Community Day: Free Admission at Tucson Botanical Gardens (May 18)

Tucson Botanical Gardens is celebrating the final days of spring with the American Public Gardens Association’s (APGA) Go Public Gardens with a special Community Day on Sunday, May 18.

As a big “thank you” to the community, the Tucson Botanical Gardens will be open to the public free of charge. Advance bookings are highly recommended on what is expected to be a busy day!

This is a neat opportunity to visit this family-friendly, award-winning, five-and-a-half-acre oasis for free. There’s plenty to do at the Gardens in Midtown Tucson, too.

Stroll under the shade of mature trees and through more than 20 pocket gardens such as the Cactus and Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden, and Children’s Discovery Garden. Catch a little Butterfly Magic before the exhibit closes at the end of the month. Kids of all ages are invited to marvel at The Great Garden Express model train exhibit, set in an Arizona Sky Island-inspired landscape.

You can even take a piece of Tucson Botanical Gardens with you at The Garden Gift Shop, featuring crafts made by local makers and artists.

Oh, and the food! You can eat at Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill without paying admission to the Gardens. They’ll be open with a seasonal, garden-inspired menu.

“We are thrilled to host Go Public Gardens Community Day at the Tucson Botanical Gardens,” said Michelle Conklin, President and CEO at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, and a Board member of APGA. “Public gardens are more than just beautiful spaces—they are living classrooms, peaceful retreats, and vital community assets. They enhance quality of life by providing access to nature, supporting mental and physical wellness, and creating lifelong learning and connection opportunities.”

More About Go Public Gardens

The APGA’s Go Public Gardens is an evergreen, year-round Association initiative to drive the public to visit, value, and volunteer at public gardens.

Each and every spring, they celebrate Go Public Gardens Days beginning on the Friday before to the Sunday after Mother’s Day.

The Tucson Botanical Gardens are located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way. For more information, call (520) 326-9686 or visit tucsonbotanical.org.