Stems: A Garden Soirée

Stems is a lovely garden party in the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and the premier networking event in Johnson County!

Proceeds from Stems: A Garden Soirée ensure that The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park can continue to support and develop Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, and city art installations. Your investment of time as a volunteer or money as a sponsor or attendee allows us to sustain the Foundation and our initiatives. Our support provides programs and capital improvements at our cultural and recreational community gems.

SIP wine.

TASTE delicious food from top restaurants and caterers.

ENJOY art, music, fireworks, beautiful surroundings, and more.

MEET friends at the networking event of the summer – the place to see and be seen.

SUPPORT a vision of recreational and cultural enrichment and inspiration for present and future generations.

Since 2008, The Arts & Recreation Foundation has been putting on the party of the summer at the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at the peak of its summer beauty. Thousands have attended and delighted in the ambiance and surroundings. Whether you come as a guest of a corporate sponsor or come for a not-to-be-forgotten date night, you're sure to have a wonderful time.

Stems is for a great cause: enhancing the quality of life in our community. From the moment you arrive, you know this party is something special. Tastings of all kinds – from sliders to crab cakes, antipasto to crepes – are available at destinations along the paths and among the gardens. Fine wines, craft beers, and specialty mixed drinks complement the food. Around every turn, there’s more fun to be had - don't miss the balloon and caricature artists and stay for the fireworks. We’ve had sunny skies, starry nights, rain, and rainbows. And it has always been a lovely party.

Our hand-painted Stems wine glasses, a signature of the event, are back but with exciting new designs.

Patron ticket holders enjoy VIP parking, early entry at 6pm, and an exclusive food & drink vendor experience near LongHouse.

The success of Stems is also due to our sponsors, donors, and attendees who have helped us raise over $3.6 million so far. We invite you to become a sponsor, a donor, or purchase tickets. And it takes over 100 fantastic volunteers to create Stems. They work hard but have fun. The staff and volunteer team are dedicated to making every detail perfect for our guests. Click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Details

Stems: A Garden Soiree

June 22, 2026

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

8909 W. 179th St. Overland Park, KS 66013