Frederik Meijer Gardens 2025 Events
Are you ready for the 2025 season at the Frederik Meijer Gardens? Wander West is ready for you and has the wonderful details listed below! From the cozy tales in the library to Complex Sculptor exhibitions as well as summer programs and more! Of course, the annual Butterflies are Blooming for the Spring – the Gardens have something for every season. There are even some educational lectures on the books coming up if you enjoy learning about your local nature and the critters that are housed through the year at the Gardens. You can also enjoy a peaceful tea-time in the Japanese tea house. There are really so many events this year, it’s hard to keep up… so, we made it easy for you! We’ve laid out the amazing events coming up this year below, so scroll through to find your favorites..
Make sure to save this post so you don’t miss out on any of this year’s events and share with a friend that would go with you for a fun outing.
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used, which means if you purchase via my link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!
January
Meijer Gardens will be closed to the public each Monday in January for staff professional development.
David Smith: Sculpture as Complex as Life (lecture by Jennifer Field): Jan. 12, 2-3 pm
Grand Valley Orchid Society Orchid Show: Sales and displays, Jan. 25–26
Wintertime Walks in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: Each Weds & Fri, 10:30 am
PRE-SCHOOL HOUR-Cozy Tales in the Wege Library: Tuesdays, 10:30-11 am
Winter Break Camps – various dates, check website for details.
February
David Smith Exhibition Explorations: Feb. 2 & 9, 2-4 pm
Meet in the exhibition galleries for family-friendly explorations and activities. Every 20 minutes, a Meijer Gardens arts educator will lead interactive discussions and projects inspired by the dynamic works of artist David Smith. Dive into the art, explore creative ideas and enjoy an engaging experience for all ages!
ALSO: David Smith: Sculpture as Complex Life –
September 23, 2024, through March 2, 2025
The Nature of Sculpture: The Nature of Sculpture is the first exhibition to explore the artist’s deep engagement with the natural world as source, subject and site for his art. Working in multiple media, formats, and scales, David Smith’s adventurous approach to three-dimensional form has permanently expanded the vocabulary and range of sculptural practice. Celebrated as the first American artist to make welded metal sculptures—and to incorporate industrial means in his work—Smith’s early enlistment of nature as a material and prime setting for his art was equally innovative. Spanning his full career and featuring major museum loans, the exhibition will include some 40 sculptures, along with related paintings, reliefs, and works on paper to reclaim the primacy of nature within the artist’s richly inventive oeuvre. This exploration of sculpture and nature will have particularly strong resonance at Meijer Gardens, where Smith’s work will be in direct dialogue with the natural environs, including larger pieces situated outdoors to commune with the elements as the artist intended.
Cozy Tales for Chilly Days in the Wege Library: Tuesdays, 10:30-11 am
Tuesdays in Winter (Ends February 25), 10:30-11AM
*Best for ages 2–5.* Join FMG this winter for Cozy Tales! Their popular preschool story time is back for a 15th season of inspiring young readers with fun stories about art, plants, animals, the natural environment and more.
Winter Nights at Meijer Gardens: Tuesdays, 5-9 pm
Tuesday evenings in February, 5–9PM
Enjoy experimental nights featuring unique food, drinks and entertainment on Tuesday evenings this winter in the Garden Pavilion. More info at: MeijerGardens.org/winter
–PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE–
February 4 | PARIS HOT CLUB AND THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK
Join Third Coast Swing for a high-spirited excursion—from the Paris Hot Club Jazz of the 1920s through Great American Songbook standards and 1950s bebop—enhanced by the virtuosity of clarinetist Dave Bennet and jazz violin phenom Grant Flick. It’s a must for the jazz diehard and enthusiastic novice!
February 11 | GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Winter Tale
Experience the professional dancers of Grand Rapids Ballet performing against the backdrop of Jaume Plensa’s Utopia in the Garden Pavilion. This site-specific production by dancer/choreographer Yuka Oba-Muschiana, set to compositions by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Maurice Ravel, and Mozart, portrays a heartbreaking love triangle that ultimately unravels into love’s redemption.
February 18 | DUELING PIANOS
Put in your requests! Put on your audience-participation hat! And sing along to your all-time pop favorites with the entertainment aficionados and expert performers from Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos.
February 25 | TROPICAL TUESDAY
Catch a wave out of the winter blahs into a beachside hideaway! Enjoy the tropically inspired atmosphere, drinks, and food while grooving to The Moonrays—big kahunas of vintage 1960s instrumental surf rock.
