Rain date 6/16)—Photo Walk at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 10:30 am—Dinosaur Parade! At Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Thursday, June 20, 2024—An Evening of Exquisite Chamber Music at Andalusia
Thursday, June 20, 2024 (Rain date 6/27)—Danny Simmons Presents a Def Poetry Jam Reunion at Grounds for Sculpture
Saturday, June 22, 2024—Living Succulent Wreath Workshop at Grounds for Sculpture
July
Summer in Philadelphia is in full swing! July is packed with fun and exciting outdoor garden adventures. Where will you go?
Tuesdays, July 9, 16, 23, and 30—Sidewalk Chalk Walks at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
- Thursday, Jul y 11, 2024—Swirl: An Evening of Art & Wine at Grounds for Sculpture
- Friday, July 12, 2024—Festive Friday at Longwood Gardens: You’ve Got a Friend in Me
- Saturday, July 13 & Sunday, July 14, 2024—Dino Weekend at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
- Sunday, July 14, 2024—The Savoy Company Plein Air Performance at Stoneleigh
- Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 21, 2024—Artisan Market at Winterthur
- Friday, July 19, 2024—Woody Plant Conference at Scott Arboretum
- Saturday, July 20, 2024—Nurture with Nature: Edible Weeds & Infused Honey at Laurel Hill West
- Saturday, July 20, 2024—Guided Bird Walk with Troy Bynum at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
- Tuesday, July 23, 2024—Gardening for Moths at Stoneleigh
- Wednesday, July 24 & Friday, July 26, 2024—Butterfly Bonanza Tour at Grounds for Sculpture
- Saturday, July 27, 2024—Perfecting Summer Perennials Workshop at Longwood Gardens
August
Make the most of the last days of summer by paddling on the Delaware River or catching up with friends at a twilight picnic!
- Saturday, August 3, 2024—Tour: Big Trees of Stoneleigh
- Saturday, August 17, 2024—Open Boating Days at Glen Foerd
- Fridays, August 16 and 30—Twilight on the Terrace at Mt. Cuba Center
- Saturday, August 24, 2024—Nurture with Nature: Grounding Wisdom at Laurel Hill West
