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!

Stems: A Garden Soirée is held weather-permitting. Guest safety is our primary concern. If severe weather conditions arise, we may delay or cancel the event to ensure the safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff.

How will I know if there’s a delay or cancellation?

• If severe weather conditions develop during the event, staff and volunteers will communicate via the public address system or one-on-one to let you know if the event is paused but expected to resume, or if it has been canceled.

• In the case of severe weather, guests may be asked to take shelter on-site or in their vehicles, or to evacuate the venue, depending on the situation.

• For guests who are not yet on-site, staff will communicate the situation via the event website and social media. We strongly encourage all guests to stay alert for updates, especially when weather conditions are uncertain.

Text Alerts

Subscribe to receive important updates for Stems! Text 'STEMS' to 888777 for real-time updates on potential delays, cancellations, and other event-related news. You'll receive alerts directly to your phone. After the event, you're welcome to unsubscribe at any time.

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.

Wear your bug spray and prepare for a summer night in the gardens. Each guest will receive a citronella 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.