Memphis Is in Full Bloom: Explore the City with Experience Memphis Gardens
From backyard chicken coops and buzzing beehives to serene garden nooks and blooming flower farms, Experience Memphis Gardens is taking over the city this summer and it’s totally free to attend.
From backyard chicken coops and buzzing beehives to serene garden nooks and blooming flower farms, Experience Memphis Gardens is taking over the city this summer and it’s totally free to attend.
What started as the beloved Cooper-Young Garden Walk has blossomed into a full-fledged, six-week celebration of Memphis’ lush, quirky, and downright delightful green spaces.
Now in its fourth year, Experience Memphis Gardens runs May 1 through June 14, 2026, and includes everything from intimate private gardens and community plots to CBD farms, aquaponics setups and even a railroad garden.
Throughout the seven-week celebration, you can explore 280+ gardens across 35+ neighborhoods. Each week features its own curated breakdown of open gardens, so you can plan your visits and discover new corners of the city as the summer unfolds.
The signature Cooper-Young Garden Walk is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and returns May 16–17, 2026, with gardens to explore in one of Memphis' most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. Expect vendors, and the Backbeat Shuttle bus cruising through the historic neighborhood for an extra fun and festive vibe.
But don’t stop there! Gardens all across the city will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June. You’ll find tucked-away treasures and backyard wonders you didn’t even know existed, all while supporting a growing movement to make Memphis a true garden tourism destination.
Thanks to the generous underwriting of Dr. Rudy Campbell Foundation, tickets to all Experience Memphis Gardens events are again free this year. You will need to register for your free tickets to participate in the fun. Lanyards will be available for pick-up which will grant you special access into the gardens.
So whether you're a seasoned green thumb, a budding plant parent, or just in it for the alpacas (yes, really), there’s something blooming for you.
For maps, schedules, garden descriptions, and more info, check out experiencememphisgardens.org.
A special thanks to last year attendee Becca Mathias who captured the photos you saw on this page for you to see what the experience of the tour is like. Like her work? Check out more of photos (including more gardens!) at @beccamathiasphoto.
