The Bunny Hop kicked off springtime in the Gardens, where families strolled along the Bunny Hop Trail, counted the hidden bunnies for free bags of candy, took a photo with the Easter Bunny, and received Easter eggs and a chance for a Golden Ticket Prize. The Easter Bunny was located at the ArcelorMittal Children's Garden this year, where it was busy with hundreds of children playing during the entire event. Smiles were abundant in the Garden all day!

The blue skies and sunshine set the perfect scene for families being active outside during the holiday weekend. Twenty-five volunteers helped make this event happen. If you are interested in volunteering at future family events at Friendship Botanic Gardens, please email The Gardens' volunteer coordinator at volunteer@friendshipbotanicgardens.org. 

This was the first of many events to take place at the Gardens in 2022.

The Gardens officially open to the public on Sunday, May 1 from 9-5 p.m.. During the season, the Gardens will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 9-5 p.m. Daily admission is $10 for ages 13 and over; seniors, $7; children 12 and under are free every day. Thursdays are discount days, where admission is $5 for everyone. Active duty military are also free everyday and must show ID. 

The next event, Paws & Pints, will take place on Saturday, May 7 from 11-3 p.m. This dog-friendly fundraiser hosted by Michiana Humane Society and Friendship Botanic Gardens features a dog-walking course through Friendship Botanic Gardens' beautiful 100 acres of hiking trails and gardens. Tickets include admission to the gardens, a goody bag, a Paws & Pints bandana, and live music from Nate Miller and the Turn Ups. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase from local favorites.  

The Gardens have a full, exciting lineup of musical performances for its 2022 Music Under the Stars concert series, including:

• The Freddy Jones Band on July 7 and 8 from 7-9 p.m. 

• Drag and Disco Night on July 23 from 6-11 p.m. 

• Live from Broadway: The Uptown Boys on July 28 and 29 from 7-9 p.m.

• Dunes Broadway Concert: A Cabaret Night with Dunes Summer Theatre hosted by Steve Scott August 12 and 13 from 6:30-9 p.m.

• The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra in the Gardens on August 25 from 7-9 p.m.

• Opera in the Gardens on August 28 from 4-6 p.m. 

• Johnny V Harvest Moon Concert on September 23 from 6-8 p.m.

In addition to musical performances, the Gardens will continue to host the following family events:

• Family Eco-Day on Sunday, July 31 

• Haunted Trails & Family Fall Fest on Sunday, October 16 from 2-4 p.m.

• Gobble Gobble Turkey Walk on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24 from 11-1 p.m.

• NEW Sparkle & Joy (Winter Holiday Light Event)

You are all invited to The Gardens' fundraising gala at Blue Chip Casino on Saturday, July 16. More details to come soon!