Family Free Day: The Secret Life of Plants
2025-09-14 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Please join us from 10am to 2 pm for our almost monthly Family Free Day: The Secret Life of Plants. It’s sure to be an epic adventure through the Garden to find plant, trees, birds and more!
Tell your families, tell your friends friends, garden admission is waived so pack a picnic and stay for the day! This is an all ages event. Dogs on leash are welcome.
There will be crafts and educational activities in our Children’s Garden. The retail nursery, home to our selection of self-propagated native plants well suited for the Central Coast’s Mediterranean climate, will be open for business. Stroll through our “Fire Safe” garden and hike the hill up to the “Human Sundial” or simply meander through our main “Display Garden.”

Please note: there’s a $3 fee to enter El Chorro park. Having cash will speed up park entry!

Nature Sunday: Seeds, plant babies in boxes.
2025-09-28 10:00 - 11:30
September is a good time of year to think about seeds: what produces them, what they look like, where to find them and when to plant for the next year. A scientific presentation on types of seeds, germination, storage and uses will be led by Faylla Chapman, Barb Renshaw and Jeff Reifel and will be followed by a demonstration table and tales of seeds with microscopes to look at them up close. A walk in the garden to discover seeds will follow.

Faylla is a marine biologist and retired science teacher who has turned her talents into informing people about the natural world in a lot of different ways. She is currently a docent at the Botanical Garden and a walk leader for Morro Coast Audubon.
Barb Renshaw and Jeff Reifel are retired teachers and naturalists who look at the world differently and do their best to tell others about those differences.
Free registration applies to participation with Nature Sunday topic and covers garden admission for the day.
Please note: El Chorro Regional Park requires a $3 park entry fee on weekends and holidays. Having cash ready speeds up check in.

Free Family Day: Boo-tanical Garden
2025-10-19 10:00 - 13:30
Join us for a delightful day at the Boo-tanical Garden! This is a free day for kids, families, and adults!
Enjoy nature crafts, story time activities, balloons, and a tasty treat or two.
Costumes encouraged!
We hope to see you there – no ticket or registration needed.
While everything is free, your donation will help us support future free programs for families.

New Moon Sound Healing and Nature Meditation at the SLO Botanical Gardens
2025-10-21 17:30 - 18:45, 2025-11-19 17:30 - 18:45
Enjoy an evening of connection, peace through sound vibrations, mindfulness, and nature. The new moon is a doorway to intuition, clarity, and fresh focus. After a mindful nature walk (weather dependent) through the Garden amongst the trees, flowers, and creatures, immerse in harmonic tones from crystal alchemy bowls, Koshi chimes, and more. These frequencies can slow busy thoughts, steady the breath, and enhance presence, leaving you grounded, open-hearted, and inspired.
Instructor Bio: Jamie, of Harmonic Holistics, is a full-time sound healing practitioner, specializing in trauma-informed stress reduction practices. With a passion for everything meditation-related, she believes everyone can meditate in their own unique way when given guidance, patience, and reassurance. When she isn’t sharing wellness activities, she is hiking, cuddling with her dog, or expressing herself through dance.
SLOBG Members – Enter Member5 for $5 off registration fee.

Dabke ~ Building Community through Dance!
2025-10-22 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for a family friendly cultural experience focused on the Dabke Dance, a traditional Arab line dance from the Levantine region that combines rhythmic stomping and synchronized footwork. Dabke is practiced at weddings and community gatherings as a joyful expression of unity and cultural pride. The dance is deeply tied to the land and widely believed to have evolved from a mix of ancient agricultural rituals and community building practices- literally stomping mud and straw to make mud houses. Dabke dance is full of enthusiasm and energy bringing people together hand to hand and its people and land!
Instructor Sandra Sarrouf M.A. is Faculty with Cal Poly Theatre and Dance and Director of Cultural Creations Collaborative. She advances work at the intersection of culture, art, and justice, fostering learning and collaboration across differences. Passionate about cultural sustainability and informed by her lived experience as an Arab American woman, Sandra weaves together her expertise as a DEI trainer, facilitator and traditional artist to build community. Her radiant joy and deep cultural pride is most evident when she shares her heritage through dance, music, and community.
Class will begin with a brief introduction by Rachel Alijilani, co-architect of SLOBG’s Oak Glen Pavilion, who will give a brief overview of the benefits of using natural building materials in architectural design.
SLOBG Members – Enter Member5 for $5 off registration fee.

