Everything you need to know about Stems

Comfortable shoes are a must! Patio party or dressy outdoor event attire is great. Women wear sundresses or rompers, and men often wear Hawaiian or golf shirts and casual pants. If temperatures are above normal, shorts are appropriate. Jeans are not appropriate. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for a photo gallery to see what others have worn in years past!

Safety is our top priority. In the event of severe and dangerous weather, the event may be delayed, canceled, or guests may be asked to evacuate. If conditions change, we'll keep you informed via event staff, the public address system, and social media. For a full list of our weather policies, please visit our Event Policies page. Please note, no refunds will be issued for cancellations due to weather.

A variety of wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and bottled water will be served. Check out our full list of beverage vendors that will be joining us this year. Guests will receive a wine glass to use throughout the evening and take home as a Stems souvenir.

Is the party appropriate for children? No. Only guests 21 years or older will be admitted. This will be strictly enforced.

There’ll be a wide variety of tasty tidbits (many much more generous than a tidbit!). Past menu items have included crab cakes, sliders, cake bites, barbeque, lettuce wraps, tacos, orange shrimp, tiramisu, prime rib sandwiches, an antipasto buffet, and fried cheesecake. There will be tables along the walking paths at which to stop and enjoy the food. There is limited seating, but many places to stop and eat along the walkways. Part of the fun of the party is to enjoy all the entertainment offerings and the many beautiful areas of the botanical gardens.

Check out our full list of restaurant vendors that will be joining us this year.

Parking is available at our on-site Arboretum lots at no additional cost. VIP Patron ticket-holders will arrive first to enjoy the party an hour early and get first dibs at the paved parking at LongHouse Visitor Center.

Each guest will receive a bug band to wear during the party. Once opened, bug bands are effective for up to 30 days—so keep and re-use on the 4th of July!

The Arboretum is ADA accessible. All Stems features and attractions will be situated along or in close proximity to the concrete walkways that accommodate wheelchairs. Emergency personnel will be on property. Service animals are always welcome in the gardens. Is there lighting at the Arboretum? There is limited permanent outdoor lighting. At dusk, we will light the walkways. Food and beverage serving areas will be lit. Emergency lighting will illuminate the parking lot at dark.

Why, yes! The fun doesn't stop after sunset. Enjoy the live music and entertainment along with a fireworks display to cap off the evening. Then drive home safely! We highly encourage and support you to rideshare and carpool to and from the event as needed.