June 3, 2025 - September 2, 2025
Butterfly Releases
Each Tuesday, June-September at 10am, an educator will be in our native Butterfly House discussing the butterfly life cycle and the different types of butterflies in the house that week, and then will release butterflies into the house. Pre-registration is required for this program and tickets can sell out.
June 5, 2025 - September 25, 2025
Pollinator Garden Walks
Join an environmental educator on a guided walk through Airlie Garden’s Pollinator Garden. Check out what’s blooming and the many pollinators that call that garden home.
June 6, 2025 - September 5, 2025
Summer Concert Series
Bring your chairs and a picnic and join in on our summer tradition by the Airlie Oak. These family-friendly concerts allow guests to enjoy live music while taking in the beauty of Airlie Gardens. Tickets are limited and concerts will sell out.
June 10, 2025 - September 16, 2025
Turtle Talk & Feeding
On select Tuesdays, June through September, our educators will host a turtle talk and feeding in the classroom.
July 2, 2025
HOPS & TALKS: Evening Birding
Airlie Gardens is excited to welcome guests for one of our most popular education series: HOPS & TALKS. Join us for a special adult series where we pair a local brewery with a different guided tour.
July 5, 2025
Guided History Tour
Dive into the rich history, horticulture, and ecology of Airlie Gardens on a walking tour of the grounds.
July 6, 2025
New Hanover County Resident Free Day
Free admission for New Hanover County Residents the first Sunday of each month*! One New Hanover County ID is valid for 2 adults and accompany children under 18. Additional adults must purchase general admission tickets. Tickets must be reserved in advance and can sell out. Please bring proof of residency upon arrival.
July 9, 2025
Bird Walk
Enjoy birding at the gardens starting at 8 am. Advance registration required.
July 10, 2025
Accessible Bird Outing
Birding is fun for everyone! Join Airlie's educators for a guided tram ride around the gardens to some of our bird hotspots. Ideal for birders of any experience level who may not have the mobility to walk for extended periods of time, who can board and exit our tram.
July 10, 2025
Airlie Member Evenings
Enjoy an after-hours evening in the Gardens exclusively for Airlie members, 5:30-7:30pm. All member tickets must be reserved in advance. Last entry at 7pm, all guests must exit by 7:30pm.
July 11, 2025
Nature Art: BIRDS of a Feather Stamps
Learn about the Northern Cardinal, and make your own linocut stamp to take home!
July 12, 2025
Family Fun Night
Join us on Saturday, July 12th from 5-8pm for a celebration of families, friends and everybody’s Favorite Goose Dog, Reilly!
July 15, 2025
Introduction to Composting
Learn how to be a sustainable gardener through composting!
July 19, 2025
Guided History Tour
Dive into the rich history, horticulture, and ecology of Airlie Gardens on a walking tour of the grounds.
July 23, 2025
Bird Walk
Enjoy birding at the gardens starting at 8 am. Advance registration required.
July 24, 2025
Going Batty!
Join Airlie Gardens Environmental Educators for a family friendly evening of Bats! We'll begin with a story under the great Airlie Oak and learn all about why bats are so important to our ecosystems. Then you'll test your abilities through a series of challenges to see if you can survive in a bat's world!
October 17, 2025
Oyster Roast
A spectacular evening supporting Airlie's Environmental Education Program! Featuring an oyster feast and live entertainment along the banks of Bradley Creek.
November 28, 2025 - December 21, 2025
Enchanted Airlie
A tradition since 2005, guests from around the world have visited Airlie Gardens to take in the sparkling sights and festive sounds of the holiday season.
March 1, 2026 - April 15, 2026
Spring Bloom
When warmer temperatures approach, Airlie Gardens’ springtime blooms are a sight to see! Experience over 60,000 tulips and 75,000 azaleas within the gardens.
March 20, 2026
Blooms & Brews
Celebrate Airlie Gardens' Spring Bloom at Blooms & Brews! Featuring food, drinks and live entertainment on the Airlie Oak Lawn.
April 8, 2026 - April 12, 2026
NC Azalea Festival & Garden Tour
Wilmington, N.C., hosts the annual Azalea Festival each April. As the largest festival of its kind in the state, the Azalea Festival showcases the charm of our community.