Explore Programs & Events
Due to the generosity of our donors and community partners, most programs and events in the Park are free!
Read below to learn more about the programs and events offered at Yampa River Botanic Park. For information about specific event and program dates and times visit our calendar.
Programs
Our recurring programs allow you to have a hands-on experience in our gardens.
Guided Walking Tour
Enjoy a free guided walking tour of the Yampa River Botanic Park led by Board members and volunteers of Friends of the Botanic Park. Learn about the history of the Botanic Park and the plants that thrive in the Yampa Valley.
Meet inside the Main Gate on the Botanic Walk.
For dates and times, browse our calendar of upcoming events.
Social Gardening
Are you ready to get your hands dirty? Spring has sprung at the Yampa River Botanic Park and we are looking for gardening volunteers who are ready to spend time in the sunshine, make new friends and join our staff and other volunteers in getting the Gardens in shape for the new season.
Social Gardening is on Wednesdays from 9 am to noon and continues every Wednesday through October. Bring your gloves, sunscreen, and a smile — and we’ll provide the dirt, the tools, and any training you may need to spend the morning with us in the Botanic Park! Meet at the shed.
For dates and times, browse our calendar of upcoming events.
Events
Join us for special events that benefit the park.
Passport Through the Park
July 19, 2025 – We invite you to journey through the gardens exploring the plant collections that are native to Colorado and similar environments worldwide while enjoying global cuisine, wine, and entertainment. Stations are set throughout the gardens that pair learning opportunities with global cuisine and wine. Guests are delighted by entertainment throughout the evening.
This year’s theme is Passport to the 7 Summits and will highlight plants in the Botanic Park’s collection that are native to high elevations on the seven continents. For more information, please click below:
Volunteer Orientation
Friends of the Botanic Park is a group of volunteers of the Yampa River Botanic Park who collectively help to sustain the gardens and the association by maintaining world-class display gardens, improve the visitor experience, and raise the funds needed to support the organization through fun and innovative programs and events.
This year’s volunteer orientation is Thursday, May 15 at 5:30 pm. Meet on the Trillium House Patio, located at the southwest corner of the Park. Join us to learn more about Friends of the Botanic Park and meet the staff, Park Board and other volunteers. For a list of volunteer opportunities and to learn more about how you can become a Friend of the Botanic Park, please click below:
Spring Plant Sale
Gardening season is just around the corner and the YRBP will be ready to help you get a start on your summer gardening. Featuring perennials for the intermountain west including pollinator-friendly plants, natives, and other favorites. The Park’s annual plant sale will be open with a Members Only Reception on Wednesday, June 11 from 4 to 7 pm. The public is invited to shop Thursday, June 12 from 10 am to 3 pm or until plants sell out.
Inventory will be limited, and plants will sell out. If you are not a member of the Park and want to shop before the benefit opens to the public, become a member here.
Fall Bulb Benefit
The Yampa River Botanic Park hosts an annual Fall Bulb Benefit. The Benefit will feature a selection of unique bulbs that thrive in the Yampa River Valley and were chosen for form, color, fragrance, and hardiness. Varieties include daffodils, tulips, allium, fritillaria, colchicum, and more. Also available will be bulbs for forcing including paperwhites, hyacinths, and Amaryllis — great for holiday decorations and gifts! Stay tuned for more details about this year’s Benefit.
Wellness
Refresh your body and mind in the serenity of our gardens.
Yoga on the Green
Yoga on the Green is every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 – 10 am, weather permitting. Practicing on The Green is unlike any class you’ve ever taken. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, delicate gardens, and a serene pond, you’ll find the peace and stillness is unmatched in the Botanic Park.
Bring a mat or towel, water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Please walk, bike, or carpool to yoga whenever possible as we have limited parking. If you drive, you must park in designated Botanic Park parking spaces. Overflow parking exists on Ski Town Way.
