Wellfield Botanic Gardens has some fun upcoming events for September and October! Check them out below below and see a full list on their website: wellfieldgardens.org/calendar!
TASTE OF THE GARDENS
Join us for the 17th Annual Taste of the Gardens at Wellfield Botanic Gardens on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Welter Family Foundation, this beloved summer tradition combines delicious local flavors, live entertainment, artisan shopping, and the beauty of the Gardens for one unforgettable day.
2026 Taste of the Gardens Highlights:
• A curated marketplace featuring local artists, artisans, and specialty vendors in the Celebration Garden
• Live music throughout the day in the Woodland Pavilion featuring Paul Decker and the Difference, the Whistle Pigs, and Memphis Underground
• Local restaurants serving a variety of delicious tastes, treats and beverages available for purchase
• The Elkhart Dahlia Society‘s show and display in the Visitor Center
• Wellfield’s beautiful themed Gardens
Taste of the Gardens takes place rain or shine and is a wonderful way to experience the Gardens while supporting local businesses, artists, and organizations, including Wellfield!
Guests ages 13 and older require an admission ticket. Children (ages 12 and under) receive complimentary admission but must still reserve a ticket. Admission tickets include entry to Taste of the Gardens and access to all event activities and garden areas. Food and beverages are available for purchase directly from participating restaurants.
Ticket pricing increases as the event approaches, purchase early for the best value! Tickets will be available at the gate to purchase at full price.
Join us for the 17th Annual Taste of the Gardens at Wellfield Botanic Gardens on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Welter Family Foundation, this beloved summer tradition combines delicious local flavors, live entertainment, artisan shopping, and the beauty of the Gardens for one unforgettable day.
2026 Taste of the Gardens Highlights:
• A curated marketplace featuring local artists, artisans, and specialty vendors in the Celebration Garden
• Live music throughout the day in the Woodland Pavilion featuring Paul Decker and the Difference, the Whistle Pigs, and Memphis Underground
• Local restaurants serving a variety of delicious tastes, treats and beverages available for purchase
• The Elkhart Dahlia Society‘s show and display in the Visitor Center
• Wellfield’s beautiful themed Gardens
Taste of the Gardens takes place rain or shine and is a wonderful way to experience the Gardens while supporting local businesses, artists, and organizations, including Wellfield!
Guests ages 13 and older require an admission ticket. Children (ages 12 and under) receive complimentary admission but must still reserve a ticket. Admission tickets include entry to Taste of the Gardens and access to all event activities and garden areas. Food and beverages are available for purchase directly from participating restaurants.
Ticket pricing increases as the event approaches, purchase early for the best value! Tickets will be available at the gate to purchase at full price.
For more information visit: www.wellfieldgardens.org/taste-of-the-gardens
MICHIANA BONSAI SHOW
September 19-20
Japanese Silverberry as Shohin Bonsai Workshop
Saturday September 19
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
The Japanese Silverberry (Elaeagnus pungens) makes a spectacular shohin bonsai due to its naturally small, metallic-scaled leaves, fragrant autumn flowers, and vibrant winter berries.
In partnership with the Michiana Bonsai Study, join Mark Fields in this hands-on workshop as he guides you through the foundational techniques needed to cultivate, style, and care for miniature shohin bonsai. Participants must bring their own Bonsai tools, copper wire may be purchased at the workshop or you are welcome to bring your own.
Trident Maple Forest Bonsai Workshop
Saturday September 19
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Capture the serene beauty of a natural grove in a single, shallow tray! In this hands-on masterclass, you will learn the design secrets and technical skills required to create a breathtaking Trident Maple forest bonsai.
In partnership with the Michiana Bonsai Study, this class will be taught by world-renowned bonsai master Bill Valavanis. This workshop is ideal for intermediate hobbyists looking to expand into group plantings, as well as ambitious beginners eager to learn fundamental bonsai design principles.
Cedar Elm Bonsai Workshop
Sunday September 20
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Transform raw nursery stock into a dynamic, expressive bonsai under the guidance of world-renowned bonsai professional, Jennifer Price.
In partnership with Michiana Bonsai Society, this immersive, hands-on workshop, will teach you how to look past the dense foliage of a standard Cedar Elm nursery pot to discover the hidden, mature tree waiting inside. You will learn how to “listen to the tree” to capture the rugged resilience of the Cedar Elm—a species celebrated for its corky bark, small leaves, and fantastic adaptation to bonsai culture.
You’ll go home with your finished creation plus tips to keep it thriving. Please bring your own bonsai tools and aluminum wire for this workshop. This class will take place in our indoor Cottage Classroom and is intended for ages 16+, all minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Registration is required; space is limited! This class is non-refundable. If you aren’t able to make it and would like to share your registration with a friend, please contact Wellfield at (574) 266-2006 to let us know!
For more information visit: www.wellfieldgardens.org/bonsai-show
GARDEN OF VILLIANS
October 2-3
Heroes and Villains invade Wellfield! Presented in partnership with the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, this Halloween-themed event combines the natural beauty of Wellfield with your favorite superheroes and villains and the fun of trick-or-treating.
You’ll walk our main promenade and enjoy live performances from all your favorites, including: Dr. Doom, Ghostbusters, Joker, Deadpool and Wolverine. Don’t forget the iconic the Joker Van! The Hall of Heroes Museum will have many of their special statues on display. Take a photo with your favorites! We’ll also have local front line heroes here sharing safety tips and answering your questions about what they do for our community.
Gates open at 6 p.m., and the event runs until 9 p.m. Last admission will be at 8:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged! Come dressed as your favorite superhero or villain, or whatever you like to dress up as on Halloween! Or, come as you are. We won’t judge 🙂
Tickets are available at a discounted price through Wednesday, September 17th. Beginning Friday, September 18th, ticket prices will increase to $15. Kids 12 and under are FREE. Children still need a ticket for entry so please choose how many you need along with your adult tickets.
No outside food and drink is allowed as we’ll have vendors selling food and drink onsite at the event. Please feel free to bring a small bag as candy will be distributed at a few stations throughout the Gardens.
The event will go on rain or shine unless the weather is severe. Wellfield reserves the right to cancel or delay the start of the event due to weather conditions. In the rare event of cancellation due to severe or dangerous conditions, tickets are valid for one regular admission to Wellfield, expiring one year from the event date.
If you need extra tickets, they will be available for purchase at the gate. Tickets are not refundable for any reason. If you’re unable to use your tickets, you are welcome to gift them to someone; just forward your confirmation email to them to use. Unused tickets are considered a much-appreciated donation to Wellfield Botanic Gardens and the Hall of Heroes Museum.
Wellfield Members: Because this event supports both Wellfield Botanic Gardens and Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, Wellfield Member Discounts do not apply for this event. We appreciate your understanding and support of both of our missions.
For more information visit: www.wellfieldgardens.org/garden-of-villains
