Hidden Lake Gardens : Events
JULY
ACA Exhibit: Floral Paintings by Taina Mantey
Now - September 27, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Taina Mantey has been a painter her whole life and more recently started on series of floral paintings that some describe as ethereal. These are layered in colors and suggestions of foliage with playful overlapping that whisper to the viewer, asking them to dive in. Taina is a lifelong educator of kindergarten through college, as well as adult learners at the Adrian Center for the Arts. Learn more on our Art Exhibitions page.
Dates & Hours:
Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Gallery of the Visitors Center
Closed on Mondays
AUGUST
Basics of Dahlia Gardening
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Whether you're new to growing dahlias or looking to expand your knowledge, this program is a wonderful opportunity to learn from Sharon Fielder, a passionate hobby dahlia grower and breeder. Sharon cultivates more than 100 varieties of dahlias in her garden and has been an active member of the Michigan Dahlia Society for six years. She'll share practical tips on growing, caring for, and enjoying these spectacular late-summer blooms.
Location: Visitors Center Auditorium
The presentation is open to the public with no pre-registration required. Regular admission or HLG membership is required for entry. Sponsored by the Hidden Lake Gardeners Club.
Grandchildren's Garden Day Camp
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- $50 per child and adult chaperone, $20 for each additional person.
- A light snack and refillable water bottle will be provided.
- Children must attend with an adult chaperone.
- Grandparents are encouraged to participate, but parents, guardians, aunts, uncles, or siblings age 18+ are welcome.
Pedal the Hills
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Sprouts & Stories: Storytime in the Garden
Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 10:30 AM
Join us for a delightful morning of stories, nature, and exploration, hosted in partnership with the Tecumseh District Library. Bring a blanket and settle in for a cozy outdoor storytime experience surrounded by the beauty of the garden.
Location: Bloom Pavilion (Auditorium inside the Visitors Center, in inclement weather)
This free program is perfect for young children and their families—come learn, play, and connect with nature together!
Grandchildren's Garden Day Camp
Friday, August 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- $50 per child and adult chaperone, $20 for each additional person.
- A light snack and refillable water bottle will be provided.
- Children must attend with an adult chaperone.
- Grandparents are encouraged to participate, but parents, guardians, aunts, uncles, or siblings age 18+ are welcome.
Friday After Five - Hibiscus in Michigan?
Friday, August 28, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
This extended-hours evening is another offering in the new Friday After Five series, during which Hidden Lake Gardens will stay open until 7:00 PM on one Friday each month through October. Each date will feature a unique educational program from 5:30–6:30 p.m. More dates and monthly topics can be found on the Friday After Five page.
SEPTEMBER
RUN FOR THE HILLS! 5K and 1 Mile Run / Walk
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Start Time = 8:00 AM
The most scenic and hilliest course in southeast Michigan! Come enjoy a beautiful fall morning at Hidden Lake Gardens for the 16th Annual RUN FOR THE HILLS! 1 Mile & 5K Run or Walk along paved roads. Proceeds from the race will benefit Hidden Lake Gardens and Oh These Irish Hills! organization.
Find all the details and register by visiting our Run for the Hills! page.
Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult
Dress for the weather, including closed-toe shoes/boots and work gloves.
Pants and long sleeves are highly recommended for protection.
Friday After Five - Ornamental Grasses
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
This extended-hours evening is another offering in the new Friday After Five series, during which Hidden Lake Gardens will stay open until 7:00 PM on one Friday each month through October. Each date will feature a unique educational program from 5:30–6:30 p.m. More dates and monthly topics can be found on the Friday After Five page.
OCTOBER
Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition
October 17 & 18, 2026
Experience the inaugural Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition at Hidden Lake Gardens, presented in partnership with the North American Bonsai Federation (NABF). This special event will showcase outstanding bonsai from across the region, highlighting the beauty of fall color and fruiting varieties.
Guests will enjoy a curated exhibition featuring exceptional trees selected through a juried application process, celebrating both artistry and horticultural excellence. In addition to the displays, the event will include an opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, VIP reception, tea ceremony, educational presentations, on‑site vendors, auction, food and beverage offerings, and more.
Whether you're a lifelong bonsai artist or simply appreciate the craft, this exhibition invites you to explore the diverse styles, colors, and creativity that define fall fruiting and foliage bonsai.
Bonsai artists are invited to apply to have their work considered for display in the exhibition. The NABF aims to present the finest fall fruiting and/or fall‑color bonsai in North America, and applicants may submit up to two bonsai for juried review.
This is a wonderful opportunity for bonsai practitioners to share their artistry, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and be part of a signature new event at Hidden Lake Gardens.
Learn more at our Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition page.
Friday After Five - Fall Foliage Trek
Friday, October 23, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
This extended-hours evening is another offering in the new Friday After Five series, during which Hidden Lake Gardens will stay open until 7:00 PM on one Friday each month through October. Each date will feature a unique educational program from 5:30–6:30 p.m. More dates and monthly topics can be found on the Friday After Five page.
