A few weeks ago, we weren’t quite sure when spring would fully arrive in Memphis. Now, halfway through March, we can confidently say: it’s here, and it’s colorful.
Spring in Memphis can feel like a switch flipping overnight. One week we’re bundled up, and the next week patios are full, dogwoods are blooming, and the city starts finding every excuse to be outside.
Right now at the Memphis Botanic Garden, BLOOM: A Million Shades of Spring is starting to show out. Hundreds of thousands of tulips are bursting into color across the grounds, and the Garden’s iconic Yoshino cherry trees in the Japanese Garden are beginning their annual moment in the spotlight. For many Memphians, it’s one of those seasonal moments that signals spring has officially arrived in the city.
“This will be one of the most vibrant moments of the season. It’s hard to put into words what our guests will experience, my best advice is to come see it for yourself before the blooms fade.”
If you’re looking for an excuse to get outside and enjoy Memphis this spring, the Garden is an excellent place to start. From family-friendly Saturdays to evening strolls among the tulips, there’s a lot happening over the next few weeks.
Here are a few highlights worth adding to your Memphis spring calendar.
BLOOM Saturdays: A Weekly Spring Tradition
Every Saturday | March–May 2026 | 10 am–4 pm
Free with Garden admission | No reservation required | Canceled if raining
At the heart of the season is BLOOM Saturdays, a weekly, all-ages celebration that transforms each Saturday into a make-a-day-of-it Garden experience.
Think of BLOOM Saturdays as the Garden’s version of a Memphis spring block party. Each week you’ll find:
- Children’s activities
- Food trucks
- A full bar
- Live performances or special guests (most scheduled at 11 am and 1 pm)
- Plenty of space to wander through peak seasonal blooms
Whether you’re planning a date night, a weekend outing with the kids, or just looking for a reason to wander among the flowers, there’s something happening almost every week this spring.
Evenings at the Garden
Plant Parties (21+) | Select Evenings, March–October | 6–8 pm
Hands-on, creative plant workshops including kokedama, terrariums, painted pots, edible baskets, and seasonal planters.
$45 Members / $55 Non-Members.
Sips of Spring (21+) | March 22, 2026 | 1–3 pm
A hands-on mixology workshop led by Hunter Coleman, celebrating floral flavors and garden-inspired cocktails. Each ticket includes ingredients for three cocktails and a take-home recipe guide.
$50 Members / $60 Non-Members
Tulips at Twilight (21+) | April 3, 2026 | 6–8 pm
Stroll through the tulips at sunset while a live string quartet plays and a vibrant light installation from Infinity Stairs transforms the Garden after dark. Tickets include a welcome cocktail and one glass of wine or beer, with elevated bites available for pre-purchase.
$55 Members / $65 Non-Members
Made possible by Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck.
Sip & Stroll (21+) | First Thursday of the Month, April–October | 6–8 pm
Monthly, after-hours walking tours through specialty gardens paired with themed cocktails or mocktails—ranging from edible gardening and Southern spring blooms to tropical plants and a Halloween-themed Herb Garden finale.
$30 Members / $35 Non-Members
Flower Happy Hour (21+) | April 16, May 21, June 18, August 20, September 10, 2026 | 6-8 pm
Back by popular demand, these flower arranging workshops are led by some of Memphis’ favorite florists. Each florist focuses on a different theme, so attendees will have a different experience each time.
$45 Members / $55 Non-Members
Spring Traditions at the Garden
Spring Plant Sale | April 15-18
The Garden’s beloved annual sale returns with a 21+ preview party, member-only hours, and a wide selection of plants including:
- Natives
- Pollinator favorites
- Houseplants & tropicals
- Vegetables & herbs
- Trees & shrubs
The sale also includes expert advice from Garden horticulturists throughout the event.
“Whether you’re just starting to dig into gardening or you’re a seasoned green thumb, this is one of our favorite events of the year."
Spring Tram Tours | Wednesdays–Saturdays | March 4–June 27 | 10 am–2 pm
Twenty-minute guided tours highlighting cherry blossoms, tulips, and Southern spring blooms. Free with Garden admission.
Thank you to the Durham Foundation and Town Village.
Food Truck Garden Parties | April 8, May 13, June 10, September 9, October 14, 2026 | 5-8 pm
One of the easiest midweek hangs in Memphis, these evenings feature:
- Food trucks
- Lawn games
- Live music
- A full bar
- Dog-friendly vibes
Best of all, it’s free with Garden admission, making it a perfect midweek Memphis outing.
Unique Spring Experiences
Petals & Parasols | May 3, 2026 | 1–5 pm
A Regency-inspired afternoon garden party filled with:
- Floral fashion displays
- Styled tablescapes by local garden clubs
- Live music
- Children’s activities
- Visitor voting for favorite designs
A special Rose of the Ball VIP Experience offers cocktails, small bites, and reserved seating for guests who want an elevated experience.
Stop and Smell the Tulips
Spring doesn’t stick around long in Memphis, and neither do the blooms.
For a few weeks each year, the Memphis Botanic Garden turns into one of the most magical places in the city—tulips stretching across the grounds, cherry blossoms drifting through the Japanese Garden, and Memphians finding every excuse to be outside.
So grab a friend, bring the kids, plan a date night, or just wander the paths for a while. Spring is officially showing off in Memphis, and the Garden is a pretty great place to see it.
