Join us for 45 minutes of musical play for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them! Sing, wiggle, and jam with the teachers from Music Together Mountain Song on the lawn of the Botanical Garden. This musical adventure will take place outside. Please dress for the weather. Bring a hat, sunscreen and bug repellent. Doors open at 10am and the program will begin at 10:30am.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. $14 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).

Megon Coon is the director of Music Together Mountain Song, where she has been leading families with young children in joyful musical experiences since 2022. She is excited to bring music into the Alaska Botanical Garden, one of her favorite spots in Anchorage. 

Wine in the Woods
Thursday, August 7th | 6:00 - 9:00pm

With exciting new features!

-Chocolate tasting by Wildland Chocolate, paired with dessert wines donated by 61 Degrees North Winery
-ABG-grown salad bar featuring vegetables produced for the Garden’s CSA program 
-Watercolor zentangle painting with Stephanie Buen
-Garden penny raffle: purchase raffle tickets to bid on various prizes from local businesses! The more tickets entered means the better chances of winning!

Raffle ticket bundles are available to add to your cart during check-out! Pick them up at the event to bid on locally sourced gifts and experiences. Raffle tickets bundles will also be available for purchase during the event. Thank you for supporting the Garden and Anchorage community!

Wines generously donated by Republic National Distributing Company.
Hors d'oeuvres by Wild Fork Catering.

Designated Driver Ticket holders will not be given alcoholic beverages
Tasting Ticket holders may not share with Designated Driver Ticket holders
Must purchase tickets in advance | Event is 21+ (no babes in arms) | Must bring a valid ID

This summer we are highlighting local Alaskan authors. August 6th’s story will be “Berry Song” by Micahela Goade.

This story will take place outside on our lawn. Please dress for the weather and bring a blanket to sit on. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

$14 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).

This 60-minute yoga class forms a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. This class includes asana (postures), breath work, and brief meditation after savasana to balance out our practice. The goal of this class is to provide you with a nourishing asana practice and have you leaving the garden feeling relaxed and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat. All classes will take place out on the lawn space. In case of rain, the class will be moved inside of the Greenhouse.

Space is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Biography:

Christina Wilson acquired her 200-hour RYT in Rishikesh, India. She was trained by Himalayan yoga master Yogrishi Vishvektu, PhD., in Hatha yoga. Christina is Yoga Alliance certified. Christina's yoga teaching style incorporates meditation, mantra, asana, chakra & breath work. She has been working in the Anchorage community in private practice as a trauma-informed Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for 10 years and also recently acquired her certification as a Registered Expressive Art Therapist (REAT); she incorporates a strong mind+body awareness and connection into her teaching style both on and off the mat.

Please join us for our very first Fairies and Flowers Garden Fun Run! This run is non-timed and non-competitive and aims to get families and their kids moving and exercising outside. Parents must register their kids online ahead of time, bibs will be picked up on the day of the run. Parents are welcome to run with their kids but need not register themselves. Children must be 13 years of age or younger to participate. Normal admission rates apply. Members and kids ages 6 and under are FREE, Non-Member kids ages 7-13 are $10. Normal admission rates apply at the gate for our Non-Member families attending to cheer on or accompany their racers! Only racers need to register ahead of time; all others will pay admissions on the day of.

We have two course options this year for our young runners. There will be a shorter 400 meter (1/4 mile) run around our paved garden loop (appropriate for strollers and kids up to 8 years old) and a longer 1600 meter run (1 mile) along our Lowenfel’s-Hoersting Nature Trail (appropriate for ages 9-13). Both courses begin and end on the ABG lawn in front of the Greenhouse. Come dressed in your favorite fairy or garden themed costume!

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Enjoy face paint, raffle with a chance to win a $25 gift card to Skinny Raven, bubbles, sidewalk chalk or just strolling the Garden after the race. Girls on the Run will also be here to help answer any questions about their program for 3rd-5th graders.