Nature Lights Volunteer Work Parties! Last Chance-10/24/25 & 11/14/25
2025-10-24 09:00 - 2025-11-14 13:00
It takes a village to bring Nature Lights to life! From unloading sheds and untangling strands of lights to “planting” dazzling in-ground displays and wrapping trees with sparkle, we’ll need many hands over the next 8+ weeks to get ready for opening night on Friday, November 21. Please sign up if you would like to participate in our weekly work parties!
This posting is your work party signup—you don’t need to already have a crew in place. When you sign up, we’ll slot you into a shift alongside other volunteers who have also registered.
If you do have a group (friends, family, coworkers, or a club) that would like to participate together, you can sign up your whole work party through this event as well.
By lending your time and energy, you’ll help us create another magical holiday season at the Garden—something our entire community looks forward to each year.
Use this link below to let us know your availability, and we’ll place you on the schedule.
We can’t wait to see you out in the Garden, stringing lights and spreading cheer!

Nature Sunday: Skullduggery
2025-10-26 10:00 - 12:00
A talk for those creepily curious about skulls and bones. What are they made of? What can we deduce from looking at a skull and its teeth? Do fish have skulls? Amphibians? Reptiles? Birds? Are those skulls really all that different from our own? This is a talk that will appeal to those who have ever looked at a skull, or a collection of bones, and thought “Hmm, I wonder what that is?”
Mandy Ward is a microbiologist of considerable natural curiosity. Mandy trained in the biochemistry and molecular biology departments at Oxford and Berkeley, respectively, after getting her Ph.D. in Scotland. She worked as a member of staff at Stanford to gain experience in environmental engineering before taking a faculty position at Johns Hopkins University in the Geography and Environmental Engineering department. Retiring early after an incident with a train, Mandy moved to the central coast where she has curated a skull and bone collection, scoured local beaches for dead birds, prepared skulls and other skeletal bits and pieces for exhibit, given talks for LifeLong Learners and other groups, and run a start-up company of no particular distinction.

Free registration applies to participation with Nature Sunday topic and covers garden admission for the day.
Please note: El Chorro Regional Park requires a $3 park entry fee on weekends and holidays. Having cash ready speeds up check in.

Wine & Appetizers for your Holiday Table-SOLD OUT
2025-11-07 17:30 - 19:30
This event is SOLD OUT. Please call to be added to our waitlist.
Prepare your taste buds to delight in an intimate and immersive appetizer and wine pairing experience. We will discuss how to create four fun, delicious, and budget-friendly starters. You will learn the science behind each pairing with traditional and locally produced holiday wines and leave with recipes in hand so you can WOW your friends and family this season! We invite you to simply savor the experience and let us do the work! There will be plenty to make a meal of the prepared appetizers. This class is sure to fill up quickly so please register asap. Proceeds benefit SLO Botanical Garden. Your registration includes admission to the Garden so feel free to come early and work up an appetite before class. SLO Botanical Garden Members save $5 on registration. Please use code: Member5 On the Menu: Cheese, Prosciutto & Strawberry Crostini Paired with Laetitia Vineyards and Winery 2021 Sparkling Brut Rosé. Savory Pear, Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart Paired with Lindquist Family Wines Chardonnay Smoked Salmon & Herbed Cream Cheese Rounds Paired with Verdad Grenache Rosé Goat Cheese, Cranberry, Parsley & Pecan Cheese Bites Paired with Cutruzzola Vineyards 2023 Pinot Noir Gloria *Please note, appetizers may contain dairy, nuts, wheat and seafood.
Kathryn Arceneaux is a Sommelier & Chef and Wine & Spirit Education Trade (WSET) Level 3. For the past five years, she has continued to increase her knowledge of wines and in 2022, passed her Spanish Wine Scholar Exam with Honors. Both certifications compliment her current catering and cooking classes business, Kathryn’s Kuisine. She takes great pride and joy in her achievements, and most of all, enjoys sharing her knowledge of wine and food from around the world.

