Special Events!
In 2025, we are proud to announce several NEW special events, as well as the Texas BBQ Welcome Party and Family Fun day and Art Market that you've come to look forward to!
FRIDAY - KEYNOTE WITH KEVIN KARLSON
WEDNESDAY –
WELCOME TEXAS BBQ
Join us for some Southern hospitality and enjoy a Texas BBQ, catered by Mike Cotton’s Bar-B-Q to Welcome all our Festival Registrants and their Guests. Vegetarian Options are available and must be requested on Registration form. Water and Iced Tea included with the meal. Cash Bar will be available for other drink options. Enjoy Live Local Musical Talents of “Brad Brown” – Acoustic Texas Country, Folk, Americana Covers and Originals
WEDNESDAY – APRIL 23
CASH BAR – 5:00 PM
5:30 – 7:30 PM
$24.00 Per Person (registrant)
$30.00 Per Person (guest)
THURSDAY –
BIRDS AND BEERS
Come join this birding tradition to enjoy an hour-long guided birding walk and then transport to a local birder-friendly bar for a drink and camaraderie with fellow birders! The van will leave the Gardens at 4:00PM and return at 7:30PM. Your ticket includes transportation to and from the Gardens to the birding site and then to The Annex (our hip bar), plus one (1) beverage of your choice – a beer, glass of house wine or one of the Thursday night special martinis. A food truck will be available so participants can purchase dinner on site.
THURSDAY – APRIL 24
4:00 – 7:30 PM
$25.00 Per Person
SATURDAY –
ARTS MARKET
& FAMILY FUN DAY
Local Arts & Crafts vendors will be on site showcasing their wares and sharing the “Locals” of the Coastal Bend. Also, meet with representatives from conservation organizations and peruse the nature-related vendor booths located in the Big Tent behind the Rose Garden.
The South Texas Botanical Gardens will be featuring a Family Fun area – will have activities for kids including arts and crafts, nature learning, and animal interactions.
SATURDAY -
AUTHOR NIGHT
Join Kevin Karlson and other authors from near and far to discuss their latest birding or nature related offerings. Meet the authors, get your book signed, while you enjoy wine and cheese and visit with your new birding friends.
SATURDAY – APRIL 26
5:30 – 7:00 PM
$10.00 Per Person