Winter Family Day in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: Feb. 15, 1-4 pm
Enjoy a day of wintry fun at the gardens! Bring the family and your warm, cozy sweaters and get ready to have some winter fun. More info at their website here.
SEED STARTING WORKSHOP: February 13, 9:30am–12pm
Admission: $35/$45(Member/Nonmember)
Spend your morning getting a head start on seed starting with this hands-on workshop! Begin with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their greenhouses, including an in-depth look at good sowing techniques and plant care practices. Dive into the practical and innovative art of soil blocking as you create two blocks of tender annuals. Plus, try your hand at another exciting seed-starting technique by setting up a winter sowing system with milk jugs, making it easy to grow even more beautiful annuals for your garden!
Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet: Feb. 15–16
Admission: $5/$10 (Member/Nonmember)
Mark your calendar for a thoroughly delightful butterfly ballet. Told through the eyes of a newly emerged butterfly, the story captivates young and old alike. With colorful costumes, spectacular music, and exquisite choreography, this enchanting performance—choreographed by Attila Mosolygo and performed by members of the Grand Rapid Ballet School Junior Company—provides a unique and memorable experience.
Buy tickets here before they’re gone!
March
*Member early hours for butterflies: Sundays, 9-11 am
Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming
March 1—April 30 (Member early hours for butterflies are Sundays, 9-11AM)
A guest favorite, Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States featuring butterflies from three tropical zones: Asia, Central and South America, and Africa. More than 60 species of butterflies and moths take flight in the 15,000-square-foot Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Throughout the exhibition, butterflies can be viewed drinking nectar from flowering plants and feeding stations, flying freely within the five-story tropical conservatory. The blue common morpho, clearwing and Atlas moth—with its impressive 6-to-12-inch wingspan—are expected to make appearances.
Approximately 1,000 chrysalides are delivered to Meijer Gardens weekly. Visitors may watch delicate chrysalides and cocoons being placed in the Observation Station, where the unique creatures transform and take their first flight.
Spring Programming in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
Wednesday March 1—Sunday April 30 | Daylight hours only
Butterflies are blooming for all ages in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Whether for guided or self-guided play, check the Children’s Garden Information Center to discover which engaging outdoor activities await you. Activities vary daily.
Secchia Garden Lecture: March 11, 7-8 pm
In April, Meijer Gardens hosts the Secchia Garden Lecture, which features internationally recognized gardeners speaking on a variety of horticultural topics. Past presenters include Peter Hatch, Paula Hayes, Sydney Eddison, Adrian Bloom and Dr. Kendall Brown. See the Events section on the website for more information on future Secchia Garden Lectures.
Night of the Butterflies (Member Event): March 23 & 30, 6-8 pm
April
Spring Break Camps: April 7–11
Inclusive Accessibility Nights: April 7, 9, 10 from 6-8 pm
Spring Farm Walk at Michigan’s Farm Garden: April 15, 22, 29 at 10:30 am
Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens –
Member Ticket Presale Begins: April 19 at 9 am
The Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series brings the finest national and international musicians to West Michigan, thrilling music lovers across all genres and generations. Concerts take place in the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, featuring beautiful, terraced lawn seating and food, beverage, and merchandise concessions—amid spectacular views of gardens and sculpture. *The full lineup is announced in April.
Meijer Gardens 30th Birthday Celebration: April 20
In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Senior Vice President Steve LaWarre and Senior Horticulture Lead Ian Warnock will reminisce about their journey designing and caring for our lush landscapes and groundbreaking projects. Join FMG for their conversation reflecting upon the rich tapestry of innovation and dedication that has shaped Meijer Gardens into a world-class destination to experience art, culture and nature.
From the website for the lecture series: “This annual lecture is made possible by the generosity of the Secchia family. Captioning and Spanish translation services will be provided for the lecture. Please direct questions to Eve Boyer: eboyer@meijergardens.org or 616-975-3145. Attendance to the Secchia Garden Lecture is complimentary, with registration required. Online registration for onsite attendance opens February 1. A recording will be available on our website for two weeks following the lecture.”
Earth Day Celebration: April 22, 1-4 pm
Spring Nights at Meijer Gardens: April 22 & 29, 5-9 pm
May
Naturalist Walk in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: 10:30 am
Meijer Gardens Michigan All-State Bonsai Show: May 10–11
Great Gardens Gala presented by Northern Trust – Celebrating 30 Years: May 16, 6 pm
Japanese Teahouse Open Hours: May 18, 1-4 pm
Experience the tranquil ambience and exquisite architecture of our authentic Japanese Teahouse located within The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. Note the master carpentry, contrasting woods, patterns, textures and numerous distinctive details. This weather-dependent opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests will be asked to remove their shoes before entering.