Community Pack Walk with Ancestral Companions Dog Training
2025-11-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-14 09:30 - 11:30
Join Juan Luzuriaga, dog trainer and owner of Ancestral Companions, along with your fellow nature lovers and their leashed canine companions for a community gathering starting at the SLOBG’s Cypress Circle, across from the El Choro Regional Dog Park. We will begin with a group training and demonstration allowing time for questions and answers. Juan will offer guidance in how to manage reactivity, fear-based aggression, basic obedience, resource guarding, anxiety. After the group gathering, attendees have the option of joining in a pack walk on the SLO Botanical Garden’s Discovery Trail.
*SLOBG Member Discount: $5 (Use coupon code Member5)

Family Free Day - Birds of a Feather!
2025-11-09 10:00 - 14:00
We will have experts from the Morro Coast Audubon Society, the Morro Bay Bird Festival and Pacific Wildlife Care here to teach you all about birds of the Central Coast! This is an exciting Free Day at the Garden for people of all ages!
How do they fly? How do they build a nest? What do their bones and feathers look like up close? See for yourself and get your questions answered at this ‘all about birds’ free day!

Go on a short family-friendly bird walk in the garden with binoculars
Enjoy bird-themed crafts
Learn to see and listen and put your observations on paper with some Nature Journaling
Walk around the Garden and see what you can see from the Display Garden and Discovery Trail
Explore and discover other surprises as well

This event will also get you curious and excited about the Morro Bay Bird Festival which runs from January 15th to the 19th, 2025: Morro Bay Bird Festival – Where world-class birding meets small-town hospitality
No ticket needed for Free Day. Donations are welcomed and appreciated to keep our garden growing. Thank you!

Glass Ornaments Class with Ja9 - SOLD OUT
2025-11-15 10:00 - 12:00
Join our Executive Director, Janine Stillman in a fun adventure! Create festive fused glass ornaments or sun-catchers to enjoy or give as holiday gifts.

This class is for everyone, including those with no experience. You’ll create beautiful pieces to decorate a holiday tree or to hang in a window year-round.

Each person will be able to make several pieces during this enjoyable class. Techniques for cutting glass will be presented as well as lots of inspiration for interesting and festive designs.

Please note: there will be a $20 materials fee, paid in cash directly to Janine on the day of the class.

SLOBG Members – Enter Member5 for $5 off registration fee.

In addition to being the Executive Director of the SLO Botanical Garden, she owns and operates Designs by Ja9 Glass Studio and is an local expert and treasure. She offers glass fusing classes for all levels of expertise. For more information about “Designs by Ja9”, please see: Designs by Ja9 – Fused Glass, Jewelry and Gifts

Opening Night of Nature Lights Celebration
2025-11-21 17:00 - 20:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States

Nature Sunday: Light and Color in Nature
2025-11-23 10:00 - 12:00
Join Jeff Reifel for a dive into the unexpected relationship of light and color in nature. Why are plants green? How do rainbow colors come about? What makes butterfly wings iridescent? Physical structure, pigments, and chemical reactions produce some interesting colors in the presence of light. See and hear how light is necessary and used in nature.
Free registration applies to participation with Nature Sunday topic and covers garden admission for the day.

Jeff Reifel is a retired science teacher with a lot of experience in the chemistry of light, prisms and color.

