Explore What's On at the Gardens
The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens is home to a variety of unique events and activities in addition to the every day Garden experience. Below is a list of events held in 2025. The 2026 events will be added in the winter months. This list is always changing as more activities are added, so check back often!
EVERY DAY – Scavenger Hunts for Kidz
The Historic Gardens is a great place for kids – they enjoy the simple things in nature. To keep youngsters engaged, we offer a selection of free scavenger hunt activities you can do as a family while you enjoy the Gardens. And remember, kids under 18 are FREE every day!
April, 2026
Magnificent Magnolias
April 18 – May 3, 9am-5pm
The beauty and sweet scent of an impressive community-wide magnolia collection awaits you in the Historic Gardens and throughout Annapolis Royal!
Spring Cleanup Volunteer Days
April 20-24, 9am-4pm (tentative)
Join the 2026 Historic Gardens Spring Cleanup efforts April 20-24 (Mon-Fri). Typical shifts are 9-12 or 1-4 each day. Volunteers can work several shifts during the week, or if you only have an hour to give, we’d love to see you regardless! It makes a great family outing – an opportunity to work outdoors with your kids and teach them the value of volunteering at the same time. Further information on the Clean-up can be obtained by calling the Gardens office at 532-7018.
May, 2026
Season Kickoff
May 1-3, 9am-5pm
The beauty and sweet scent of an impressive community-wide magnolia collection awaits you in the Historic Gardens and throughout Annapolis Royal!
Mother’s Day
May 10, 9am-5pm
Give your mom the gift of flowers by treating her to a day in the Gardens.
Victoria Day Weekend
May 16-18,9am-5pm
Spend Victoria Day Weekend in Annapolis Royal and discover the ever changing highlights of late spring in the Historic Gardens.
Rhapsody of Rhododendrons
May 16 – June 7
Immerse yourself in the beauty of more than 100 rhododendrons and azaleas in the Historic Gardens, including many bred in Nova Scotia!
June, 2026
Nature Photography Day
June 15
Bring along your camera and explore the Gardens on #naturephotographyday
Father’s Day
June 21, 9am-5pm
Treat Dad to some family activities in the Gardens.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21, 9am-5pm
Plants have been cherished by the Mi’kmaq as an essential resource for millennia. Our Native Plant Garden has many examples of important plants from the past.
Celebrating Roses
June 27 – July 5, 9am-5pm
Join us for tours & activities in celebration of one of the largest rose collections in Eastern Canada!
July, 2026
Canada Day ~ Gardens Style!
July 1, 9am-5pm
Head in to the Gardens for some family fun in celebration of Canada’s Birthday.
A Magical Garden
July 1 – August 31, 9am-5pm
Every Spring, faeries build unique houses in the Gardens and invite their other magical friends to join them. While you likely won’t see one of these shy creatures, we challenge you to discover their houses. At the same time, perhaps you can help us find the pesky gnomes and have been causing mischief. Lots of fun!
Dreaming of Daylilies
July 11-26, 9am-5pm
Be inspired by the vibrant colours of our pondside daylily collection, interspersed with the cool blues of hydrangeas.
Natal Day Weekend ~ Gardens Style!
July 31 – August 3, 9am-5pm
Take in some music and family fun in celebration of Annapolis Royal’s Natal Day.
August, 2026
Natal Day Homecoming
August 3, 2pm-5pm
Drop by on the holiday Monday to meet up with old friends, enjoy music and entertainment, see the Gardens and grab a refreshment at the Elm Tree Café. Pick up a scavenger hunt for your kids – they will also LOVE hunting for Gnomes and finding the many Faerie Houses! A Natal Day tradition!
Explore the Cradle of Acadie
August 1-15, 9am-5pm
Explore the past as the spotlight shines on the Acadian House and 17th century life in the Annapolis Royal area, once the Cradle of Acadie.
Historic Gardens 45th Birthday
August 15, 9am-5pm
Join us for a fun day as we celebrate the 45th birthday of the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, which was officially opened on August 15, 1981.
Inspired by Art
August 15-23, 9am-5pm
Highlighting visual and performing artists in the most beautiful of surroundings!
World Photo Day
August 19
Bring along your camera and explore the Gardens on #worldphotoday
September & October, 2026
Family Weekend in the Gardens
September 5-7, 9am-5pm
Head to the Gardens on Labour Day Weekend for some family time before the kids head back to school. Be sure to plan on taking some family photos at the same time.
A Symphony of Fall Colour
October 10-25, 9am-5pm
Spend time in the Gardens in late October to enjoy the best of fall colour in a garden setting.
Garden Skelebration
October 24-31, 9am-5pm
Mr & Mrs Bones invite you to join us for some family-friendly Halloween fun in the Main Courtyard, and to enjoy a walk in the autumn Gardens as well!
North American Conker Championship
October 17, 10am
GO NUTS as you try your hand at Conkers, a centuries old British game using chestnuts on strings. Become a champion! Fun for all ages. Information: www.annapolisconkers.wordpress.com
Grandparents Day
September 6, 9am-5pm
Bring Nanny & Grampie to enjoy family activities with you in the Gardens.
November & December, 2026
Holiday Season Kickoff
November 28, 9am-5pm
Join us as we kick off the holiday season with hot cider, our Courtyard Bonfire (if conditions permit) and some special holiday fun. The perfect opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done at the Gardens Shop too!
Holiday Shopping Party
December 5, 9am-5pm
As part of the Christmas Craft Show Extravaganza in Annapolis Royal, we host a Courtyard Bonfire (if conditions permit) and cider as we invite shoppers to check out the great selection available in the Gardens Shop.
New Year’s Eve Courtyard Bonfire
December 31, 1pm – 3pm
Gather ’round the Courtyard Bonfire (if conditions permit) at the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens to celebrate New Year’s Eve with us.
EVERY DAY (July-Aug)
A Magical Garden
Every Spring, faeries build unique houses in the Gardens and invite their other magical friends to join them. While you likely won’t see one of these shy creatures, we challenge you to discover their houses. At the same time, perhaps you can help us find the pesky gnomes and have been causing mischief. Lots of fun!
Guided Tours
Watch for the opportunity for a special guided tour. Check out event & activity listings for dates.
Guest Speakers
From time to time we have expert speakers available to us on a variety of horticultural topics. Those will be listed here as they are booked.
Weddings & Special Gatherings
You may wish to use the Historic Gardens as a venue for a special occasion… anniversary party, wedding, or family reunion. Call us!
Past Events
Watch for these and other events in 2027
National Flag Day Courtyard Celebration
February 15, 1-2pm
Celebrate Flag Day with us on Sunday February 15 in the Gardens Courtyard. Gather ’round the bonfire with hot chocolate & marshmallows, and sing along to an iconic Canadian playlist. Be sure to wear RED and bring something with a MAPLE LEAF if you can! Many of you may wish to complete your afternoon in the cozy King’s Theatre, enjoying “The Choral”, a great film starting at 2pm. The timing will allow you to do both, or you may choose to linger at the Gardens for a while. Lots of options!
Welcome Spring Courtyard Bonfire
March 21, 11 am – 1pm
Join us as we celebrate the start of spring! Gather ’round the bonfire (if conditions permit), and walk the Gardens to see the early spring bulbs. Be sure to pop into the Gardens Shop to pick up some seeds or a gardening book, and to purchase your 2026 Garden Membership. (Event cancelled due to weather!)
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