BUSTED Exhibition Program: May 25, 2 pm
June
Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club:
Tuesdays in June, July and August
The Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club returns to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage every Tuesday evening in June, July and August, featuring the region’s finest performers. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the entire facility until 9 pm in addition to concerts on Tuesday evenings. Bring a picnic, dance and enjoy the beautiful summer weather. Please check MeijerGardens.org/concerts for lineup and current information.
Farm Family Weekend at Michigan’s Farm Garden: June 7–8, 11 am-2 pm
Summer programming in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden:
Mondays and Wednesdays in June & July, 10:30 am
Whether it’s engaging with pop-up story times, investigating Discovery Cart materials, exploring self-guided activities, or joining in with a guest performer, Lena Meijer Children’s Garden is the place to be—all summer long! Check the Children’s Garden Information Center for what’s happening daily.
Summer Camps
Japanese Teahouse Open Hours: June 22, 1-4 pm
BUSTED Exhibition Program: June 22, 2 pm
Fridays at the Farm at Michigan’s Farm Garden: June 27, 10:30 am-1:30 pm
July
Summer programming in Lena Meijer Children’s Garden:
Mondays and Wednesdays in July, 10:30 am
Red, White, Blue, and You Celebration in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden:
July 4, 10 am-12 pm
Summer Camps
Sunday Strings Concerts in the Huizenga Grand Room:
Sundays in July, 2-3 pm
Grand Valley Daylily Society Daylily Show:
July 13, 11 am-5 pm
BUSTED Exhibition Program:
July 16, 2 pm
Japanese Teahouse Open Hours:
July 20, 1-4 pm
Fridays at the Farm at Michigan’s Farm Garden:
July 25, 10:30 am-1:30 pm
August
Sunday Strings Concerts in the Huizenga Grand Room:
Aug. 3, 10 from 2–3 pm
Summer Camps
Summer programming in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden:
Aug. 4, 6, 11, 13 at 10:30 am
Japanese Teahouse Open Hours:
Aug. 17, 1-4 pm
BUSTED Exhibition Program:
Aug. 17, 2 pm
Fridays at the Farm at Michigan’s Farm Garden:
Aug. 29, 10:30 am-1:30 pm
September
Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition Submissions Open:
Sept. 2
Farm Family Weekend at Michigan’s Farm Garden:
Sept. 6–7
ENLIGHTEN tickets on sale:
Sept. 8
Fall Family Day in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden:
Sept. 28, 1-4 pm
October
West Michigan Bonsai Club Fall Bonsai Show: Oct. 4–5
Japanese Teahouse Open Hours: Oct. 19, 1-4 pm
Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism: Oct. 24–March 15, 2026.
A captivating new sculpture exhibition by renowned artist Jaume Plensa explores themes of humanity and interconnectedness.
Hallowee-Ones in Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: Oct. 30, 10 am-12 pm
November
Jaume Plensa Exhibition Program: Nov. 9, 2-3 pm
Tree Lighting Ceremony: Nov. 25, 6 pm.
Meijer Gardens Closed for Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 27
December
Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition Submissions Close:
Dec. 1
Holiday programming: Tuesdays in December, 5-9 pm
Wintertime Walk in Lena Meijer Children’s Garden:
Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 & 26 at 10:30 am
Sparkle! Presented by Greenleaf Trust: Dec. 4
University of Michigan Health-West,
Christmas & Holiday Traditions Exhibition Program: Dec. 7 & 14, 2-3 pm
Winter Break Camps: Dec. 22, 23, 29 & 30.
Families can enjoy hands-on learning experiences designed to inspire curiosity and creativity during the school break.
**Meijer Gardens Closed: Dec. 24, 25, 31 & Jan. 1, 2026
Check out other fun things to do in West Michigan- here!
Make a weekend of it!
Logan Imber
Logan Imber is a self taught Freelance Digital Marketer & Copywriter currently located in Ohio, but works remotely for clients all over the world. She also dabbles in Graphic Design, Web Design and Music. She doesn't like to pin herself down, as there is always something to learn, a culture to take in or new food to eat. In her free time, Logan likes reading, yoga, and spending time with her beloved cat. She also loves playing and sharing music with others. Essentially, most of her time is either spent writing, contemplating, or creating something - and she wouldn't have it any other way.
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