Holiday Succulent Wreaths
2025-12-07 10:00 - 13:00
Celebrate the holidays with a beautiful hand-made succulent wreath to decorate your home for the holidays or to give as a gift! Led by artists, Jayne Devencenzi and Kathy Stewart, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to make a unique living wreath that can last for years. Succulent cuttings will be provided for everyone, but if you have any succulents growing in your yard, feel free to bring cuttings to share. Anyone aged 13 and up is welcome to participate!
This workshop will take place in the retail nursery. Please bring water, dress in layers and wear sunblock. In the case of rain or extreme winds, the workshop will be held the Oak Glen Pavillion.
Members enjoy $10 off. Please use the following code at check-out: Member10off
Note: There is a $20 materials fee. Please bring cash to pay the instructor on the day of the class. Thanks!

Sound Healing and Nature Meditation at the SLO Botanical Gardens
2025-12-29 17:30 - 18:45, 2026-01-28 17:30 - 18:45
Enjoy an evening of connection, peace through sound vibrations, mindfulness, and nature. Immerse in harmonic tones from crystal alchemy bowls, Koshi chimes, and more. These frequencies can slow busy thoughts, steady the breath, and enhance presence, leaving you grounded, open-hearted, and inspired.
Instructor Bio: Jamie, of Harmonic Holistics, is a full-time sound healing practitioner, specializing in trauma-informed stress reduction practices. With a passion for everything meditation-related, she believes everyone can meditate in their own unique way when given guidance, patience, and reassurance. When she isn’t sharing wellness activities, she is hiking, cuddling with her dog, or expressing herself through dance.
SLOBG Members – Enter Member5 for $5 off registration fee.

Astronomy Night & Stargazing at SLO Botanical Gardens with CCAS-SOLD OUT, Tix Avail. for 2/27/26
2026-01-24 17:30 - 20:30
Join Central Coast Astronomical Society (CCAS) for an evening of stargazing at the SLO Botanical Garden. Explore the night sky with telescopes and guided viewing hosted by CCAS. Take a close-up look at Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons, the Moon in brilliant detail, and deep-sky objects including Orion’s beautiful M42 Nebula. Whether you’re new to astronomy or a seasoned skywatcher, this is a fun and welcoming event for all ages.
We will begin with a live astronomy presentation at 5:30 pm, where CCAS will take you on a guided tour of the night sky and preview the objects we will be observing. At 6:00 pm, we head outside to the telescope area for hands-on viewing, with stargazing continuing until 8:30 pm. Our friendly astronomers will bring telescopes, you may bring binoculars and your sense of wonder
Because the star tour sets the stage for the whole experience, we encourage guests to arrive on time. The presentation helps you know what to look for and makes the telescope viewing far more meaningful.
This is a free event, however reservations are required and a suggested $10 donation is appreciated to support the garden. This program is rain or shine. If clouds roll in, we will have engaging indoor activities, demonstrations, and astronomy exploration for all ages. Clear skies or not, we will learn something new and enjoy an evening immersed in the wonders of the universe. Arriving at the park: We highly recommend that you arrive before start time, to allow for time to check out the telescopes, talk with astronomers, and find a good seat for the star show.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines
To help everyone enjoy the night sky, please avoid using white lights after dark and use only minimal red light when necessary. Alcoholic beverages, smoking, and vaping are not permitted at stargazing activities or near the telescopes. Please wear sturdy shoes, as we’ll be walking around expensive equipment in low light. To maintain a safe observing environment, please no pets or small children.

Nature Sunday: Condor Country
2026-01-25 10:00 - 12:00
The endangered California Condor, with a 9-foot wingspan, is North America’s largest land bird. Steve Schubert will discuss condor biology and the California Condor Recovery Program, including captive breeding, reintroduction back to the wild at sites within its historic range including California, Arizona, and Baja California, and an update on recent condor nesting activities. He will include the Hi Mountain Lookout Project, founded in 1996, a collaborative venture with Morro Coast Audubon Society, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Cal Poly Biological Sciences Department, Ventana Wildlife Society, and Pinnacles National Park.
Steve teaches at a residential environmental education program attended by more than 3,000 elementary school students each school year and teaches natural history courses for Community Programs at Cuesta College. He has been a speaker and field trip leader for the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival each year since its inception. He is the Volunteer Coordinator (1996-present) for the Hi Mountain Condor Lookout Project (www.condorlookout.org and www.facebook.com/condorlookout).