Race Day Schedule (This is a non-timed, non-competitive race)

9:00am- Doors Open

10:20am- Warm-up exercises for our 1600 meter runners

10:30am- 1600-meter race begins

10:50am- Warm-up exercises for our 400 meter runners

11:00am- 400 meter race begins

11:00am-12:00pm- Families can enjoy cheering on their racers, face paint, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and eat some snacks and enjoy the gardens.

Improve your drawing skills in this Sketching Berries with colored pencil workshop. Draw on location in the Alaska Botanical Garden. Practice color mixing, layering, and shading, while drawing outside. Observe high bush cranberry, currants, service berry, and or watermelon berry while drawing alongside other artists. Practice botanical drawing from life or creatively interpret and abstract what you see. Materials kit is included with the workshop for you to keep. Taught by local artist Betany Porter.

You must register in advance. There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations; no refunds given with less than 48 hours notice.

Materials Kit Includes:

Faber Castell Goldfaber Colored Pencils, 48 colors

Colored Pencil Paper Pad, 9x12, 30 sheets

HB Pencil

Eraser

WHAT TO BRING

Camping Chair (we have some at the Garden)

Water Bottle (Optional)

Hat/Sunglasses

Layered clothing

Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi class every Saturday. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of breathing exercises. Every other week you'll practice the Yang Style 24-movement Tai Chi and Tai Chi Sun style. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

August 2nd, 16th and 30th will be Yang Style

Yang Style 24-movement Tai Chi with an emphasis on balance, both physical and mental. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

August 9th and 23rd will be Sun Style

Sun style movements, much quieter than Yang style, with an emphasis on weight transfer, balance, center of gravity, and understanding one’s surroundings. It’s designed to help minimize trips and falls and are easier movements for anyone with arthritis and stiff joints.

Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.

We see and hear about people collecting spruce tips, fireweed, fiddle heads, and devil's club and after a bit of investigation decide to try collecting for ourselves. But what are the best practices? Where do you look for a good 'patch' for your harvest? What part of the plant is best harvested when? How much do we take and what do we leave behind? Alaska Botanical Garden employee Katie Redmond will talk about some of the basics in foraging etiquette, covering some of the who, what, where, when, why, and how for identifying, and respectfully collecting some commonly foraged plants in the Anchorage area.

We will discuss tools, rules, and get our hands dirty with some in-season foraging at the garden! Participants will leave with more confidence to embark on their foraging journey as well as some recipes and resources. A portion of this class will take place outside, please dress for the weather. You must register in advance. A $2 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations; no refunds given with less than 48 hours notice.

Picnic Concert in the Garden!

Nick Anthony Band
Sunday, July 27th | 4:00 - 6:00pm

Bring your own picnic to enjoy a jazz concert on the lawn! Featuring local jazz group, Nick Anthony Band.

Meet the musicians: Cameron Cartland on percussion, Alex Parsons on keyboards, and Nick Petumenos on guitar and vocals.

La Michoacana The Last Frontier will be onsite selling frozen treats!

This 60-minute yoga class forms a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. This class includes asana (postures), breath work, and brief meditation after savasana to balance out our practice. The goal of this class is to provide you with a nourishing asana practice and have you leaving the garden feeling relaxed and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat. All classes will take place out on the lawn space. In case of rain, the class will be moved inside of the Greenhouse.

Space is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Biography:

Christina Wilson acquired her 200 hr-RYT in Rishikesh, India. She was trained by Himalayan yoga master Yogrishi Vishvektu, PhD., in Hatha yoga. Christina is Yoga Alliance certified. Christina's yoga teaching style incorporates meditation, mantra, asana, chakra & breath work. She has been working in the Anchorage community in private practice as a trauma-informed Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for 10 years and also recently acquired her certification as a Registered Expressive Art Therapist (REAT); she incorporates a strong mind+body awareness and connection into her teaching style both on and off the mat.

Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi Sun style class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Sun style movements, much quieter than Yang style, with an emphasis on weight transfer, balance, center of gravity, and understanding one’s surroundings. It’s designed to help minimize trips and falls and are easier movements for anyone with arthritis and stiff joints. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.

Bring your love of the Alaska Botanical Garden home to your own garden by painting one of our locally made garden gnomes! These 3D printed gnomes stand nearly six inches tall. We will discuss color blending, how to create different shades, and texture techniques as we bring these characters to life with many vibrant colors to choose from. This class is appropriate for all ages and skill levels alike. All materials are included, just bring yourself and a whimsical attitude! There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds given with less than 48 hours notice.

Stephanie Leigh Buen believes in continually creating and attempts to constantly challenge herself to new designs. Stephanie is a local painter, actress, and art instructor. Initially self taught, she has been learning as an artist for over twenty years. She has taught art lessons for prior venues such as Kaleidoscape, The Alaska Fine Arts Academy, and currently runs art workshops for Raven Homeschool. She took over Palette just over a year ago and loves watching others create as much as she loves creating art for herself. She truly believes everyone has some form of artistic talent within them, and it is a joy helping nourish that passion in others. 

This 60-minute yoga class forms a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. This class includes asana (postures), breath work, and brief meditation after savasana to balance out our practice. The goal of this class is to provide you with a nourishing asana practice and have you leaving the garden feeling relaxed and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat. All classes will take place out on the lawn space. In case of rain, the class will be moved inside of the Greenhouse.

Space is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Biography:

Christina Wilson acquired her 200 hr-RYT in Rishikesh, India. She was trained by Himalayan yoga master Yogrishi Vishvektu, PhD., in Hatha yoga. Christina is Yoga Alliance certified. Christina's yoga teaching style incorporates meditation, mantra, asana, chakra & breath work. She has been working in the Anchorage community in private practice as a trauma-informed Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for 10 years and also recently acquired her certification as a Registered Expressive Art Therapist (REAT); she incorporates a strong mind+body awareness and connection into her teaching style both on and off the mat.

Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Qi Gong breathing exercises. You'll practice the Yang Style 24-movement Tai Chi with an emphasis on balance, both physical and mental. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.

This 60-minute yoga class forms a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. This class includes asana (postures), breath work, and brief meditation after savasana to balance out our practice. The goal of this class is to provide you with a nourishing asana practice and have you leaving the garden feeling relaxed and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat. All classes will take place out on the lawn space. In case of rain, the class will be moved inside of the Greenhouse.

Space is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Biography:

Christina Wilson acquired her 200 hr-RYT in Rishikesh, India. She was trained by Himalayan yoga master Yogrishi Vishvektu, PhD., in Hatha yoga. Christina is Yoga Alliance certified. Christina's yoga teaching style incorporates meditation, mantra, asana, chakra & breath work. She has been working in the Anchorage community in private practice as a trauma-informed Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for 10 years and also recently acquired her certification as a Registered Expressive Art Therapist (REAT); she incorporates a strong mind+body awareness and connection into her teaching style both on and off the mat.

Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi Sun style class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Sun style movements, much quieter than Yang style, with an emphasis on weight transfer, balance, center of gravity, and understanding one’s surroundings. It’s designed to help minimize trips and falls and are easier movements for anyone with arthritis and stiff joints. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.

Learn how to paint perennials using Golden Fluid Acrylic paints on paper. Practice color mixing and matching, composition, value, and layering. Join other budding artists and painting enthusiasts to spend time in nature capturing the light and color of the Garden in full bloom. This workshop takes place outdoors in ABG’s Perennial Garden. All materials are included with the workshop. Bring along a camping chair to sit on, clothing layers for sun, cold or rain, hat and gloves. There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds given with less than 48 hours notice.

