Embark on an inspiring journey this September as the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont invites families to experience the 2025 Botanical Art Festival, a month-long, immersive celebration of nature and creativity in the heart of Charlottesville. From September 5 through 28, this vibrant festival offers engaging programs for all ages—encouraging families to connect with botanical art, local culture, and the natural world in this beautiful community setting. Stay up-to-date with Cville events by reading our popular e-Mag,
Where and When
- Location: Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, 950 Melbourne Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901.
- Festival Duration: Daily from September 5 to September 28, 2025, open from dawn until dusk.
Festival Highlights
1. Botanical Art Show
- A captivating, free-to-browse art exhibition at Jefferson School City Center, showcasing works by over 60 local artists—spanning paintings, drawings, and mixed media—all inspired by the natural world.
- No registration required to attend, making it accessible for families to visit anytime during festival hours.
2. Art Scavenger Hunt
- A thrilling, interactive experience across the garden on weekends. Families can enjoy playful tasks like discovering secret gardens, crafting bouquets, and capturing nature through photography. Every weekend brings two new creative stations, crafted in partnership with community heroes like Scrappy Elephant and Aisling Flower Farm.
3. Poetry Walk
- Wander through the garden as local poets’ voices resonate throughout the landscape—from dawn until dusk. A reflective, sensory-rich experience for families with their Cville kids of all ages.
4. Photography Exhibition by Laurie Tennent
- Discover large-scale botanical photography by nationally acclaimed artist Laurie Tennent, displayed along scenic garden paths. This engaging visual dialogue between art and environment is perfect for thoughtful family walks.
On Sunday, September 7 (2:00–3:30 pm), join Laurie for a guided Garden Walk, where she’ll share the stories and techniques behind her work—an enriching experience for older kids and teens (registration required; limit 20).
5. Hands-On, Family-Friendly Workshops
Open to teens and adults (10+), these workshops below offer playful botanical creativity:
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- “Fun with Flowers” (Saturday, Sept 6, 9:30–11 am, $10) – Floral arrangement with Carolyn Adams (bring your own snips; registration closed).
- “Paper Hibiscus Flower” (Sept 6, 12–1:30 pm, $10) – An arts-and-crafts delight with local artist Jenn Heller (limit 20).
- “Painting Flowers with Soft Pastel en Plein Air” (Sept 6, 3–4:30 pm, $10) – Blend art and landscape under Julia Lesnichy’s guidance (limit 20).
- “Making Botanical Prints Using a Gel Plate” (Saturday, Sept 13, 9:30–11 am, Free) – Create vibrant prints using natural materials with Natalie Kohler (beginners welcome; registration full).
- “Art in the Garden” (Sept 14, 9:30–11 am, Free) – Nature-based bookmark-making with Roberto Kamide (limit 20).
- “Listening for Poetry” (Sunday, Sept 7, 12–1:30 pm, Free) – An evocative eco‑poetry session in the amphitheater with Lesley Wheeler (limit 20).
Visit the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont website for the full schedule for more painting, flower arranging, natural dye making and nature walks geared more towards adults. Think moms morning out! Visit a Charlottesville vineyard with friends for an introductory pastel or plein aire painting class.
6. Festival Celebration Evening
- On Friday, September 5 (5–7 pm), don’t miss the First Fridays Gallery Opening—a ticketed, richly cultural evening at Jefferson School City Center, with live music, poetry by Anne Hampford, light fare by Chef Lisa, and fine beverages from Blenheim Winery and Thistlerock Mead Company. A festive kickoff to the month-long event.
Why Families Will Love It
- Inclusive & Accessible: Most events are free and welcoming to all ages—with ticketed options enhancing fundraising and artistic excellence.
- Hands-On Creativity: Workshops invite family members into art-making, offering both learning and celebration.
- Nature & Mindfulness: Art, poetry, photography, and contemplative walks merge creativity and the healing power of the garden.
- Support for Local Culture: By attending, families help sustain local artists and the Botanical Garden—supporting a growing creative legacy in the Piedmont.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Subscribe or Become a Member: To receive updates and access discounted registration/pricing.
- Plan Early for Workshops: Popular classes fill quickly—act fast to register online. Entry to exhibitions and casual family activities requires no pre-registration.
- Extend the Day: Combine a gallery visit with in-garden play, a leisurely family lunch, or a reflective nature walk—making a full day of art, nature, and fellowship.
Final Thought
The 2025 Botanical Art Festival is more than an event—it’s an invitation to families to come together, create, and reconnect with nature and art in a meaningful, forward-looking way. Step into the garden this September, and let curiosity blossom.
If you love flowers and nature, you may also enjoy our stories on Central Virginia Flower Farms, Gardening with Kids, Healthy Benefits of Nature, Raising Backyard Chickens, and Lara Call Gastinger’s Art.
CHARLOTTESVILLEFAMILY EDITORS are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.