Free registration applies to participation with Nature Sunday topic and covers garden admission for the day.

"Wood Wide Webs" - Invisible Forest Networks: Mushroom Discovery Friday Lecture
2026-01-30 18:30 - 20:30
The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is excited to welcome Christian Schwarz back to the Garden! Christian is a well-known expert in the field and author of “Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast” and “Mushrooms of Cascadia.”
On Friday, we’ll explore “Wood Wide Webs” – the invisible forest networks through which trees, fungi and other organisms communicate and exchange resources in this two-hour lecture. This concept has been covered extensively in mainstream news and popular science outlets, and has even made its way into movies and fiction! But where did this idea come from? What do we actually know about how it works? We’ll talk about the history of the metaphor, take a look at the existing body of research, examine recent challenges to the idea from modern findings, and think about what directions future investigations might need to take.
Instructor Christian Schwarz studied Ecology and Evolution at UC Santa Cruz, where his interest in the world of fungi became irrevocable. Although he is passionate about ecology and biodiversity in general, Christian is most well-known as a field mycologist. He has co-authored two field guides — Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast and the Mushrooms of Cascadia, both with Noah Siegel. He primarily spends his time seeking, photographing, collecting, teaching about, and publishing research on North American macrofungi, and has served on the IUCN Red List Working Group for North American Fungi. He is a research associate of the Ken Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz, where he teaches undergraduate courses in mycology and community science.
6:00 Doors Open
6:30 Lecture Begins
8:00 Book signing
Members enter: Member10Off for $10 off registration. Membership will be verified.
Enroll in an even deeper dive into the world of mushrooms in the 2-day weekend course.

'26 Mushroom Discovery Two-Day Workshop: Exploration and Identification
2026-01-31 - 2026-02-01 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
As part of our Mushroom Discovery series, this hands-on and experiential learning program will happen over two days on Saturday, January 31st from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, February 1st 2026, from 10am to 4pm.
Doors open at 9:30 – please plan to arrive on-time for these two full days of learning.
On Saturday, participants will begin in the Oak Glen Pavilion with Christian teaching the basics of mushrooms and mushroom identification. The class will then move outside through a portion of the SLO Botanical Garden. Tips and instructions on collecting mushrooms will be given. Participants will gather specimens for closer examination and discuss identification techniques and citizen science tools. This workshop will emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the mushrooms via close observation, touching, and smelling.
The Sunday hands-on workshop will be a deep dive into mushroom identification. We’ll organize into small groups and under Christian’s guidance, we’ll practice systematically identifying mushrooms. Midday, there will be a fun break introducing students to edible mushrooms. This will include an optional tasting of multiple species prepared in a variety of ways by local mushroom enthusiasts, Lindsay Best, Michelle Torres-Grant, and Leonard Grant. The mushroom identification workshop will continue after the lunch break. Finally, the course will end with time for questions and answers.
Instructor Christian Schwarz studied Ecology and Evolution at UC Santa Cruz, where his interest in the world of fungi became irrevocable. Although he is passionate about ecology and biodiversity in general, Christian is most well-known as a field mycologist. He has co-authored two field guides — “Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast” and “Mushrooms of Cascadia,” both with Noah Siegel. He primarily spends his time seeking, photographing, collecting, teaching about, and publishing research on North American macrofungi, and has served on the IUCN Red List Working Group for North American Fungi. He is a research associate of the Ken Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz, where he teaches undergraduate courses in mycology and community science.
The class size of this workshop is limited to a small size of 24 participants in order to ensure a high quality learning experience.
Register today to ensure your place as it will fill up!
Note: There is a separate sign-up for the Monday Mushrooming Field trip and it’s ONLY open to participants of this Two-Day Workshop. Register here.
Dress for the weather and bring a lunch, snacks and water.
$285 Non-members / $245 Members
Please enter code: Member40 for your SLOBG member’s discount (membership will be verified).