Betany Porter is a local artist, curator, and interdisciplinary museum educator. She received her MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago in Painting and Drawing.

Materials Included:

Golden Fluid Acrylics 

Rives BFK Paper

White Nylon Brushes

Water Cup w/Lid

Birch Panel

Mixing surface

Pencil

Eraser

Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Qi Gong breathing exercises. You'll practice the Yang Style 24-movement Tai Chi with an emphasis on balance, both physical and mental. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.

The Garden is open on the 4th of July from 10:00am - 7:00pm.

Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi Sun style class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Sun style movements, much quieter than Yang style, with an emphasis on weight transfer, balance, center of gravity, and understanding one’s surroundings. It’s designed to help minimize trips and falls and are easier movements for anyone with arthritis and stiff joints. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.

It's planting season! Come paint with us and take home a flower pot to adorn your porch or windowsill. Using a classic tan plate, participants will choose from a variety of scenes, Susitna mountain scene, wildflowers, garden gnomes or mushrooms, to paint on a terracotta pot (flower will be included). This class is excellent for beginners and seasoned painters alike. This particular piece was created for the Alaska Botanical Garden. All materials will be provided. You must register in advance. A $5 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations; no refunds given with less than 48 hours notice.

Stephanie Leigh Buen believes in continually creating and attempts to constantly challenge herself to new designs. Stephanie is a local painter, actress, and art instructor. Initially self taught, she has been learning as an artist for over twenty years. She has taught art lessons for prior venues such as Kaleidoscape, The Alaska Fine Arts Academy, and currently runs art workshops for Raven Homeschool. She took over Palette just over a year ago and loves watching others create as much as she loves creating art for herself. She truly believes everyone has some form of artistic talent within them, and it is a joy helping nourish that passion in others. 

Join us for a stroller-friendly musical tour of the garden for families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We will sing, dance, and jam our way through the 1/2 mile paved garden loop. This musical adventure will take place outside. Please dress for the weather. Bring a hat, sunscreen and bug repellent.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. $14 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).

Megon Coon is the director of Music Together Mountain Song, where she has been leading families with young children in joyful musical experiences since 2022. She is excited to bring music into the Alaska Botanical Garden, one of her favorite spots in Anchorage. 

Learn drawing techniques using pen and ink to observe and sketch alpine wildflowers in the Rock Garden at ABG. You'll learn different line drawing techniques including crosshatching, stipple, brillo, and contour. Participants will also learn to use brush tip alcohol markers to layer and add color to drawings. This workshop takes place outdoors. Class content is perfect for beginners and seasoned artists. All materials are included. This class takes place outside. Bring along a camping chair to sit on, clothing layers for sun, cold or rain, hat and gloves. There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds given with less than 48 hours notice.

Betany Porter is a local artist, curator, and interdisciplinary museum educator. She received her MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago in Painting and Drawing.

Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Qi Gong breathing exercises. You'll practice the Yang Style 24-movement Tai Chi with an emphasis on balance, both physical and mental. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.

Celebrate the longest day of the year with Solstice Blooms, an Alaskan-inspired botanical art workshop hosted by Artscape Workshops.

Join Artscape Workshops and our very own horticulturist who will share insight into the unique flowers blooming in our region. Then, we’ll ease into the creative process with playful warm-up exercises designed to help you loosen up and explore expressive floral shapes.

Using using the garden as inspiration, you’ll create your own mixed media compositions with high-quality materials including watercolors, artist crayons, watercolor pencils, and acrylic markers.

This workshop is perfect for all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, come with a curious mind and a love for blooms. All materials provided.

There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds given for cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice.

We are open on Juneteenth from 10:00am - 7:00pm

Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi Sun style class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Sun style movements, much quieter than Yang style, with an emphasis on weight transfer, balance, center of gravity, and understanding one’s surroundings. It’s designed to help minimize trips and falls and are easier movements for anyone with arthritis and stiff joints. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.