Guided Meditation
A unique opportunity to experience meditation in the garden with Andrea Abrahamson, Certified Instinctive Meditation® teacher, amongst the flowers and trees, listening to birds and experiencing the beauty of the outdoors. Come take a moment to pause in a busy world as you are guided through a meditation in the serene gardens.
Bring something comfortable to sit on, water, sunscreen and bug spray. If you enjoy writing or drawing bring a journal to write or draw in at the end of the meditation. Meet on the Green at 12 PM. Weather permitting. Donations appreciated.
Andrea Abrahamson is a certified Instinctive Meditation® teacher. She leads guided meditations as well as teaching one on one. She has found that meditation has helped her through difficult times. Mediation has let her get back to not only a balanced life but has led to an enhanced life. She loves to share how meditation can benefit everyone’s life whether you are a student, athlete, professional, parent or anyone else! For more information go to Meditation | Yarmony Mountain Art & Meditation
Sound Meditation
Relax, Restore, Rebalance.
Immerse yourself in the healing frequencies of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other sacred instruments designed to calm the nervous system, release tension, and restore balance. No experience needed – just bring a mat, water bottle, blanket, and a pillow. Come as you are and allow the sounds to do the work.
Whether you’re seeking stress relief, better sleep, or deep relaxation, join us on The Green every Saturday evening to reset your mind and body.
For more information and to meet your instructor, please visit The Land of M.
Qigong
Qigong is an ancient practice originating in China and is the foundation of the more widely known practice of Tai Chi. Qigong is often referred to as a moving meditation. Encompassing slow-flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and a calm meditative state of mind.
Qi (“vital energy”) and Gong (“skill cultivation”) opens the flow of energy in the meridians of the body as used in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Qigong enhances our ability to feel with the Life Force (Qi) underlying the physical world and to deepen our connection with it.
Qigong is best experienced outside in nature. It is primarily a standing practice yet can be done seated in a chair as well. No special props or special clothing required.
Children & Families
Spark curiosity and joy with family-friendly activities.
Stories in the Garden
Stories in the Garden is every Friday at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 0 to 7, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, are invited to enjoy a fun and exciting story and activity. Storytime will feature a storyteller from the Bud Werner Memorial Library.
Each week will feature a different theme and a fun art activity. Storytime will take place in the Children’s Garden featuring the Fairy House Garden Village. This is an outdoor program so please bring sunscreen, your hat, bug stray, and be prepared for a lot of fun!
Lulie Crawford’s Wildflowers and Watercolors
As a tribute to local pioneer artist Lulie Crawford, the Tread of Pioneers Museum shares the story of Lulie and her pioneering family, followed by watercolor instruction with professional artist Dona Steele of the Steamboat Art Museum. Then the program participants paint their own wildflower watercolor masterpieces, just like Lulie!
The program is free and takes place at the Yampa River Botanic Park. Participants should meet at the large umbrella in the center of the park. All painting supplies are provided by the museum, and reservations are not required. Ages six and up with caregiver onsite. No reservations required.
Fairy Garden House Contest
Each spring children create fairy garden houses from all-natural materials to be entered into a contest and placed in the Fairy Garden for the season.
Join us Friday, June 13 at 11:30 am immediately following Stories in the Garden for the judging of the Botanic Park’s Annual Fairy Garden House contest. Entries are due in the Trillium House (located at the southwest corner of the Park) by Thursday, June 12 at 3 pm. The contest is open to children of all ages, but one builder must be under 12 years old. Contest rules and guidelines and submission form coming soon.
We look forward to seeing all your “magical” fairy houses!
Entertainment
Enjoy unforgettable music and performances in our lush outdoor spaces.
Music on The Green
Yampa River Botanic Park is proud to partner with Strings once again to offer this free outdoor concert series. Music lovers of all ages are invited! With concerts lasting just 45 minutes, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer morning.
Check our calendar to see this summer’s lineup of artists!
Piknik Theatre
Piknik Theatre returns to the Yampa River Botanic Park this summer for performances on The Green. Bring your chairs, picnic baskets, and the entire family for this fun and free evening of lively entertainment!