'26 Mushroom Discovery - Monday Field Trip
2026-02-02 09:30 - 14:00
As part of our Mushroom Discovery series, this Monday Field Trip is an opportunity ONLY for individuals who participated in the Saturday and Sunday workshops. You may also sign up if you’re an alumni of a previous Mushroom Discovery program at the SLO Botanical Garden.
On Monday, Christian will lead us at an offsite location to search for and identify mushrooms in their natural habitat. This small group experience is a great way to learn even more about fungi. The location will be local and revealed closer to the day of the event, as our instructor will find the ideal spot for a good variety of mushrooms. This event will happen rain or shine. Only extreme weather may cancel.
Instructor Christian Schwarz studied Ecology and Evolution at UC Santa Cruz, where his interest in the world of fungi became irrevocable. Although he is passionate about ecology and biodiversity in general, Christian is most well-known as a field mycologist. He has co-authored two field guides — Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast and the upcoming Mushrooms of Cascadia, both with Noah Siegel. He primarily spends his time seeking, photographing, collecting, teaching about, and publishing research on North American macrofungi, and has served on the IUCN Red List Working Group for North American Fungi. He is a research associate of the Ken Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz, where he teaches undergraduate courses in mycology and community science.
Please dress for the weather and bring your own lunch and water.
Note: Sign up for the Friday night lecture and the Mushroom Discovery Two-Day Workshop separately.
Members, please enter code: Member5 for your SLOBG member’s discount. Membership will be verified.

Founders Tour with Eve
2026-02-04 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-04 11:00 - 12:30
Join SLOBG founder and Mediterranean plant expert, Eve Vigil, for a behind-the-scenes tour of the SLO Botanical Garden. Eve may talk about the Garden’s history, what’s in bloom, important maintenance, interesting and unique plants, or whatever most interests the group.
Come on out and get your questions answered! Meet new people and learn great tips and tricks for having a stunning water-frugal garden.
Members can tour for free! Enter code: MemberTen
Tour fee includes admission to the Garden for non-members.

Sound Healing and Nature Meditation at the SLO Botanical Gardens
2026-02-17 17:30 - 18:45
Enjoy an evening of connection, peace through sound vibrations, mindfulness, and nature. Immerse in harmonic tones from crystal alchemy bowls, Koshi chimes, and more. These frequencies can slow busy thoughts, steady the breath, and enhance presence, leaving you grounded, open-hearted, and inspired.
Plan on arriving a bit early if you’d like to independently explore SLOBG grounds. The Sound Healing experience will take place indoors at the Oak Glen Pavilion (across from SLOBG Gift Shop) Doors will open at 5:15 pm. Please bring a yoga mat and blanket as desired. A few extras will be available to borrow. The floor is hard so some participants choose to bring an extra thick mat or a camp pad for extra comfort. Jamie will begin by leading the group on a short mediative nature walk followed by an indoor sound experience.
Instructor Bio: Jamie, of Harmonic Holistics, is a full-time sound healing practitioner, specializing in trauma-informed stress reduction practices. With a passion for everything meditation-related, she believes everyone can meditate in their own unique way when given guidance, patience, and reassurance. When she isn’t sharing wellness activities, she is hiking, cuddling with her dog, or expressing herself through dance.
SLOBG Members – Enter Member5 for $5 off registration fee.

Nature Sunday: Fungi by a Fun Guy
2026-02-22 10:00 - 12:00
Join fungi enthusiast Dennis Sheridan for a short introductory lecture on fungi and observe fresh mushroom specimens found locally.
Then take a walk through the garden to see what fungi can be found. Bring some samples of your own for identification and information about them.

