Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
What you need to know about Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ largest annual fundraiser, Oct. 1–4, 2026
Reading time: 5 minutes
Sponsored
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) is well known for its picturesque landscaping, stunning seasonal blooms and important native plant conservation, but there is more than meets the eye going on at the Gardens. From educational programs to community gardens fighting local food insecurity, the Gardens’ community contributions are made possible by the annual Antiques at the Gardens fundraiser, happening October 1–4, 2026.
This year marks the 20th anniversary for Antiques at the Gardens (AATG), Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ largest fundraising event of the year where visitors can shop antique furniture, fine art, decor and textiles and learn from accomplished designers.
Keep reading to learn all the details about Antiques at the Gardens + how it keeps BBG beautiful and accessible year round.
The need-to-know details for Antiques at the Gardens
The 20th anniversary of Antiques at the Gardens will be the biggest year yet, with the milestone driving the bar higher than ever for the ambitious transformation of the Gardens.
The Garden Center, lecture hall and the grounds themselves will be made delightfully unrecognizable with hand painted wallpaper, custom floral arrangements, decor and artistic displays.
Here’s what to expect at the 20th annual Antiques at the Gardens:
- When: Thursday, October 1–Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens | 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Tickets: All lectures + workshops ticketed separately, limited availability
- Thurs, Oct. 1, Gala in the Gardens: Sponsor tickets available at varying prices
- General admission (access to Gardens + antique dealers):
- 3 day (Friday–Sunday) pass: $30
- 1 day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) pass: $15
- FREE general admission for members of the Friends
- Find the full schedule + tickets here
What to expect at Antiques at the Gardens
Every year, Antiques at the Gardens brings globally renowned interior designers, artists, florists, architects and landscapers to BBG where they can share their expertise with you through lectures, workshops and demos.
Starting Thursday, October 1, 28 thoughtfully selected antiques dealers will gather at the gardens, traveling from across the country, or across the pond, to share their curated collections.
Some of the dealers you can expect to see are:
- Black Sheep Antiques | Harpersville, AL: Curated antique objects
- Gray Antiques | Salisbury, CT: Antique garden pieces + home decor
- Relic Interiors | Sudbury, Suffolk, UK: High-end, handcrafted indoor + outdoor furniture
- McDonough Fine Art | Atlanta, GA: Rare maps, books + prints
- + more
These dealers will be featured alongside lectures, workshops and book signings with celebrated designers from the U.S. and beyond, including:
- Jennifer Gracie, creative director of Gracie, 20th anniversary of AATG design sponsor
- Amy Astley, U.S. editor in chief of Architectural Digest, lecture + book signing at AATG
- Margot Shaw, founder + editor in chief of FLOWER magazine, longtime AATG supporter + 2026 Honoree
- Rudy Saunders, design director of Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc., lecture + needlepoint workshop at AATG
- + more
Through ticket sales for AATG, the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens raise vital funds for BBG. These funds contribute to regular maintenance of the Gardens, special educational programs and year-round free admission to the Gardens.
Even if you have never visited the Gardens, BBG could be making an impact in your neighborhood. Through outreach and education, BBG is making Birmingham a greener city.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ impact beyond the Gardens
Antiques at the Gardens is the leading fundraiser for the Gardens, but BBG is making sure everyone benefits from the event’s success, using proceeds from AATG to carry on its work giving back to the community all year long.
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Rooted in Community program, for example, provides funding for local organizations working to boost green space access through projects ranging from edible gardens feeding the community to pollinator-focused planting.
These projects can be seen across Birmingham, including the Friends of Avondale Park improving one of Birmingham’s oldest parks, the Blazer Kitchen Garden supplying community pantries and the Bush Hills Community Garden teaching self-sufficiency through urban agriculture.
Participants in BBG’s Rooted in Community program prove that a green thumb isn’t just something you have, it’s something you should share with your neighbors—a sentiment shared by the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
20 years of community built at Antiques at the Gardens
Antiques at the Gardens has been successfully supporting BBG for 20 years because of the impression it leaves on its attendees. Guests, vendors, designers and sponsors return year after year because they know they’re part of something to be proud of.
“AATG is such a beautiful example of what can happen when people come together around something they care about, their celebration becomes part of something bigger—helping nurture the Gardens, serve our community, and share this special place with generations to come.”
Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Anyone can join the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens and attend Antiques at the Gardens. By doing so, you are helping BBG remain free to the public and supporting its outreach initiatives for a greener Birmingham.
Get your tickets for Antiques at the Gardens today to shop from stunning antique dealers + support the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens October 1–4, 2026.
Sponsored by:
