BEREA, Ky. — A local spring tradition is returning this month as the Berea Arts Council hosts its 2026 Garden Tour on Saturday, May 23.
The self-guided tour runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and features six private and local garden spaces across the city. The event, which took a year-long hiatus in 2025, allows visitors to observe different approaches to landscape design, plant selection, and outdoor creative use. Because several stops are private gardens, the exact tour locations are provided only to ticket holders.
🌿 Tour Logistics and Features
The 2026 tour is designed for both casual visitors and experienced gardeners. Participants can view a variety of garden styles, plant selections, and outdoor layouts at their own pace throughout the day.
Ticket prices are $20 for Berea Arts Council members and $25 for the general public. The council notes that the tour will proceed rain or shine.
🍵 VIP Tea Party Option
A new addition to the tour this year is a VIP Tea Party. This ticket option includes access to a specific garden setting for refreshments and finger foods provided by the Arts Council. These tickets are limited and priced at $45 for members and $50 for non-members.
🎟️ Registration and Information
Tickets and location details are available through the Berea Arts Council.
Event Info:
https://www.bereaartscouncil.org/2026-garden-tour
Tourism Listing:
https://visitberea.com/event/https-www-bereaartscouncil-org-events-garden-tour/
Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond
🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors
- Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
- Studio Space Spring Soiree (105 Jackson St.) — Friday, May 8, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
- Berea Runners Saturday Group Run (Native Bagel Co.) — Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 a.m.
- Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Berea Arts Council Plant Sale (444 Chestnut St.) — Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
- Tasty Tuesdays (Irvine-McDowell Park) — Tuesday, May 12 (every Tuesday), 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Amy Lewis “Origins” Reception (444 Chestnut St.) — Friday, May 15, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
- SummerFest (The Pinnacles) — Sunday, May 17, 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Mountain Melodies Workshop (444 Chestnut St.) — May 22–24
- Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
- Berea Arts Council Garden Tour (Various Locations) — Saturday, May 23, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.
- Tools and Stools Workshop (116 Spring Circle Dr.) — May 30–31
🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse
Tickets and info: TheSpotlightPlayhouse.com
- Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. — May 10
- The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — May 10
- Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
- Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
- Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
- Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
- Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3