Dennis is a local Renaissance man with a love of just about all things nature, insects, amphibians and mushrooms in particular. His travels and collecting trips have made him very knowledgeable in these areas and he has lots of fun things to add every time he speaks.
Free registration applies to participation with Nature Sunday topic and covers garden admission for the day.

Astronomy Night & Stargazing at SLO Botanical Gardens with Central Coast Astronomical Society
2026-02-27 18:00 - 20:30
Join Central Coast Astronomical Society (CCAS) for an evening of stargazing at the SLO Botanical Garden. Explore the night sky with telescopes and guided viewing hosted by CCAS. Take a close-up look at Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons, the Moon in brilliant detail, and deep-sky objects including Orion’s beautiful M42 Nebula. Whether you’re new to astronomy or a seasoned skywatcher, this is a fun and welcoming event for all ages.
We will begin with a live astronomy presentation at 6:00 pm, where CCAS will take you on a guided tour of the night sky and preview the objects we will be observing. At 6:30 pm, we head outside to the telescope area for hands-on viewing, with stargazing continuing until 8:30 pm. Our friendly astronomers will bring telescopes, you may bring binoculars and your sense of wonder
Because the star tour sets the stage for the whole experience, we encourage guests to arrive on time. The presentation helps you know what to look for and makes the telescope viewing far more meaningful.
This is a free event, however reservations are required and a suggested $10 donation is appreciated to support the garden. This program is rain or shine. If clouds roll in, we will have engaging indoor activities, demonstrations, and astronomy exploration for attendees 7 and older. Clear skies or not, we will learn something new and enjoy an evening immersed in the wonders of the universe. Arriving at the park: We highly recommend that you arrive before start time, to allow for time to check out the telescopes, talk with astronomers, and find a good seat for the star show.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines
To help everyone enjoy the night sky, please avoid using white lights after dark and use only minimal red light when necessary. Alcoholic beverages, smoking, and vaping are not permitted at stargazing activities or near the telescopes. Please wear sturdy shoes, as we’ll be walking around expensive equipment in low light. To maintain a safe observing environment, please no pets or small children (under the age of 7).

Garden Journaling at the SLO Botanical Garden
2026-03-14 10:00 - 11:30
SLOBG welcomes you to a garden journaling group.
The session will begin with 10-15 minutes of instruction or introduction of a theme. After which, members will have the opportunity to journal independently in the garden. Sessions will conclude with a sharing of journals and experiences.
We will be using nature journaling as a tool to connect to nature and each other. No experience necessary. Please bring a blank journal and pen or pencil. Colored pencils or paints optional.
Registration includes garden admission for the day. Free to members. Enter Coupon code: 10off
Please dress in layers and bring water, snacks, sunblock as need. This activity is intended for adults and children aged 10 and older who are accompanied by an adult.

Free Family Day: Ladybug Release Day!
2026-03-15 10:00 - 14:00
Free Family Day: Ladybug Release Day – Hooray!
Come and celebrate ladybugs and their importance to the Garden. Learn some fun facts that you’re unlikely to forget and help release native ladybugs. If there are some left over, you may be able to purchase a bag to take home to your own garden. Everyone is welcome! Ladybug attire encouraged.
We’ll also have games and crafts and fun in the Children’s Garden. Food and ladybug goodies available for purchase.
Please note: Activities in the Children’s Garden will be from 10am until 2pm. Admission to the Garden is free all day. The Gift Shop & restrooms close at 2pm.
A BIG THANKS to some special people and organizations that help to make this special day free for the community including the Central Coast Funds for Children!
Please Note: El Chorro Regional Park has extended their fee season and increased their day use fee. The day use fee is now $5 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from March thru October. Please bring cash to expedite the entry process. To avoid the $5 fee, you may want to consider grabbing a bite to eat at Marcerro Restaurant and walking over from there.
